April 8, 2026

Parksville Local Government Election 2026

Local government elections in British Columbia are held every four years. The City of Parksville municipal Council is made up of a Mayor and six Councillors, each to be elected for a four-year term. 

The election for the City of Parksville is set for Saturday, October 17, 2026, from 8 am to 8 pm at the Jensen Centre and Parksville Fellowship Baptist Church. Advance voting will be held on Wednesday, October 7 and Wednesday, October 14, 2026, from 8 am to 8 pm at the Jensen Centre, 132 Jensen Avenue East.

 

Detailed information including key dates and information for voters and for candidates running for Council is available on Let’s Talk Parksville, through a direct link, also accessible from the City’s website. We hope you will spend some time reviewing our election site on Let’s Talk Parksville to familiarize yourself with the City of Parksville’s local government election. Please refer questions about the election to the Chief Election Officer at election-official@parksville.ca.

Public Survey Reminder About Group Benefits for City Elected Officials

At Council’s direction, we are conducting public engagement in the form of a resident survey about the proposed provision of extended health benefits package to elected officials at the City’s cost, with funding from property taxes. Open until April 19, the survey is available at this link and from the City’s website. Results will inform in part, the more comprehensive Council remuneration review which will be brought to Council this summer. The impact of any proposed changes to Council remuneration will be presented in a future staff report and bylaws, based on Council direction.

 

The estimated cost to the City to provide elected officials with an extended health and dental plan similar to City staff ranges from $16,304 and $40,912 per year or between $65,217 and $163,650 over a four-year term. These estimates assume all seven members of Council opt in to coverage, and the range depends on individual versus family coverage rates.

 

Council remuneration is established by "Council Remuneration and Expenses Bylaw, 2011, No. 1472". In accordance with Section 8 of the bylaw, a review of remuneration and expenses will be made every four years from adoption of the bylaw and within three months prior to the local government election, which is set for October 17, 2026. The staff report which provides background information may be viewed at this link.

CITY SERVICES

Next Steps for Parksville’s 2026-2030 Financial Plan

Approved by Council in January, the 2026-2030 financial plan sets priority services, programs and initiatives for the next five years and how the City will pay for them. The next step in the process is Council’s consideration of amendments to the 2026-2030 financial plan to reflect new information, updated BC Assessment data and completion of the 2025 fiscal year. The amended plan will be used for setting final property tax and utility rates for 2026.

Residents are encouraged to attend meetings and provide input on the amended plan at the April 13 meeting.

 

April 8 - Regular Council meeting - introduction of recommended amendments to the financial plan and analysis of the BC Assessment Revised Roll and current property tax and utility rates


April 13 - Special Committee of the Whole and Council meeting - to discuss amendments and direction from Council


April 27 - Special Council meeting - additional meeting should further deliberation be required


May 4 - Regular Council meeting - three readings of 2026-2030 amended financial plan bylaw and 2026 water, sewer and property tax rates bylaws


May 6 or 7 - Special Council meeting - final adoption and 2026 rates bylaws from May 4 meeting

 

Final property tax and utility rates for 2026 will be set during these meetings. The rate increases forecasted for 2026 are 6.77% for property taxes, 6% for water fees and 6% for sewer fees, expected to result in an increase of about $178 for an average residential property. Property tax notices will be mailed at the end of May, following adoption of the financial plan and property tax rate bylaws. Info about the City’s financial plan process is available on letstalkparksville.ca/financial-plan-2026 and Council meetings may be viewed on our website through webstreaming.

Annual Wood Chipping Program

Our wood chipping program takes place from April 7 through April 30. The City is divided into two zones - west and east of Craig Street; properties west of Craig will receive collection between April 7 and April 17 and properties east of Craig are scheduled between April 20 and April 30.

 

  • Materials for collection at properties WEST of Craig Street must already be at curbside (April 7)
  • Materials for collection at properties EAST of Craig Street must be at curbside by 8 am on April 20

 

Refer to map and collection details on our website. Questions should be directed to operations, ops@parksville.ca or 250 248-5412.

