Outcomes from the first Council meeting to review 2021 draft budget

On January 12, 2021 Council received a presentation on the five (5) year financial plan including the 2021 budget.

Council was also asked to consider the level of service provided by bylaw enforcement with various options proposed to enhance the service and to address community needs. In addition to supporting an extra bylaw officer and part-time bylaw administrative support, funded for two (2) years from COVID-19 Provincial grant dollars, Council reviewed the draft budget line by line, asking staff for reasoning on proposed expenditures. Council passed a motion to support a 3.25% property tax increase in 2021. The breakdown is as follows:

Parks and Recreation Master Plan implementation – what will the 1.25% increase go towards?

To renew and prolong the use of aging facilities within the District, several maintenance projects are required in 2021. Without the 1.25% increase the implementation of the Parks and Recreation Master Plan will continue to be underfunded. It is similar to the home you live in - each year the home requires various maintenance and periodic renewal projects done, to ensure your home remains safe and runs efficiently. The same applies to District facilities. The District is responsible for maintaining several public facilities throughout the community including:

• Winfield arena and curling rink
• Seniors Activity Centre
• Food bank
• Integrated Services Building (used by Lake Country Health Planning and Interior Health)
• RCMP building
• Fire Administration and fire halls in Winfield, Oyama and Carr’s Landing
• Lake Country Museum (including the annex and café spaces)
• Municipal Hall (including the space used by Lake Country branch of Okanagan Regional Library)
• Camp Road shop
• Beasley Park including playground, field lighting and the community centre
• Swalwell Park including the water park, skate park and washroom
• Washroom and playground facilities at Coral Beach, Shoreline Park, Jack Seaton Park, Pioneer Park and Okanagan Centre Park
• Many other high use parks and trails outdoor amenities (e.g. Pelmewash Parkway multi-use pathway, Okanagan Rail Trail, Okanagan Centre greenspace trail, Oyama boat launch, dog parks etc.)

Renewal/maintenance initiatives that require immediate attention include - roofs, siding, furnaces, plumbing upgrades, electrical upgrades, doors and windows, refrigeration systems, stairs, railings and decking.

Share your viewpoint

Council wants to hear what you think about the draft 2021 budget. On February 9th join Council for a virtual town hall. This will be an excellent opportunity to ask questions and tell Council what your priorities are for Lake Country. Don’t wait! Review the five (5) year financial plan, documents, important meeting dates, links, and submit questions or comments NOW through the online public engagement platform at Let’s Talk-Lake Country.

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Council to consider property tax increase to continue building local RCMP capacity - January 7

Five year financial plan 

Special Council Meeting - January 12