qathet, BC – At the March 26, 2025 Regional Board meeting, the qathet Regional District (qRD) Board of Directors adopted the 2025 Operating and Capital Budgets and the 2025 – 2029 Five-Year Financial Plan. The qRD is statutorily obligated to adopt its annual operating and capital budgets by March 31st of each year.
The 2025 Budget will total $27.9 million dollars. This includes a net operating budget for the year of $17.0 million, total capital spending of $6.9 million, and total debt payments and transfers to reserves of $4.0 million. The qRD has applied for and obtained total grant funding of $4.6 million to assist with many planned projects in 2025.
Projects planned for 2025 include:
- Continuation of the Regional FireSmart program.
- Completion of review and update of the Savary Island Official Community Plan.
- Growth modelling study for Electoral Areas A, B, C and D (grant funded).
- Replacement of Palm Beach Park concession roof and doors.
- Replacement Powell River Cemetery mausoleum windows (grant funded).
- Installation of fire protection at the Savary Island Wharf.
- Replacement of a fire engine for Northside Fire Protection service.
- Construction of Northside Community Recreation Centre.
- Renewal of the Shelter Point Park shower, and washroom building.
- Replacement of the chlorine system analyzer at the Myrtle Pond Water System.
“Inflation and other external factors have impacted individuals and local governments across BC and Canada, including the qathet Regional District, but by sharing costs as a community, we keep essential services more affordable,” said Clay Brander, Board Chair. “We all benefit from shared community resources such as solid waste management and regional parks. In times of crisis, we appreciate emergency preparedness, fire services, and 911 services, but we need to recognize that these services come with a cost.
As elected officials and staff, we live in these communities too and experience the same tax impacts as you—we are not immune to them. Unfortunately, there’s no simple way to reduce taxation. However, rest assured that when difficult budgetary decisions are being made, the well-being of our community is the primary objective. We are all working to provide the best possible services for you, our community, and our neighbours.
Planning for future costs today ensures sustainability, reduces potential future borrowing costs, and prevents shifting the entire burden to future generations. Despite rising costs, we appreciate staff’s fiscal responsibility and efforts to minimize tax impacts while maintaining vital services.”
The 2025 – 2029 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, General Manager of Financial Administration – Chief Financial Officer
#202 – 4675 Marine Avenue, Powell River, BC V8A 2L2
Phone: (604) 485-2260 | Email: finance@qathet.ca