Whistlerites will get their first look at the 2019 draft municipal budget—including any proposed tax increases—at an open house on Monday, Feb. 4 at the Maury Young Arts Centre from 4 to 7 p.m.
"Council goes into those meetings with a desire to hear the voices of our community. We are spending public funds and we really desire public input," said Mayor Jack Crompton.
"We can't fit all projects and services into the budget, and so in many ways the input we receive helps us prioritize—it gives us insight on which projects the community would like to see move forward."
Budget documents will be posted online today at www.whistler.ca/budget.
Some of the big infrastructure projects anticipated for 2019 include a significant rebuild of the Spruce Grove Sewer lift station; major relining of the trunk sewer between Alta Lake Road and Function Junction; the Meadow Park cardio room expansion, and; three new washroom buildings in Whistler Village.
Following the open house, budget guidelines will be developed by staff before being brought back to council in March.
The Five-Year Financial Plan Bylaw is tentatively scheduled for first three readings on March 26 and adoption on April 9, while the Tax Rate Bylaws are tentatively scheduled for first three readings on April 9.
In 2018, property taxes went up 2.25 per cent, solid waste user fees went up 4.5-per-cent and sewer parcel taxes 1.1-per-cent, while there was no increase to water rates.
The open house will be broadcast live at www.facebook.com/rmowhistler for those who can't attend.
