Following an extensive period of public engagement, the Town of Qualicum Beach is moving closer to adopting its 2025-2029 budget.

Like many municipalities, Qualicum Beach faces the challenge of balancing high service levels with sustainable tax rates. To navigate this, the Town’s financial planning has been guided by four core priorities: resilience, risk mitigation, maintaining service levels, and complying with emerging legislative changes.

Key Investments

Significant capital investments this year include the Seacrest Road Replacement and Slope Stabilization, Skate Park Construction, and the grant-dependent replacement of the airport runway/taxiway/apron asphalt, and loader/snow blower purchase.

Examples of key Strategic Initiatives in the Budget include: compliance with the new provincial housing Bill 44; a Building Facilities Greenhouse Gas Study; the ‘Pathways to Sustainable Economic Development’ program; and a website redesign with a visual identity refresh

2025 Combined Property Taxes and Utilities

A typical household in Qualicum Beach will experience a 5.7% overall increase in combined property taxes and utility bills in 2025 compared to 2024. This is based on a modest increase in utility fees, and a property tax increase of 6.6%. For an average home valued at $981,000, the annual cost per household will be approximately $3,559, an increase of $182 from last year.

The proposed 2025 property tax increase of 6.6% is made up of 3.8% for operational costs, 1.5% for police services, and 1.3% for asset management.

Other Taxing Bodies

Its also important to note that approximately 51% of property taxes collected by the Town are remitted to other taxing authorities. These include the Province of BC (School Tax), Regional District of Nanaimo, Nanaimo Regional Hospital District, Vancouver Island Regional Library, BC Assessment Authority, and Municipal Finance Authority. Each of these entities sets its own tax rates annually.

Next Steps

The Financial Bylaw will be presented for third reading at a Special Council meeting on March 5, 2025. Final adoption is scheduled for the Regular Council meeting on March 12, 2025.

For more information visit qualicumbeach.com/finance_process

Exciting changes are coming to the Qualicum Beach Skatepark, with reconstruction set to begin on February 3, 2025 and be completed by Summer 2025.

A 2023 study by New Line Skateparks confirmed that the current design lacked flow, accessibility, and appropriate terrain for skill progression. This new skatepark will address these needs, creating a modern, all-wheel skatepark, designed to attract youth, families, and visitors to gather, socialize, and develop their skills.

The upgrades also enhance the broader Community Park, improving safety, accessibility, and connectivity through better pathways and multipurpose seating. This $1.3 million project is backed by $100,000 raised by local skateboarders.

For more details visit qualicumbeach.com/skatepark

New ‘Town Hall’ style Committee of the Whole meetings will feature a dedicated public comment or question-and-answer period with Council on municipal matters.

These meetings will replace Public Open Houses, which were held with only two council members. This new structure enhances Council’s ability to collectively hear and address concerns.

The following 2025 Committee of the Whole meetings will provide a “Town Hall” segment:

• February 26, 2025 – Council Chambers, 10 am
• May 21, 2025 – Council Chambers, 10 am
• July 23, 2025 – Council Chambers, 10 am
• October 6, 2025 – Council Chambers, 10 am

For more details, visit qualicumbeach.com/council-corner

Subsidized Town Rental

Applications are being accepted for subsidized rental of the Town of Qualicum Beach Civic Centre and Community Hall.

Eligible organizations wishing to apply for a subsidized rate can obtain an application at the Civic Centre, Town Hall or from the Town’s website. Applications are due by February 14, 2025.

For full details visit qualicumbeach.com

Brant Geese - Dogs on the Beach

Each Spring, Brant Geese arrive on our shores to rest and regain strength on their way to the Alaskan Peninsula.

Dogs are not permitted (on-leash or off-leash) on any public beach between March 1 to April 30. A fine of $100 may be issued as per the Animal Control Bylaw.

Dogs are permitted on the street level walkway on-leash.