Update: May 2025

On May 13, Council approved the Town’s 2025–2029 Financial Plan - our roadmap for delivering essential services and community priorities and investing in public safety and infrastructure.

Despite rising operational costs but in recognition of ongoing affordability challenges, Council has kept the property tax increase to 7.06%, lower than the anticipated 11.25% Council began deliberating on, and competitive with neighbouring municipalities. The average residential property assessment in View Royal rose just 0.96%, meaning impacts will vary by property. Council and staff worked hard to find solutions for savings that include rationalizing service contracts and utilizing surplus funds from last year while still contributing to infrastructure reserves to support future asset renewal.

Key investments include increased career fire personnel, increased RCMP contract costs, and investment in infrastructure replacement reserves.

New this year, the Town faces $276,600 in E-Comm 911 charges, a cost downloaded from the Province. Mayor Sid Tobias along with nine fellow Mayors has lobbied the Province for better governance and funding support, as there are many communities in B.C. that are currently not required to pay. The Solicitor General has ordered a review of the service.

To see how your tax dollars are put to work, review our 2025–2029 Financial Plan.

Thank you for your feedback and your continued commitment to our community.

2025 Budget & Five-Year Financial Plan

Each year, the Town of View Royal prepares a balanced budget that outlines how tax dollars and other revenue sources are used to fund essential services, maintain infrastructure, and support community priorities. The 2025 Budget and Five-Year Financial Plan ensure that we continue delivering the services and projects that residents and businesses rely on while planning responsibly and saving for the future.

The Financial Plan is a five-year roadmap that guides the Town’s financial decisions. It includes:

  • Day-to-day operating costs (e.g. police, fire, parks, roads, utilities)
  • Capital investments (e.g. road improvements, building upgrades, new infrastructure)
  • Transfers to reserves (savings for future infrastructure replacement)
  • Debt repayment (managing financial obligations)

The plan is required under the Community Charter, and the Financial Plan Bylaw and Property Tax Bylaw must be adopted by May 15, 2025.

The Town balances its budget by analyzing:

  • Community priorities – What services and projects matter most to residents?
  • Strategic priorities – Council’s long-term vision for the Town.
  • Legislative requirements – Legal obligations, such as policing and infrastructure.
  • Economic factors – Inflation, property assessments, and funding opportunities.

The Financial Plan is shaped by six key priorities:

  • Enhance Livability - Investing in parks, trails, and recreation.
  • Sustainable Development - Supporting thoughtful growth and development.
  • Climate Action & Environmental Stewardship - Protecting natural areas and improving sustainability.
  • Financial Sustainability & Service Excellence - Ensuring responsible financial management.
  • Community Engagement & Good Governance - Encouraging public participation in decision-making.
  • Health, Safety & Security - Providing funding for emergency services, bylaw enforcement, and community safety programs.

What’s in the 2025 Draft Budget?

The 2025 Draft Budget includes investments in essential services and key projects while ensuring financial sustainability.

Operating Budgets (Day-to-Day Services)

  • Police Services: $3.56M – Funding for RCMP officers, EComm 911 dispatch
  • Fire & Emergency Services: $3.35M – Supports View Royal Fire Rescue operations
  • Transportation & Drainage: $3.59M – Maintains 49 km of roads, sidewalks, and stormwater infrastructure
  • Parks & Recreation: $1.82M – Maintains 70 parks and 49 km of trails, and West Shore Parks and Recreation
  • Sanitary Sewer System and Garbage Collection: $2.86M – Funds sewer system maintenance, infrastructure maintenance, and curbside garbage pick up

Capital Budget (Infrastructure & Major Projects)

  • Road & Infrastructure Projects: $3.28M for a variety of road upgrades and renewal and new active transportation infrastructure
  • New Fire Truck: A new major fire apparatus truck replacing a 1992, 33-year-old truck, $1.57M
  • Sewer System: $850,000 for repairs, upgrades and replacements
  • Parks capital program including playground replacements and View Royal and Burnside/Watkiss parks development, $917,600


Understanding Your 2025 Property Taxes

The Town collects property taxes to fund services such as police, fire, roads, and parks. In addition to municipal taxes, we also collect taxes on behalf of other agencies, including:

  • School District 61 (28%)
  • BC Transit (7%)
  • Capital Regional District (6%)
  • Regional Hospital District (3%)
  • BC Assessment & Municipal Finance Authority


For a more detailed look at the 2025-2029 Financial Plan, please visit our Financial Plan Insights page.

How Can You Get Involved?

Engagement for the 2025 Budget is complete.

Review the Full Budget


Take the Budget Survey (Complete)
  • Your feedback helps shape the final budget! Share your thoughts on funding for police, fire, and asset management by April 2, 2025.


Attend Budget Meetings (Complete)
  • Join us at upcoming budget meetings to learn more and ask questions:
    • March 11 – Budget insights at Committee of the Whole
    • March 18 – Budget Outlook Report presented to Council
    • April 8 – Full budget presentation and budget discussion at Committee of the Whole
View the Meeting Calendar & Watch Live on the Town's website.


Ask Questions & Stay Updated