The City of Colwood is committed to sound financial management and is required by legislation to present a balanced budget every spring.
Like any business or household, the needs and expectations of a municipality are often greater than what can be afforded at one time. Difficult choices must be made based on the priorities of the community and Council. The goal is to deliver a high level of service that strikes a balance between household prosperity and city-building initiatives that will improve quality of life while optimizing our tax base.
How are budget decisions made?
Colwood's Official Community Plan sets out the community's vision, goals, and objectives. At the beginning of each term, Council creates a Strategic Plan that identifies areas that require attention. All this gets built into Service Plans for each program area and the Service Plans are reviewed annually by Council in order to draft a 5-year Financial Plan.
Frequently Asked Budget Questions
What is the Service Review?
Each fall, staff facilitate a Service Review process to reaffirm Council's service expectations and clarify priorities for the coming year.
View the complete 2023 Service Review Package
What is an operating budget?
The operating budget outlines the City's spending plan to implement Council's goals and priorities based on the Strategic Plan and expectation set in the Service Review. It is based on day-to-day operations of programs and services such as road maintenance, parks, fire rescue and policing. Examples of operating expenses include salaries and wages, insurance, supplies and equipment.
What is a capital budget?
The capital budget outlines expenditures and funding for assets and related programs, such as sewer infrastructure, new roads, bridges, trails and parks.
Does the City access grant funding?
Provincial and federal grants allow the City to deliver on major projects while minimizing impact on property tax. Recent successful applications include:
- Waterfront Multi-Use Pathway - $6,000,000
- Galloping Goose Overpass Bridge - $3,661,366
- Metchosin Road Sidewalks $1,015,000
- Business software/online services $355,900
- Neighbourhood Wayfinding Signs $162,525
- Cenotaph Access Improvements $6,319
- Heritage Registry $40,000
What charges are included on the tax notice?
Only half of your tax bill is municipal tax. In 2023, 50% of the charges on a Colwood residential property tax notice are collected for other agencies, such as the Ministry of Education, Capital Regional District, BC Transit and the Hospital Board. All these charges go on one tax notice as an efficient billing process where residents don't have to deal with multiple bills.
2023 Budget process
Following the Service Review, a draft financial plan is prepared for review and discussion in a series of public meetings.
Council decisions during Service Review resulted in this starting point for 2023 budget discussions, at a glance (dig into the details by clicking the Service Review links in the table below the graphic):
The 2023 Budget Approach was endorsed by Council on December 5, 2022. View the draft 2023 - 2027 Financial Plan which was presented to Council starting February 21, 2023.
Colwood residents are encouraged to attend meetings to learn more and provide input. Feedback is also welcome by email to finance@colwood.ca.
| Date | Meeting | Budget Topic |
| Jan 10, 2023 | Service Review | Public Works, Parks, Boulevards: Reaffirm Council Expectations and Service Priorities |
| Jan 12, 2023 | Service Review | Roads, Sewers, Fire, Building, Admin: Reaffirm Council Expectations and Service Priorities |
| Jan 17, 2023 | Service Review | Finance, IT, GIS, Engineering: Reaffirm Council Expectations and Service Priorities |
| Jan 19, 2023 | Service Review | Development Services & Community Planning: Reaffirm Council Expectations and Service Priorities: |
| Jan 24, 2023 | Service Review | HR & Policing: Reaffirm Council Expectations and Service Priorities |
| Feb 21, 2023 | Budget Discussions | Discussion of Operating, Capital and Grant in Aid Budgets |
| Feb 23, 2023 | Budget Discussions | Discussion of Operating, Capital and Grant in Aid Budgets |
Check the Meeting Calendar for information about all City meetings.
Property tax notices are prepared after the financial plan and tax rate bylaws are adopted by Council. Tax notices are issued near the end of May and tax payments are due on the first business day after July 1st.
Read more about Property Tax.
Colwood Financial Plan and Financial Statements
Find the City's Financial Plan, Sustainable Infrastructure Plan and Financial Statements at www.colwood.ca/FinancialStatements
What is Colwood's overall direction for the future?
The Colwood Official Community Plan outlines the City's vision, goals and objectives based on the input of more than 1400 direct interactions with residents and stakeholders.
Read about Council's Strategic Priorities. Goals for 2019-2023 focus on enhancing Mobility, Prosperity, Governance and Vibrancy.
Additional guiding documents include the Transportation Master Plan, Economic Development Strategy, the Parks & Recreation Master Plan and others. Find them all at Colwood.ca/Plans.
