**Update

Sayward residents did not end up being impacted by proposed property tax increases. There was some discussion of that, but the motion was defeated.

Strathcona Regional District funding is weighted. As such, Campbell River does contribute the largest amount of SRD funding. In the event of Campbell River slashing SRD funding, there is a possibility of arbitration between the province and the regional district.

Thanks to SRD Area A Director Gerald Whalley for the above information.

**

Campbell River council and the Strathcona Regional District (SRD) are in disagreement over allocation costs. Following a contentious discussion on February 19th about regional services and fairness, Campbell River has threatened to make significant cuts to its contributions.

Go Sayward readers may recall a Sayward property tax increase to fund Campbell River’s Strathcona Gardens Recreation Complex, while Sayward faces uncertainty about the future of its own Kelsey Centre.

Allocation costs include both direct expenses for specific services and general costs (such as hydro, IT, and building debt) that can’t be directly allocated. These are usually part of the general administration and shared among all service members.

According to CAO David Leitch, out of SRD’s $20 million budget, about $2.8 million is unallocated and used for administrative expenses. Campbell River contributes $1.6 million, or 56%, of this total.

Gerard Whalley, an SRD director, argued that the existing formula was intended to reduce Campbell River’s budget while shifting costs to the Electoral Areas. Leitch acknowledged that Campbell River, as the largest partner, carries the heaviest assessment.

Residents of Campbell River pay $88.14 annually toward SRD administrative costs, the highest amount among municipalities and Electoral Area A. However, residents of Areas B, C, and D pay more, with Area D residents paying the highest at $208.34.

Mayor Kermit Dahl is considering an 82% reduction in Campbell River’s contribution at the upcoming SRD meeting. Director Ben Lanyon raised concerns about the value being returned to Campbell River taxpayers and the slow pace of progress, warning that Campbell River might reallocate its budget if the issue isn’t addressed.

Director Doug Chapman supported Lanyon, while Whalley proposed deferring the discussion to the committee of the whole. Director Mark Vonesch asked for more information to make a well-informed decision.

Mayor Dahl agreed to the deferral but indicated he would propose a $1.3 million reduction in Campbell River’s requisition requirements on March 26th. The meeting ended with Campbell River directors voting against the deferral, despite a suggestion for a committee meeting on March 5th.

The Xwésam (Salmon) River on Vancouver Island plays a crucial role for all five species of Pacific salmon, along with cutthroat trout and steelhead. Its river and estuary provide a safe haven for some of British Columbia’s most iconic wildlife, such as the majestic great blue heron, the elusive northern pygmy owl, and the Roosevelt elk, the largest subspecies of North American elk.

The Nature Trust of BC is racing against the clock to raise the remaining $294,000 by April 9th to protect 105.6 acres of floodplain forest along the Xwésam (Salmon) River. Securing this land would expand The Nature Trust’s Xwésam (Salmon) River Estuary Conservation Complex, increasing the total protected area to 1,037.8 acres.

Some area residents are questioning what needs protecting and cited other regional environmental concerns.

We have reached out to The Nature Trust of British Columbia for comment.

Credits

Photo – The Nature Trust of British Columbia