Budget 2026 Update: Financial Plan Options Returning to March 16 Committee of the Whole

Following Council’s endorsement on February 23, 2026 of a Committee of the Whole recommendation directing staff to prepare updated financial plan scenarios, staff have begun developing options for Council’s consideration as part of the 2026 budget process. 

Staff will return to the March 16, 2026 Committee of the Whole meeting with options for an updated 2026–2030 Financial Plan that align with Council’s direction to explore scenarios based on a maximum municipal tax increase of up to 12% for 2026 - estimated to represent approximately $20 per month for the average residential property on the municipal portion of property taxes. 

The options presented will outline how this funding level could support priority service areas while maintaining existing service levels across municipal operations. This includes: 

• Expanding policing services to support sustained 24/7 RCMP coverage and the addition of a School (Community) Liaison Officer later in 2026
• Sustaining 24/7 fire service delivery
• Maintaining current municipal service levels, including operations, maintenance programs, and established call-for-service standards 

The report will also provide information on: 

• Service level implications associated with each option
• Impacts on municipal reserves
• Long-term financial sustainability considerations 

Council will review the options and provide further direction to staff as part of ongoing deliberations on Budget 2026 and updates to the 2026–2030 Financial Plan. 

Residents can watch the full Committee of the Whole discussion online: 

Follow the 2026 budget process at letstalk.sooke.ca/budget 

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