Victoria, BC– At the September 23, 2026, Committee of the Whole and Board meetings, the Capital Regional District (CRD) and Capital Regional Hospital District (CRHD) Boards approved provisional financial plans for 2027-2031, that support continued investment in services and infrastructure that residents rely on every day.
The provisional budget reflects significant decisions made by the CRD and CRHD Boards during the 2023-2026 term, including:
- Introducing a new Regional Transportation Service, advancing the Regional Transportation Plan, and supporting the Reconciliation Corridor Initiative
- Investments in active transportation infrastructure that will support the renewal of regional trail trestles, trail widening and lighting improvements, construction of the Ganges Roadside Pathway, and the design and construction of the Salt Spring Island Regional Trail
- Major investments in the regional water supply system to advance critical infrastructure projects, including Watermain No. 4, the Mt. Newton to Highway 17 and Bear Hill trunk extension, and the Sooke Road watermain replacement. Wholesale water rates will increase by 6.9% in 2027
- A new Regional Performing Arts Facilities Service to support the operation, maintenance and long-term sustainability of regional performing arts facilities
- Supporting public safety through emergency management and protective services investments
- Strengthening climate resilience and environmental stewardship initiatives
- Advancing reconciliation through implementation of the CRD’s first Reconciliation Action Plan, establishing a 10-year framework for measurable actions across its operations, programs and services
- Strengthening sustainable biosolids management through the phased implementation of carbonisation technology to create biochar
- Through the Capital Region Housing Corporation (CRHC), investments to support the continued development and redevelopment of affordable housing throughout the region, including new affordable housing projects, extensive renovations of existing buildings, and expanding a portfolio of more than 2,000 affordable rental homes across eight municipalities.
The CRD, CRHD and Capital Region Housing Corporation (CRHC) financial plans combine to form a consolidated budget totaling $945 million. Of this, the proposed consolidated operating portion, $518 million, will pay for a range of regional, sub-regional, and local services to over 460,000 people. The proposed consolidated capital portion allocates $428 million of investment towards a range of projects throughout the region.
The proposed operating budget supports the delivery of essential regional services that include operating and maintaining water and wastewater systems, operating the Hartland Landfill and regional recycling programs, and providing recreation, arts, and parks services through three recreation centres, three performing arts venues and 34 regional parks spanning more than 13,000 hectares. Approximately one third of the consolidated budget is funded through tax requisition, with the remainder funded through user fees, borrowing and senior government grants.
The consolidated requisition is increasing by 9.9%, excluding municipal debt borrowed by the CRD on behalf of member municipalities. However, the impact varies by municipality based on participation in specific services and capital projects. Requisition increases for Langford, Colwood, and View Royal reflect borrowing associated with the expansion of the West Shore RCMP Detachment. The consolidated requisition increase without the borrowing associated with the West Shore RCMP Detachment is 5.8%.
Public engagement on the provisional financial plans will begin in November 2026 after the local government election period underway. Public input will be shared with the CRD and CRHD Boards and considered during final budget deliberations in March 2027. Year-end adjustments, revised property assessment information, and any amendments directed by commissions, committees or the CRD Board will also inform the final budget considered in the spring.
Appendix: Detailed summary of Key Achievements within 2023-2026 Board Priorities
For more information, and to review the provisional 2027 – 2031 financial plans, please visit www.crd.ca/budget.
The CRD delivers regional, sub-regional and local services to 13 municipalities and three electoral areas on southern Vancouver Island and the Gulf Islands. Governed by a 24-member Board of Directors, the CRD works collaboratively with First Nations and government partners to enable sustainable growth, foster community well-being, and develop cost-effective infrastructure while continuing to provide core services to residents throughout the region. Visit us online at www.crd.ca.
For media inquiries, please contact:
Andy Orr, Senior Manager
CRD Corporate Communications & Engagement
Tel: 250.360.3229
Cell: 250.216.5492
