The City of Campbell River acknowledges that we are on the territory of the Laich-Kwil-Tach people of the Wei Wai Kum First Nation and We Wai Kai Nation.
Here are the highlights from the November 25, 2025, Committee of the Whole and Special Council meetings, including important community initiatives and Council decisions. Watch City Council meetings live or view recordings at www.campbellriver.ca/webcasts.
Finance Updates
Financial Plan Amendment Bylaw
Council gave first, second and third readings to 2025-2034 Ten Year Financial Plan Amendment Bylaw No. 4004, 2025. The 2025–2034 Financial Plan, adopted by Council on December 12, 2024, has been amended to reflect subsequent Council decisions in compliance with the Community Charter. These amendments are consolidated within the Financial Plan Amendment Bylaw and presented separately for operating and capital budgets to meet Provincial requirements. The changes have been funded through City reserves or structured to maintain a net-zero impact on the operating budget, ensuring no effect on taxation. For more information, view the report on the November 25, 2025 Special Council agenda, at campbellriver.civicweb.net.
Q3 2025 Financial Report
Council received the City's Quarterly Financial Report for the third quarter (Q3) of 2025. The report measures the City's financial performance against the Financial Plan.
The City’s revenues for Q3 are at 91.1 per cent of budget. Overall, operational expenses for Q3 are at 63.5 per cent of budget. Both revenue and expenses are comparable to Q3 2024 (when they were 89.9 per cent and 61.7 per cent respectively). Throughout the third quarter of 2025, City operations were carried out as scheduled.
There are 73 operating projects, as approved during Financial Planning, with a total budget of $8.10 million. Three million, or 37 per cent of the operating project budget, has been spent to date. Of these 73 projects, 21 have been completed, 43 are in progress, and seven have been delayed. Council approved amendments to the 2025-2034 Financial Plan to cancel two operating projects that were originally included in the plan.
There are 117 capital projects, as approved during Financial Planning, with a total budget of $66.98 million. $8.23 million, or 12.3 per cent of the capital projects budget has been spent to date. Of these 117 projects, 32 are complete, 62 are in progress and 18 have been delayed. Council approved amendments to the 2025-2034 Financial Plan to increase funding for three capital projects that are expected to exceed their budget by more than $10,000 and cancel five capital projects that were originally included in the plan.
Council approved amendments to the 2025-2034 Financial Plan to increase the Fire Department operating supplies budget by $40,000 for 2025 as a result of higher than anticipated fleet repair costs.
For more information, view the report on the November 25, 2025 Committee of the Whole agenda, at campbellriver.civicweb.net.
2025-2034 Financial Plan Budget Carry-Forwards
Council approved the 2025 project carry forwards and directed staff to include approved carry forward projects in the 2026-2035 Financial Plan.
The Financial Plan Bylaw for 2025-2034 was originally adopted in December 2024. Since this time, several projects identified for completion in 2025 are still in progress or are waiting on delivery and final invoicing. Although the majority of these projects will be completed by December 31, 2025, some will require a carry-forward of unspent budget into 2026 to ensure there are funds for completion. These projects will be included as part of the 2026 financial plan presented to Council during deliberations. Actual year-end amounts will then be reconciled with approved project budgets.
Annual Investment Portfolio Update
Council received an annual update on the City’s investment portfolio. The City’s investment framework aligns with the Community Charter and Council policy, prioritizing capital preservation, liquidity, and prudent returns. The City maintains a diversified portfolio across asset types and credit ratings, with strict limits to minimize risk. For the twelve months ending September 30, 2025, the City’s portfolio generated $5.2 million in returns, achieving an annualized rate of 3.66 per cent, which outperformed the Bank of Canada’s average rate of 2.92 per cent. The City’s investment program remains robust and responsive to changing market conditions. Staff will continue to actively manage the portfolio, balancing risk and return, and will provide annual reports to Council as required by policy.
2026-2035 Financial Planning Overview
Council received an overview of the draft 2026–2035 Financial Plan. The 2026–2035 Financial Plan, developed by staff and guided by Council’s strategic priorities, aims to balance affordability today with long-term financial stability.
All figures are draft only at this point in time. Council will deliberate the budget in early December, with opportunities to discuss, adjust, and consider adoption of the 2026 Budget.
The draft plan includes:
- Base operating budget: $106.3 million
- Capital project plan: $83.69 million
- Operating project plan: $7.95 million
- New and enhanced service levels
To maintain service levels and invest in necessary infrastructure renewal, the draft budget proposes a 2.7 per cent tax increase (1.7 per cent for operations, 1 percent for infrastructure). This equals approximately $5 per month ($60 annually) for the average Campbell River household.
While overall base operating budget expenses are increasing by $2.4 million (5.35 per cent), cost pressures are being offset through $164,593 in new revenue, $572,342 from new construction revenue, and $935,037 in budget realignments.
The proposed plan reflects a financially responsible approach amid rising costs from inflation, construction, contractual obligations (RCMP and transit increases), IT licensing, population growth, and aging infrastructure—challenges shared by municipalities across Canada. Limited revenue tools and downloading from senior governments add further strain.
Despite these pressures, Campbell River has maintained a stable, conservative tax trajectory, supported by multi-year measures introduced since 2023 to avoid larger increases. Campbell River residents pay lower taxes than many other municipalities of similar size, and the City strives to maximize every cent, realize cost savings, generate revenue and maintain service levels. Property taxes help keep more than 100 essential services maintained and running in Campbell River.
Financial Planning deliberations will take place on December 3 and, if required, December 4, 2025, from 10:30 a.m. The 2026–2035 Financial Plan will then be considered for adoption by Council at the Regular Council meeting on December 11, 2025.