 

Traffic Bylaw No. 1436 states that no person shall cause damage to, cut down or remove trees, shrubs, plants, bushes and hedges, fences or other things erected or maintained on a boulevard. To request pruning of a City-owned tree, phone 250 248-5412.

The City's bylaw compliance department provides the citizens of Parksville with a variety of services related to regulatory issues. Please refer to our website for info about bylaws and as well as some frequently asked questions.

 

We are reminding residents that door‑to‑door sales activities are not allowed under City bylaws. Bylaw No. 1550 clearly states, “No person, without prior instructions from the owner or occupier of the premises, shall attend upon or canvass or solicit at any residential premises for the sale or promotion of goods or services.” This does not include charitable fundraising; the Girl Guides can sell all the cookies they want!

 

If an unauthorized salesperson comes to your door, you can help the City’s bylaw compliance team by requesting the representative’s name and contact information. Residents are encouraged to forward these details to bylaw for follow‑up. We thank the community for helping maintain a safe and respectful environment for all residents.

Utility Bills Due April 30

Utility bills will have arrived in mailboxes. Utility notices are mailed twice a year to bill for water, sewer and solid waste (garbage, green bin and recycling services). If you have not received your notice by April 10, contact 250 248-6144 or cashier@parksville.ca

 

There are many ways to pay by the due date of April 30 - you are welcome to pay by cheque, debit or cash at City of Parksville, 100 Jensen Avenue East and here are some ways for you to skip the line:

  • Mail cheque to P O Box 1390, Parksville V9P 2H3
  • Pay at your financial institution
  • Use the dropbox located at Jensen Avenue entrance to Parksville Civic and Technology Centre
  • Use online or telephone banking
  • Refer to our website for payment option details.


As well, you may wish to consider PAWS - Pre-Authorized Withdrawal Service, a preauthorized withdrawal plan which allows homeowners to contribute a fixed monthly payment towards their taxes and/or utilities. Details about this program are on our website. Please direct questions to the City’s finance department at 250 248-6144 or cashier@parksville.ca.

IN OTHER NEWS!

Evolve is Coming to Parksville

We’re getting ready to roll into Parksville! Evolve, created by BCAA, is launching this spring with 20 e-bikes and 30 e-scooters across Parksville later this month. From Rathtrevor Beach to downtown and key shopping areas like Quality Foods, Evolve makes it easy to get around, run errands, and explore more of Parksville without a car.


Safety is built into every ride, with features like automatic lights, turn signals, and shared helmets. Plus, keep an eye out for Ride Safe events to help you get started. Download the Evo app and set up your account today. Get started at evo.ca/evolve.

Evolve Launch Event and Free Earth Day Rides - April 22

The program launch celebration will be held on Earth Day, Wednesday, April 22, from 10 am to 11 am at the Parksville Civic and Technology Centre. Light refreshments will be available, and attendees can spin a prize wheel for giveaways and program materials. We hope you will join the Evolve team and Parksville Council to celebrate this exciting new initiative for Parksville.

 

From 10 am to 1 pm, residents will have the opportunity to test e-bikes and e-scooters, learn about program benefits, and speak with Evolve staff for guidance, questions and a walkthrough of how the program works.

 

To celebrate Earth Day, all rides on April 22 will also be free. Riders can take unlimited 30-minute trips throughout the day and only pay the $1.25 unlock fee per ride.

Canada Day 2026

Proudly Canadian, Proudly Parksville

We look forward to hosting the community at Parksville's Canada Day celebration in 2026! Along with the parade, there will be activities in the Parksville Community Park following the parade and into early evening. As we confirm entertainment and activities, information is added to Let’s Talk Parksville.

IN OTHER NEWS!

Water Conservation Level 1 in April allows for watering of lawns between 7 pm and 7 am, any day of the week. Vegetable gardens and fruit trees are exempt from restrictions. Details on Let’s Talk Parksville. 

City info on social media As well as Facebook and Instagram, we also post to Threads and Bluesky and would love if you followed us.

CITY DATES

For more information:

Deb Tardiff, Manager of Communications

communications@parksville.ca; 250 954-3073


parksville.ca | letstalkparksville.ca