City Budget
A five-year Financial Plan adopted every spring under section 165 of the BC Community Charter. Public input shapes it. Here's how to be part of that.
Five-year plan
Council adopts a rolling financial plan every spring.
Public input
Open houses, written feedback, and delegations shape priorities.
Capital projects
Roads, parks, facilities, and utilities compete for limited dollars.
Why Council debates this every spring
Every BC municipality is required by section 165 of the Community Charter to adopt a five-year Financial Plan before May 15 each year. The plan sets what the City spends, what it collects in taxes and fees, and what major projects get funded over the next five years. Silvermere’s draft is debated through the winter, refined after public input in early spring, and adopted as a bylaw.
The current plan is Bylaw 474 (2026 to 2030 Financial Plan).
The annual cycle
The same rhythm repeats every year for the rolling five-year window. Specific dates are announced on the City calendar 4 to 6 weeks ahead.
- Late fall: staff publish a draft plan; Council holds a first public review meeting.
- Winter: two or three special budget meetings refine line items.
- Early spring: Budget Open House (in person and on Zoom), written-feedback window opens.
- Late spring: Financial Plan Bylaw goes to Council for readings and adoption before the May 15 deadline.
How the most recent plan came together: the 2026 to 2030 draft circulated in late 2025, with three special meetings and an Open House in March 2026 leading to adoption that spring as Bylaw 474.
How to give input
You can give input three ways:
- Attend the spring Open House, in person or via Zoom.
- Email written feedback to budget@silvermere.example before the announced deadline.
- Appear as a delegation at a Regular Council meeting before the plan is adopted.
Tip
You don't have to read the whole plan
How taxes are set
The Financial Plan determines how much revenue the City needs. The annual Tax Rates Bylaw sets the rate per $1,000 of assessed value for each property class to raise that revenue. The two bylaws work together. See property taxes for what residents pay.
Financial reports
Beyond the planning document, the City publishes Audited Financial Statements each year. These show what the City actually spent compared to what was budgeted.
Common questions
Where can I read the actual budget?
When can I give input?
How does Council decide what to fund?
Who do I contact about a specific budget question?
Where do my property taxes go?
What to do next
Still need help?
Talk to Marcus Webb, Director of Finance & Technology
- Phone
- 250-555-0100
- Hours
- Monday to Friday, 8:30am to 4:30pm
- In person
- City Hall, 100 Lakeshore Avenue, Silvermere, BC. Budget inbox: budget@silvermere.example.
Faster than calling for non-urgent issues. We respond within one business day.