Budget and Finance

Under the Community Charter, every B.C. municipality must prepare a five-year financial plan each year.

This plan outlines expected revenues, expenses, and transfers for the upcoming year and the following four years.

Council must adopt the Financial Plan Bylaw before May 15 each year.

The Financial Plan reflects community priorities and provides the framework for how municipal services and projects are funded and delivered.

After adopting the financial plan, Council passes a Tax Rates Bylaw to set annual property tax rates.

These rates determine how much revenue the District will collect to fund approved operations, capital projects, and strategic initiatives.

The Community Charter requires municipalities to provide opportunities for public input before adopting their financial plan.

In Sooke, engagement occurs in two phases:

• Phase One (mid-June to mid-August): During this time—when residents are paying property taxes—you’re invited to share your input through community surveys and pop-up events at local markets and parks. Feedback from this phase helps shape updates to the District’s financial plan and guides development of the next year’s budget.
• Phase Two: Phase two includes the Annual Budget Open House, where you can see how community input has influenced decisions, how resources are allocated, and what investments are planned for the year ahead.

Between these two engagement phases, Council meetings provide opportunities to listen to discussions and observe how financial decisions are made.

Decisions on the District’s financial plan are made by your elected Council, built on a foundation of resident voices and community participation.

Each year, the District prepares an audited Annual Financial Report, published by June 30 as required by provincial legislation.

This report provides a transparent view of the District’s financial position—including revenues, expenses, reserves, and debt—and outlines how funds were managed in the previous year.

Visit the Financial Plans and Reports page.

Pursuing provincial and federal grants helps fund infrastructure, climate action, emergency preparedness, and community projects—reducing the amount that must be covered through local taxes.

Learn how the District identifies, applies for, and manages external funding to support local priorities.

View Understanding Grants and District Grant Applications

Through long-term planning for the renewal and replacement of roads, parks, and facilities, the District minimizes costly emergency repairs and ensures reliable service delivery over time.

View the District of Sooke Asset Management Plan

The District uses borrowing strategically for major capital projects when it is the most cost-effective approach, balancing today’s needs with future financial stability.

Working with the Capital Regional District (CRD), the Province of British Columbia, and local organizations allows the District to share resources, streamline operations, and deliver services efficiently.

The District also helps residents access provincial savings programs, including property tax deferrals, homeowner grants, and energy efficiency rebates that can make a meaningful difference for households.