Empowering Businesses with the Keep Mastercard

In the fast-paced world of business, having the right financial tools can make all the difference. Enter the Keep Mastercard—a game-changer for Canadian businesses looking to streamline their finances and unlock new opportunities. Designed with entrepreneurs in mind, this innovative corporate credit card offers a host of benefits that cater to the unique needs of modern businesses.

Unmatched Financial Flexibility

One of the standout features of the Keep Mastercard is its impressive credit limit, which can go up to $400,000. This provides businesses with the financial flexibility they need to manage cash flow, invest in growth, and handle unexpected expenses. Unlike traditional credit cards, the Keep Mastercard eliminates interest fees, annual fees, and foreign transaction costs, making it a cost-effective choice for businesses of all sizes.

Rewards That Work for You

The Keep Mastercard takes rewards to the next level, offering up to 4x the cashback compared to typical business credit cards. Every purchase becomes an opportunity to earn, helping businesses maximize their spending power. Whether it’s office supplies, travel expenses, or client dinners, the rewards add up quickly, providing tangible value to cardholders.

Advanced Features for Modern Businesses

Beyond its financial perks, the Keep Mastercard is packed with features that simplify business operations. From QuickBooks integration and automated expense tracking to spend controls and insights, this card is designed to save time and reduce administrative burdens. Additionally, unlimited virtual cards and employee accounts ensure that teams have the resources they need to succeed.

Security and Support You Can Trust

In today’s digital age, security is paramount. The Keep Mastercard offers 24/7 fraud monitoring, ID theft protection, and purchase protection, giving business owners peace of mind. Plus, with dedicated relationship managers and a user-friendly platform, Keep provides exceptional support to its customers.

Why Choose Keep?

Keep’s commitment to empowering businesses goes beyond its card features. By leveraging fintech to assess creditworthiness, Keep ensures that more businesses have access to the financial tools they need. The application process is straightforward and won’t impact your credit score, making it easy to get started.

In conclusion, the Keep Mastercard is more than just a credit card—it’s a partner in your business journey. With its unparalleled benefits, advanced features, and commitment to customer success, Keep is redefining what it means to support businesses. Ready to take your business to the next level? Discover the Keep Mastercard today and experience the difference for yourself.

We use the Keep Mastercard in our business operations. If you sign up for a Keep Mastercard from links in this article, we may receive compensation from Keep Mastercard.

SRD Board Approves 2025–2029 Financial Plan, Prioritizing Community Well-being and Sustainability

The Strathcona Regional District (SRD) Board has officially adopted its 2025–2029 Financial Plan, reaffirming a focus on strategic investments, fiscal responsibility, and advancing key priorities such as community well-being, climate resilience, and strong governance.

Serving as a blueprint for operations and long-term objectives, the Financial Plan balances the delivery of essential services with preparations for sustainable growth. Developed through a comprehensive process—including staff-led planning, public engagement, and in-depth Board discussions—the plan reflects a wide range of input and careful consideration.

Despite pressures from inflation and rising operational costs, the SRD remains committed to responsible development and community strengthening.

Key Investments in the 2025–2029 Financial Plan:

• Disaster Risk Reduction & Climate Adaptation: Funded through senior government grants, initiatives will enhance wildfire preparedness, climate resilience, and environmental sustainability.

• Healthcare Access & Workforce Housing: Continued investment in the Just Like Home Lodge and Healthcare Workforce Housing initiative supports both patient care in Campbell River and critical housing for healthcare professionals.

• Community Recreation Infrastructure: The REC-REATE project will revitalize Strathcona Gardens, delivering modern sports and rehabilitation facilities.

• Governance & Engagement: Funding will support Indigenous reconciliation efforts, enhanced public engagement, and professional development for staff and elected officials.

Electoral Area Tax Impacts

Revised overhead allocations and increased service demands will result in household tax increases across all electoral areas:

• Area A (Kyuquot/Nootka-Sayward): 4% increase (~$30 per average household), driven by the new cost-sharing model and increased contributions to the Vancouver Island Regional Library (VIRL). Coordination with Sayward will also improve fire service cost distribution.

• Area B (Cortes Island & Surrounding Archipelago): 4% increase (~$64), due to revised overhead distribution and higher VIRL funding.

• Area C (Discovery Islands & Mainland Inlets): 30% increase (~$193), reflecting internal cost reallocation and expanded funding for community halls, libraries, and 9-1-1 services.

• Area D (Oyster Bay–Buttle Lake): 4% increase (~$96), supporting growth in recreation, transit, and library services.

“Extensive effort has gone into developing a plan that meets residents’ needs while laying the groundwork for a sustainable and prosperous future,” said SRD Chair Mark Baker. “Investments in recreation, housing, climate resilience, and governance will provide long-lasting value for our region.”

To learn more or view the full budget, visit www.srd.ca/financial-planning.

The Strathcona Regional District serves more than 48,000 residents across four electoral areas, a treaty First Nation, and five member municipalities.

Although we are well into April, the Vancouver Island ski season is still going strong. The snowfall forecast for alpine resorts between April 6th and April 15th, 2025, are extremely favourable to Mt. Cain and Mt. Washington. In fact, these Vancouver Island mountains are set to receive the most snow out of any ski hill in North America over the coming week!

Mt. Washington is expected to receive 21 inches of fresh powder, while Mt. Cain will see upwards of 31 inches of new snow!

Source: https://snowbrains.com/where-will-it-be-deep-this-week-these-are-north-americas-top-5-forecasted-resorts-for-the-10-days-of-april-6-15-2025/

**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

On Tuesday, February 25, 2025, the City of Campbell River was alerted to a fuel spill on privately leased land at the Campbell River Airport (YBL). The incident has been reported to the provincial authorities, and the Department of Fisheries and Oceans Canada has been informed.

The City promptly responded by deploying absorbent materials, such as sock booms and spill pads, to the affected area to aid in the cleanup efforts.

As a precautionary measure, Airport Drive south of the Terminal Building has been closed to both vehicles and pedestrians until further notice, with local traffic access remaining available. Additionally, trails in the dog-walking area at the south end of Airport Drive have been closed. Residents are advised to avoid creeks and ditches near YBL and keep pets away from the area while cleanup efforts continue.

The City will remain actively involved in the response and will provide updates as more information becomes available.

Credits

Map – City of Campbell River