Campbell River Approves New Financial Assistance Policy

The City of Campbell River has approved a new Financial Assistance Policy to streamline the grant process, increasing transparency and accountability, but it comes with a cost.

Currently, the City funds $3.3 million in grants, leases and permissive tax exemptions per year for non-profit organizations under various programs and policies.

If the City were to tax for this entire amount, it would be equivalent to an approximate eight per cent property tax increase.

The newly adopted policy governs all financial assistance under one policy and will continue to award $2.87 million in grants, leases and facility rentals to non-profit organizations. That includes $700,000 in grant funding — down from $931,000 this year.

Under the new policy, eligible non-profits have been expanded from just the arts and culture sector, intended to make it more inclusive.

Clear evaluation criteria will also ensure decision-making is less subjective for organizations, staff and taxpayers.

The City says the policy brings Campbell River in line with comparable communities, keeping costs more affordable for residents while also supporting organizations through a lengthy transition period.

But it says it understands the change will be impactful for some non-profit organizations in the community.

Steps will be taken to connect with and prepare organizations for the new approach and funding availability, including a staged implementation schedule and plans to host workshops to assist organizations in seeking additional funding sources.

The policy will be fully implemented in 2026.

To learn more, visit City of Campbell River.