The effects of the global pandemic will be reflected in reduced community services for Campbell River next year.

Meeting from Monday to Wednesday this week, City Council directed staff to find additional cost savings after confirming in principle a budget that postpones projects and includes approximately $1.5 million in both temporary and permanent service reductions. The cost savings are required to offset revenue lost due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic and help minimize the anticipated property tax increase. Council wants to keep that increase to no more than 2.85 per cent (approximately $79 for the average Campbell River home, valued at $442,000.

This week’s Council decisions will be reviewed Nov. 30, when more detailed estimates on new construction values are available from BC Assessment. The budget will be adopted in December, in time to submit to the Province before year-end. Read more...