Port Alberni, BC – The City of Port Alberni has now adopted the 2025-2029 Five Year Financial Plan (the Plan), with the rate for the average single-family residential home set at 13.98 per cent.
The financial planning process began in October 2024 and through a series of Council meetings, Committee of the Whole meetings and community input opportunities, Council has developed a financial plan that continues to prioritize fiscal responsibility. The Plan includes budgeted revenues and expenditures to deliver day-to-day services to the community, strategic initiatives and investments in infrastructure, and enables long-term funding strategies for future infrastructure requirements.
“As a Council we faced some of the toughest budget decisions we've ever had to make, and we did not make them lightly. We recognize that many are feeling uneasy and, at times, overwhelmed by the challenges of today’s world. In light of this, Council made every effort to critically assess the budget, identifying cost-savings opportunities where possible. With the Plan now adopted, we want to thank the residents of Port Alberni for their perspective and feedback on this year’s budget,” said Sharie Minions, Mayor of Port Alberni.
Under the provisions of the Community Charter, municipalities must annually adopt a financial plan before the annual property tax bylaw is adopted. This financial plan spans a five-year period, covering 2025 through 2029, while the tax rate bylaw is set only for the current year. In large part, this financial plan was approved previously within the 2024-2028 Five Year Financial Plan with changes based on utilization and cost increases for current levels of service.
“The theme of the 2025-2029 Five Year Financial Plan is capital and infrastructure. Council has taken significant steps and made financial commitments to address that specific need, this in an effort to support the long-term sustainability of the city and our service delivery,” said Andrew McGifford, Director of Finance.
The 2025 Tax Rates Bylaw will be considered for adoption by Council at the April 14, 2025, Regular meeting of Council.
For more on the City’s 2025 – 2029 Five Year Financial Plan, visit: www.letsconnectpa.ca.
For More Information
Andrew McGifford, Director of Finance
City of Port Alberni
Office: 250.720.2821
andrew_mcgifford@portalberni.ca