Strathcona Regional District Approves 2025-2029 Financial Plan

The Strathcona Regional District Board has officially approved its 2025-2029 Financial Plan.

The plan serves as a guiding framework for the Regional District’s operations and strategic initiatives, ensuring the delivery of essential services while preparing for future growth and sustainability.

The Board says the plan reflects extensive consultation, beginning with staff-level preparations

in the fall, followed by workshops and deliberations with the Board of Directors.

The plan includes key investments in disaster risk reduction and climate adaptation with government grants funding projects focused on wildfire preparedness, climate adaptation, and environmental responsibility.

It also invests in the Just Like Home Lodge and a newly established Healthcare Workforce Housing initiative, and the REC-REATE project, which is modernizing and expanding the aging Strathcona Gardens facility.

“Significant work has gone into ensuring this plan meets the needs of our residents while focusing on long-term sustainability and regional prosperity,” said SRD Chair Mark Baker.

“Our investments in recreation, housing, environmental resilience, and governance will benefit the region for generations to come.”

Dedicated funding will also support First Nations reconciliation efforts, public engagement improvements, and professional development for Board members and staff.

Electoral areas in the regional district will see an increase in the average household cost due in part to a revised policy which more equitably distributes the general administrative costs across all regional district participants.

Areas A (Kyuquot/Nootka-Sayward) will see a 4% increase ($30 per average home) primarily due to the policy change and increased costs associated with funding the Vancouver Island Regional Library, and improved cost-sharing and operational efficiency in the Sayward Fire Service.

Area B (Cortes Island and surrounding archipelago) also sees a 4% increase ($64 per average home).

Area C (Discovery Islands and Mainland Inlets) residents will see a 30% increase ($193 per average home) in part due to a change of allocation distribution within the electoral area and funding for enhanced community hall, library and 9-1-1 service levels.

Area D (Oyster Bay – Buttle Lake) – A 4% increase ($96 per average home), largely due to increased funding for recreation, enhanced transit and library service levels.

You can view the approved budget, visit Strathcona Regional District.