2024 Budget Update

The first round of budget discussions have wrapped up at the Sunshine Coast Regional District with 42 new projects moving forward.

This year, the SCRD’s budget process involves two public meetings.

1. Round one budget meetings. At this meeting new budget proposals were brought forward to the SCRD Board. The SCRD Board also contemplated projects that are yet to be completed from prior years (known as carry forward projects) so that they can factor workload on staff into their decision making. The SCRD Board also received presentations from community partners for service supported by the SCRD. During this meeting, budget proposals are either deferred to another year, denied or moved ahead to round two budget discussions. These meetings took place last week. You can watch the meetings here on the SCRD’s YouTube channel and download the full agenda package for the meetings here.
2. Round two budget meetings. Budget proposals that were not fully approved at round one are brought forward and a final decision is made as to whether or not they are to be incorporated into the financial plan for the upcoming year. Projected implications for taxation are again presented to the Board. This meeting will take place on February 5.
3. Adoption of financial plan. Following budget meetings, the financial plan – incorporating all projects and initiatives that have been moved through and discussed at the budget meetings is adopted by the SCRD Board. The budget adoption is due to take place on February 22, 2024.

Some new projects coming forward in this year’s budget include;

Solid Waste –  SCRD staff have identified an opportunity to increase the lifespan of the Sechelt Landfill by relocating the contact water pond, which manages storm water that comes into contact with solid waste. An options analysis and conceptual design were completed in 2023, with detailed design and regulatory approvals in progress. This project is expected to extend landfill life by approximately four years until mid to late 2030 at less than half the cost of exporting waste.

Recreation – In 2024, a thorough needs assessment will be conducted for recreation in the Region. This process will include community engagement to help inform the future of recreation services on the Sunshine Coast.

Parks – To ensure the long-term health and resilience of Cliff Gilker sports field turf, in 2024, staff will engage professionals to connect a field irrigation system to an onsite well. This will ensure that irrigation is available for the field and that potable water is utilized for the community.

Fire Departments –Investments in fire departments including additional personnel, vehicles and equipment are coming forward for consideration in Round 2 budget discussions.

Water – Several water projects have been included for discussion in Round 2. These projects focus on increasing supply, and ongoing maintenance of the aging water system. Projects include the development of a well field in Langdale, continued work on a raw water reservoir, rehabilitation of watermains and maintenance of the Chapman Water Treatment Plant.

Staffing – Requests for staffing are being considered as part of Round 2 Budget Discussions. These requests were not discussed during Round 1 as an organizational review is being undertaken at the SCRD. Results and a report from the organizational review will be provided to the SCRD Board in advance of Round 2 discussions.

Information Sessions
SCRD staff and directors will take part in virtual information sessions for the budget. These sessions will include further information such as potential taxation implications and more details on projects for 2024. Times and dates for these sessions are below. Links to join the meetings will be provided in mid-January.

• Monday, January 22 at 6:00 p.m.
• Wednesday, January 24 at 6:00 p.m.

Learn more and ask questions at any time about the budget at letstalk.scrd.ca/budget