Campbell River Approves Budget With 2.89 Percent Tax Increase

Campbell River’s 2025 budget has been approved by council and it comes with a 2.89 percent property tax increase. That will add an average of $69 to residents’ tax bills.

Mayor Kermit Dahl says he ran on a platform of low tax increases, and while he’d hoped to deliver a zero per cent tax increase for 2025, commitments outside the City’s control — such as RCMP and Transit — require $2,848,000, in additional City spending.

There are also many new costs to consider that have typically been covered under provincial and federal mandates but that the City has now had to assume, such as those related to housing and mental health and addictions.

Property taxes and user fees fund more than 100 services in Campbell River, everything from garbage collection and water provision to events like CR Live Streets and investments downtown.

Highlights of the 2025-2034 Financial Plan include over $1.8 million in investments for continued security and Downtown Safety Office operations, public works clean-ups and overnight shelter supports, alongside CR Live Streets and Spirit Square events, downtown small initiatives, beautification grants and more.

One hundred and thirteen capital projects were approved, with a budget of $69,144,220 for investments in asset management and the maintenance of critical infrastructure.

Major projects for 2025 include a runway and taxiway rehabilitation at the Campbell River Airport, work at the John Hart Reservoir, and sewer and watermain replacement.

Seventy-three operating projects were approved, with a budget of $6,389,102, including cash for CR Live Streets, community safety enhancements, the Downtown Cleanliness Program, and temporary overnight sheltering.

For details, visit City of Campbell River.