CVRD backs down from 19 per cent tax increase after protest

Backlash from taxpayers persuaded a majority of the Cowichan Valley Regional District board to scuttle plans to raise annual taxes by 19 per cent.

The board held a new vote Feb. 28, reducing the projected increase to 16 per cent by cutting the amount of money allocated for park acquisition to $958,000 from close to $2.5 million.

The higher amount for parks was approved at the end of budget discussion, but some directors said they were ready to change their minds.

Several directors spoke about the value of acquiring parkland to support the region’s watersheds and other ecosystems, but also acknowledged that many residents are struggling financially.

Cowichan resident Jackie Broughton delivered a petition with more than 3,400 names urging the district to step back from the 19.33 per cent increase.

Board members, who have already spent months parsing the numbers, are expected to vote on the final budget before month’s end.

Regional districts in B.C. must submit their financial plan bylaws to the province by March 31.

Broughton said she did not go to the board to debate park acquisition — the petition represents many people with differing opinions — but to see the proposed tax increase reduced.

“A 19 per cent increase is unreasonable regardless of the priority.”

Some Cowichan residents are posting on social media asking for food donations to get through the week, or are in danger of losing their homes, Broughton said.

Many individuals in our community are struggling to feed their families,” she said. “Residents are forced daily to choose between their needs and their wants.”

In a statement on the Change.org website that hosted the petition, Broughton said after the meeting that a 16 per cent tax is still too high.

“However, although this reduction is small, I believe it still represents a positive change,” she wrote, crediting the “overwhelming response” from CVRD residents and other concerned citizens. “Your voices were heard and felt by our elected officials.”

Board chair Ladysmith Mayor Aaron Stone was among directors who voted to reduce the parkland acquisition budget. He noted that regional district taxes include a “baked-in” six per cent lift due to the district’s October 2022 recreational referendum. “That is not optional.”