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

The Wounded Warrior Run BC 2025 is an inspiring journey across Vancouver Island, bringing communities together to raise awareness and support for the essential mental health programs offered by Wounded Warriors Canada. These initiatives provide crucial aid to trauma exposed professionals and their families. Follow the 2025 Wounded Warrior Run from February 23rd to March 2nd.

Visit the Wounded Warriors website to donate or get involved.