The Comox Valley Regional District (CVRD) is set to begin its 2024-2028 financial planning process on Jan. 23, and it is actively seeking the involvement of Comox Valley residents.
Annually, the CVRD updates its five-year financial plan, delineating the operational and capital requirements of each service from one budget year to the next. These plans are mandated by the province, and the CVRD consistently formulates long-term financial planning strategies to uphold fiscal responsibility and ensure effective service delivery.
Each service undergoes scrutiny, with budgets crafted based on approved work plans, organizational priorities, and sound financial practices. Starting on Feb. 5, core service overviews will be presented to the CVRD board, and individual services will be presented to their respective boards, committees, and commissions for thorough review and feedback.
“Budget presentations will continue until Feb. 13, and we encourage questions, comments, and feedback on the financial plans for all of our services,” said Lucy Wiwcharuk, CVRD chief financial officer. “Public feedback will be relayed to CVRD directors, with responses provided for each question. To align with the budget schedule, public input is encouraged before 4:30 p.m. on Wednesday, Feb. 21.”
The public is encouraged to engage with the budget presentations for each board/service on the following dates:
Jan. 23 – Proposed budget delivered to the CVRD board
Feb. 5, 6, 7 – CVRD board, Electoral Areas Services committee (EASC), and Black Creek-Oyster Bay (BCOB)
Feb. 13 – Sewer, Water, Recreation, Regional Parks
After the budget presentations, any modifications or revisions requested by the board will be integrated into the budget bylaw, encompassing a thorough review of public comments. The formal readings of the budget bylaw are scheduled as follows:
March 12: Recommended budget bylaw presented to the CVRD Board for first, second, and third readings.
March 19: Budget bylaw presented to the CVRD board for adoption.
The CVRD is legally obligated to have its budget adopted by March 31.
Ways to Engage:
Visit engagecomoxvalley.ca/budget, where the financial planning process is explained, and opportunities for public feedback, comments, and community conversation are provided.
Request a presentation to the CVRD board or one of its committees through a formal delegation.
Contact a member of the CVRD board.