qathet, BC – At the March 28, 2024 Regional Board meeting, the qathet Regional District (qRD) Board of Directors adopted the 2024 Operating and Capital Budgets and the 2024 – 2028 Five-Year Financial Plan. The qRD is statutorily obligated to adopt its annual operating and capital budgets by March 31st of each year.
The 2024 Budget will total $29.6 million dollars. This includes a net operating budget for the year of $15.6 million, total capital spending of $8.5 million, and total debt payments and transfers to reserves of $3.5 million. The qRD has applied for and obtained total grant funding of $5 million to assist with many planned projects in 2024.
Projects planned for 2024 include:
- Continuation of the Regional FireSmart program.
- Review and update of the Savary Island Official
Community Plan. - Savary Island groundwater study.
- Completion of the Resource Recovery Centre and
Waste Transfer Facility. - Accessibility audit and improvements.
- Replacement of a roof on both the Powell River Cemetery mausoleum and office.
- Replacement of a fire engine for Savary Island Fire Protection service.
- Replacement of a fire engine for Northside Fire Protection service.
- Upgrades to the Myrtle Pond Water infrastructure.
- Addition to the Northside Recreation Centre.
- Renewal of the Shelter Point Park shower, and washroom building.
“The qathet Regional District is committed to keeping our service delivery sustainable for the long-term, which requires us to set aside funds now for expenses that we see coming in the future. Cutting the budget to the bare minimum today just places the burden on future generations,” said Clay Brander, qathet Regional District Board Chair. “Inflation and the lingering effects of COVID-19 on supply chains have driven prices up but we credit staff for their fiscal restraint, and commitment to reduce the overall tax impacts on our residents whenever possible.”
The 2024 – 2028 Five-Year Financial Plan outlays all regional district services as well as the projects identified by the Regional Board as priorities. The qRD currently provides 46 services to the residents of the region, which includes five Electoral Areas and the City of Powell River. Those services are broken down as 10 regional services, 15 sub-regional or shared services, and 21 local services. For more information on the Five-Year Financial Plan and annual budgets, please visit qathet.ca/finance/financial-plan/.
About the qathet Regional District:
The qathet Regional District serves the rural areas from Lund to Saltery Bay including the City of Powell River, Texada, Savary and Lasqueti Islands and provides some services, through contract, to Tla’amin Nation. To learn more please visit qathet.ca.
CONTACT:
Linda Greenan, Manager of Financial Services
#202 – 4675 Marine Avenue, Powell River, BC V8A 2L2
Phone: (604) 485-2260 | Email: finance@qathet.ca