Should low income and the ability to pay be a major consideration in determining property tax rate increases?
Apparently not if you live in Victoria and face a proposed 7.28 percent hike this year.
Council needs reminding that household, family and individual income are all significantly less in the City of Victoria when compared to 12 other municipalities on the South Island.
The most recent figures put the median after-tax income of households in the City of Victoria at $60,000.
This compares to $105,000 in the Highlands, $82,000 in Langford, $104,000 in North Saanich, $93,000 in Oak Bay, and $83,000 in Saanich. You get the picture.
While all these incomes mentioned above are the most recent from the 2021 Census, this trend has remained consistent over the decades. There’s no reason to think that changed dramatically in the last few years.
There are a disproportionate number of low-income workers, seniors, and renters on fixed income in the City of Victoria who are struggling with affordability. They have far less ability to manage compounding rent, food and fuel costs.
With increased property taxes, business owners will very likely have to pass along an increase in goods and services to charge those with limited income (and everyone else) to remain profitable.
City staff are now saying the anticipated tax hike of 11% in 2027 is now likely to be closer to 14% to make up for the reduced reserve contributions and taxation this year. That said, it’s unknown the full impact the grim 2026 BC budget will have on city finances.
It’s well-known there are significant staff cuts planned in 2026 driven by the federal and provincial government, as well as the private sector.
It’s unfortunate our facile, ideological-bound city council won’t give their heads a shake, tighten their belt and restructure their bloated workforce.
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