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May your Easter be as bright, colourful
and full of laughter as a spring
garden in bloom.
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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.
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Public Survey About Group Benefits for City Elected Officials
At the March 16 meeting, Council directed staff to conduct 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. The City is now conducting a survey to gather community input.
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.
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The survey is available directly at this link and from the City’s website, open from March 17 to April 19. Survey 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.
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.
Please take a few minutes to complete this short survey. A paper copy of the survey may be obtained from the administration department.
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Improvements to Parksville’s 2026 Canada Day Parade Route
For the third year, we will host Canada Day celebrations in Parksville; a great family-friendly event for the community with a little more to do and see in 2026. Our theme for this year is “Proudly Canadian, Proudly Parksville.”
We announced a change to the parade route for 2026. The parade will no longer turn up and travel along Craig Street. The one-way portion of Craig Street is narrow and the turn at the Island Highway continues to prove difficult for parade participants. It is challenging to keep spectators away from parade vehicles, despite using traffic control personnel to secure the area.
The parade will begin at Shelly Road and Island Highway East travelling along Island Highway towards Alberni Highway where the parade will end. The dispersal area will now be along Harrison Avenue where public parking lots are located. The decision to change the route for the Canada Day parade was made to ensure everyone's safety and is a proactive measure to protect participants and spectators. We understand many people who watch the parade from Craig Street will need to move to a different location along the Island Highway route.
| | From early morning until early afternoon, Craig Street from Middleton to the Island Highway will close to vehicles. The Shriners’ Pancake Breakfast along with a few activities will be planned for Craig Street as a space open to pedestrians. This change will also open more street parking along Craig Street as well as access to public parking lots. Canada Day details as they come available are posted to Let’s Talk Parksville. A map showing the revised parade route is available at this link. | | |
Annual Wood Chipping Program
Our wood chipping program will take place 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 must be at curbside by 8 am on:
April 7 - For collection at properties WEST of Craig Street
April 20 - For collection at properties EAST of Craig Street
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.
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Province of BC 2026 Budget Changes Affect Property Taxes
Please refer to our information release about the changes affecting property taxes for City of Parksville residential property owners. We provided information about the repeal of the Northern and Rural Homeowner benefit, additional school tax rates and the effect of increasing interest rates for the Province of BC property tax deferment program.
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Renz Road Construction
Renz Road construction continues through April. We appreciate the public’s patience during the road closure and construction project. For interest, there is naturally occurring ground water which caused the road base to fail. A new drainage system will redirect the water to the storm drainage system and Renz Road will be re-built and paved within the next few weeks.
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East End Track Gang to Move Parksville Water Tower
On March 31, Island Corridor Foundation will begin the process to lower the water tower at Alberni Highway near the entrance to Parksville from Highway 19 for deconstruction and relocation. The tower has been a landmark on Alberni Highway for years and we are pleased East End Track Gang will restore the water tower.
In 2020, Parksville Council approved donation of the water tower to the “East End Track Gang” of the Esquimalt and Nanaimo Division of the Canadian Railroad Historical Association and approved $35,000 to assist with the removal, relocation and restoration of the tower. Details in a release on our website.
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We are reaching out to dog owners with a gentle reminder to help keep our parks, trails and neighbourhood safe and enjoyable for everyone. To make sure all residents, both the two‑legged and four‑legged kind, have a great experience outdoors, we ask that dogs not be allowed to roam at large. A dog is considered at large when it is off the owner’s property and not on a leash, unless in our designated off‑leash park.
Good news: dogs are welcome to run freely at Springwood off‑leash park! We simply ask owners to always keep their pets under control and within sight to ensure a fun and safe environment for all. These guidelines help protect pets, prevent accidental conflicts, and support the friendly, welcoming atmosphere our community is known for. Thank you to all the responsible and caring dog owners who help make our City a wonderful place to live, walk, and wag! For more information about off‑leash park or pet‑related bylaws, contact the City’s bylaw department who are happy to help.
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.
| | REMINDERS AND THINGS TO KNOW... | | |
You will see food trucks in the Parksville Community Park over the four days of the Easter weekend. Although weather dependent and we are hoping for some good weather, food trucks will be there 11 am to 7 pm for the enjoyment of park visitors. Regular food truck service in the park begins May 1.
Utility notices are in the mail. If you do not receive your notice by April 10, contact 250 248-6144 or cashier@parksville.ca. Payment is due April 30.
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.
Watermain flushing program continues through April, 7.30 am and 3.30 pm, weekdays. Residents can expect some discolouration of water and intermittent drops in pressure; keep a fresh supply of drinking water in your fridge. Check for discolouration of water before doing laundry and if discoloured, run outside tap (after 3.30 pm) until it clears.
Rebate programs - we offer several rebate programs for properties located within City limits. Rebates are issued on a first-come, first-served basis, subject to the availability of funding which may be exhausted during the year. We offer low flush toilet, rain barrel, security camera, and tree rebates. Details on our website.
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