Community feedback makes a difference

Council approved the 2018-2022 Financial Plan Bylaw on Jan. 9 with some changes as a result of feedback from the community. You can read a summary of the budget here. Here are the highlights of what changed as a result of participation in Budget Talks.

1. During the public engagement sessions held prior to the November 28-30 budget presentations, along with comments provided during the presentations, staff clarified questions surrounding the breakdown of money being spent on the proposed 300 Block project. Of the project’s total $2,285,000 cost, $478,000 is dedicated to beautification improvements, of which, approximately $300,000 will be funded by local businesses. The remaining 1,807,000 is dedicated to infrastructure renewal supporting the City’s commitment to asset management.
2. The Draft 2018 Financial Plan originally contained $702,000 in capital spending over 2018 and another $1 million over 2019 to replace the aging docks at Skaha Marina. On receiving feedback through the budget’s public engagement process, and following discussion during the Council deliberations, spending to replace the docks will be delayed until the completion of:

• public engagement
• environmental assessment
• archeological assessment
• options for a new long-term lease agreement