PORT COQUITLAM, BC – Dec. 18, 2024… Port Coquitlam’s draft 2025 budget will once again shield taxpayers from rising costs within the City’s control, while continuing to provide essential civic services.
From Jan. 6 to 26, the City will seek public input on a budget with a proposed property tax increase of $95.82 (4.3 per cent) for the average home – almost three-quarters of which relates to obligatory costs such as the federally-negotiated RCMP contract (1.43 per cent) and labour contracts. Likewise, Metro Vancouver utility charges will make up the vast majority of the 2025 utility bill increases.
“Getting the basics right has been a long-time focus for us in Port Coquitlam, but it’s more important than ever as we face rising costs in all areas – many of them beyond our control,” Mayor Brad West said. “We’ve taken a number of steps to offset these costs for 2025, including continuing to seek efficiencies, focusing investments in core city services and looking for alternative revenue sources. Port Coquitlam taxpayers can be assured we are doing our due diligence on their behalf and working hard to maintain our track record of the lowest average property taxes in the region.”
The annual Budget at a Glance mailout will be delivered to homes in January, and budget details and online survey will be available at portcoquitlam.ca/2025budget starting Jan. 6. Port Coquitlam residents who complete the budget survey by Jan. 26 will be entered into a draw for a $150 gift card for the Port Coquitlam business of their choice.
Port Coquitlam’s $144-million draft 2025 operating budget primarily focuses on maintaining existing service levels and taxpayer affordability. The proposed 4.3 per cent increase includes:
- 1.43 per cent: RCMP and labour costs
- 1.00 per cent: infrastructure levy for sustainable long-term capital funding
- 1.87 per cent: inflation and other miscellaneous cost increases
To reduce the impact on taxpayers in 2025, the City has sought out internal revenue sources and savings including the use of reserve contributions, adjustments to investment revenue, and a line-by-line review of activities to search for efficiencies – such as bringing the large-item pickup program in-house to reduce costs and improve service.
"Overall, this is quite a lean budget, continuing the approach of previous fiscal plans and maintaining alignment with our taxpayers' ability to pay." said Cllr. Dean Washington, Council’s designate for budget matters. “We’re meeting community needs and focusing on our core responsibilities. We look forward to hearing what the public has to say when we launch our budget consultation in January.”
A notable service enhancement for 2025 is the introduction of curbside glass collection for single-family homes that pay a solid waste levy on their tax bill. This expanded service is being provided in response to long-time community requests. The solid waste levy will increase $14.59 (4.71 per cent) in 2025, reflecting this new service as well as other rising costs.
As noted above, regional funding pressures will significantly impact the 2025 utility levies. Metro Vancouver water charges will make up 80 per cent of the water levy increase ($35.24, or 7.18 per cent) and 99 per cent of the sewer levy increase ($122.61, or 30.98 per cent). The largest portion of this increase ($84 from each household) is due to the North Shore Waste Water Treatment Plant cost overruns being felt throughout the lower mainland.
The City remains committed to delivering the highest standard of service in areas such as parks and waste management, which have earned widespread recognition across the lower mainland.
Capital Plan Includes Flood Protection
The annual budget also funds a variety of capital improvements, including investments in flood protection as well as renewal of core infrastructure. The Capital Plan dedicates about $14.4 million in 2025 and $11.5 million in 2026 to flood protection, including upgrades of pump stations, improved drainage and culverts in flood-prone areas.
Highlights of projects rolling out in 2025 through the approved $37.5-million Capital Plan include:
- Leigh Square improvements,
- Design of the Coast Meridian Road culvert and Cedar Drainage Pump Station,
- Upgrades to the Maple Drainage Pump Station,
- Other utility upgrades including the various water, sewer and drainage equipment replacements,
- Roadworks including Kingsway Avenue improvements,
- Upgrades to Sun Valley Pool,
- Various playground, dog park and park amenity enhancements,
- Trail network expansion and upgrades, and
- Fleet replacements to ensure service excellence.
Highlights in the $26-million 2026 Capital Plan include:
- Cedar Drainage Pump Station construction,
- Coast Meridian culvert construction,
- Improved drainage on Wilson Avenue at Gates Park,
- Multi-use-sport covered facility,
- Continuing Kingsway Avenue road improvements,
- Road paving and utility replacements,
- Sidewalks and pedestrian safety,
- Shaughnessy Street underpass upgrades,
- Solid waste carts and locks,
- Streetlight expansion, and
- Transit shelters.
More information about capital projects can be found at portcoquitlam.ca/capitalprojects.
Follow the Budget Process
More details about the draft 2025 budget will be posted at portcoquitlam.ca/2025budget when public engagement begins on Jan 6.
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