Summerland hosting 2023 budget open house

Photo: Casey Richardson

Summerland residents are invited to go through the district's budget and the proposed 3.76 per cent tax rate increase in the 2023 open house.

All residents can attend the open house at the Summerland Arena Banquet Room (8820 Jubilee Road East) on Thursday, Feb 2.

Doors will be open from 5 p.m. until 8 p.m. with a presentation at 6:30 p.m.

The District said in a press release the meeting will go through budget plans such as roads, parks, and recreation.

In the proposed 3.76 per cent tax rate, 2.12 per cent is directly related to the publicly approved borrowing for the repaving of Giants Head Road, meaning the operational increase portion to manage 2023 pressures is 1.64 per cent. The estimated annual tax increase to the average home is $65.62. “

"We know that it’s a tough year for residents given inflationary impacts on household budgets, so Council has worked hard to keep the tax rates as low as possible, focusing on cost savings, operational efficiencies, and other revenue generation options to help keep the tax rate increase as low as possible,” said Mayor Doug Holmes.

Information booths will be set up with staff available to answer questions throughout the event. Light refreshments will also be provided.

"We look forward to welcoming everyone back to our first in-person budget open house since 2020."