This week, the Capital Regional District (CRD) has approved its budget for 2026 and its 2026-2030 Financial Plan.
Along with the CRD, the Capital Regional Hospital District (CRHD) and Capital Region Housing Corporation (CRHC) budgets have also been approved.
Together, these three organizations that oversee much of Greater Victoria’s infrastructure and auxiliary services have a budget of $932 million.
Of this funding, the operating portion totals $489 million. This pays for a range of services that help over 460,000 people.
The combined capital portion is $443 million, which goes towards infrastructure projects.
“The approval of the 2026 budget and 2026–2030 Financial Plans reflects the CRD’s commitment to fiscal responsibility while continuing to deliver the essential and important services our communities rely on every day,” said CRD Board Chair Cliff McNeil-Smith.
“We are grateful for the dedication of our staff and express appreciation for our partners and community members whose collective contributions helped to shape the budget and financial plans that respond to today’s priorities while preparing for challenges and opportunities in the future.”
Like many municipalities, the CRD’s budget faces numerous financial pressures, which include factors such as inflation, labour costs and increasing debt servicing costs.
Because every part of the CRD has differing needs, the impact of these financial plans will impact each municipality, electoral area and First Nation differently.
The financial impact on each municipality the CRD serves is dependent on the revenues being brought in.
The CRD makes revenues by selling services like drinking water and waste management, tax revenue from municipalities and grant funding from various levels of government.
In the coming fiscal year, revenue from the sale of services comprises approximately half of the CRD’s operating revenue.
Around 25% of the combined budget is funded through requisition.
According to the CRD, the consolidated requisition is rising by an average of 5.2%. This means the average household in the capital region will be impacted by an increase of approximately $28.26.
This increase, dependent on the municipality, electoral area or First Nation, will be added to local property taxes for homeowners in the capital region.
Some projects the CRD will be putting the capital portion of their budget towards will include:
- New technologies for Hartland Landfill to convert waste into usable products
- Forming a new Regional Transportation Plan
- Upgrading sections of the Galloping Goose and Lochside Trails
- Strengthening the Saanich Peninsula’s water system
- Upgrading the wastewater treatment plant on Salt Spring Island
- Building a new long-term care home built in Colwood
- Enhancing the supply of affordable, inclusive and adequate housing across the region
For more details on the CRD budget, click here.
