PORT COQUITLAM, BC – Jan. 6, 2025… Port Coquitlam is inviting residents to share their input as public engagement begins today for the 2025 budget.
From today to Jan. 26, residents are encouraged to comment on the draft $144-million 2025 budget that shields taxpayers from rising costs with one of the lowest reported increases in the region: $95.82 (4.3 per cent) for the average home. Almost three-quarters of the increase relates to obligatory costs such as the federally-negotiated RCMP contract and labour contracts, while the vast majority of 2025 utility bill increases also relate to Metro Vancouver charges.
“We’re doing our best to shield taxpayers from the impact of rising costs, including many beyond the City’s control,” Mayor Brad West said. “We look forward to hearing the community’s perspective on the proposed 2025 budget and our efforts to keep affordability front and centre while providing the services our community needs now and in the future. The insights we receive from our budget consultation informs our work year-round, and we’ve been encouraged by how responsive our residents are when we ask for their feedback.”
Last year’s budget engagement resulted in a record 1,524 survey responses, up from the previous year’s record of 1,446.
For 2025, the annual Budget at a Glance mailout and survey will start arriving in mailboxes next week and residents can complete the survey in print or online at portcoquitlam.ca/2025budget, where additional budget information is posted. Residents who complete the survey by Jan. 26 will be entered in a draw for a $150 gift card to a licensed Port Coquitlam business of their choice.
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.
Through these efforts, the City successfully offset more than $1.3 million in costs, reducing the proposed tax increase by 1.6 per cent. The resulting proposed 4.3 per cent increase breaks down as follows:
- 1.43 per cent: RCMP contract
- 1.00 per cent: Investment in infrastructure for sustainable long-term capital funding
- 1.87 per cent: City labour contracts, inflation and other miscellaneous cost increases
“We’ve purposefully limited additional spending in 2025 and focused on maintaining existing service levels and taxpayer affordability, while taking steps to ensure financial sustainability in the years to come,” noted Cllr. Dean Washington, Council’s designate for budget matters.
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.
In terms of 2025 utility levies, Metro Vancouver 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). Much of the sewer levy increase ($84 from each household) is from the North Shore Wastewater Treatment Plant cost overruns being felt throughout the region.
Property assessments that started arriving from the British Columbia Assessment Authority in the past week will also play a key role in the final tax bill. Properties whose value has risen more or less than other typical properties of the same type will experience a tax rate that differs from the average.
Budget details and input opportunities are posted at portcoquitlam.ca/2025budget.
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