2026 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 2026 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, 2026.

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 2026 Draft Budget?

The 2026 Draft Budget includes investments in essential services and key projects while ensuring financial sustainability.

Operating Budgets (Day-to-Day Services)

  • Police Services: $4.1M – Funding for RCMP officers, E-Comm 911 dispatch
  • Fire & Emergency Services: $3.9M – Supports View Royal Fire Rescue operations
  • Transportation & Drainage: $3.03M – Maintains 49 km of roads, sidewalks, and stormwater infrastructure
  • Parks & Recreation: $2.02M – Maintains 70 parks and 49 km of trails, and West Shore Parks and Recreation
  • Sanitary Sewer System and Garbage Collection: $3.12M – Funds sewer system maintenance, infrastructure maintenance, and curbside garbage pick-up

Capital Budget (Infrastructure & Major Projects)

  • Road & Infrastructure Projects: $1M for Intersection improvements – Helmcken Road at Watkiss Way and Atkins Rd sidewalk – Anya Court to Langford border
  • Sewer System: $742K for pump station upgrades and replacements
  • Parks capital program including playground replacements and View Royal and Burnside/Watkiss parks development: $489K


Understanding Your 2026 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

How Can You Get Involved?


Review the Full Budget


Take the Budget Survey
  • Your feedback helps shape the final budget! Share your thoughts on funding for police, fire, and asset management by March 31, 2026.


Attend Budget Meetings
  • Join us at upcoming budget meetings to learn more and ask questions:
    • February 10 – Draft Operating Financial Plan
    • March 3 – Draft Consolidated Financial Plan
    • March 10 – Non-Capital and Capital Project Summary Review
View the Meeting Calendar & Watch Live on the Town's website.


Ask Questions & Stay Updated