Budget 2025

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The 2025 budget cycle is complete. Now, staff can begin implementing it. See you later this year when we get started on the plan for 2026!

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When your garbage is collected, your street is plowed, or you are visiting the splash park, your tax dollars are at work.

It is municipal budget decisions, at the direction of Mayor and Council, that set the funding levels for the programs and services that maintain your quality of life. Developing this budget involves making difficult decisions between essential programs, infrastructure demands, and the wants and needs of residents.

The City of Terrace needs to ensure it is budgeting adequately to maintain long-term financial stability for the future of the community as well as focusing on the wants and needs of today.

When your garbage is collected, your street is plowed, or you are visiting the splash park, your tax dollars are at work.

It is municipal budget decisions, at the direction of Mayor and Council, that set the funding levels for the programs and services that maintain your quality of life. Developing this budget involves making difficult decisions between essential programs, infrastructure demands, and the wants and needs of residents.

The City of Terrace needs to ensure it is budgeting adequately to maintain long-term financial stability for the future of the community as well as focusing on the wants and needs of today.

The 2025 budget cycle is complete. Now, staff can begin implementing it. See you later this year when we get started on the plan for 2026!

  • Your Questions Answered (#11 - 20)

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    Throughout the Budget 2025 consultation process we received many questions about a wide range of topics - from bigger picture items to questions about specific projects, properties, streets and more. Here we continue to answer your questions.

    Check out answers to Questions #1 to 10.

    Your Questions (#11 to 20) Answered

    Questions and answers are listed in no particular order.

    11. What is the City doing to get better health care in Terrace? Can we get a walk-in clinic?

    The City of Terrace Council recognizes the many challenges residents face accessing local health care. For example, many of us do not have a family doctor and the wait time at the local emergency department is often significant. Residents are frustrated and Council shares your concerns.

    Health care is the responsibility of the Provincial Government; it's not a municipal service. However, City Council consistently advocates for improvements to health care in Terrace and area. Council advocates to and meets regularly with the Northwest First Nations Alliance, the Ministry of Health, the Ministry of Mental Health and Addictions, and the Office of the Premier regarding healthcare and doctor shortages in Terrace.

    Council also meets regularly with Northern Health, which regularly reports to Council about the current status of important matters such as physician and staff recruitment, service updates, and more. Council works hard to support the Health Authority in its efforts to offer high quality, accessible health care that benefits our community. For example, the Mayor spends a significant amount of time touring new specialists and physicians around Terrace and area, to give them a good sense of what living in Terrace is like, and all it has to offer. The current and previous Councils also played a big part in getting a new hospital built in Terrace, continually advocating to higher levels of government. The Mayor was also part of advisory committees for the new Ksyen Regional Hospital.

    12. What can be done to make highways safer (eg. painted lines, reflectors, barriers, lights, etc.)?

    Similar to Health, highways are the responsibility of the Provincial Government. However, City staff meet regularly with the Ministry of Highways and other regional stakeholders to discuss road safety initiatives in the region and advocate for potential improvements.

    13. How is the City prepared for a train derailment?

    The City of Terrace Fire Department regularly conducts pre-planning sessions to ensure preparedness for large-scale emergency incidents like train derailments. The Fire Department participates in comprehensive and collaborative regional training exercises with other local emergency responders. These exercises cover preparedness, mitigation, response, and recovery, and are designed to enhance the skills and readiness of all involved parties to manage complex situations effectively.

    CN Rail maintains frequent communication with the City of Terrace Fire Chief, providing essential information pertinent to train safety, including details about substances carried by the trains. This communication aids in formulating effective tactics and strategies for mitigating and responding to incidents involving train derailments. Their collaboration ensures that local emergency services are well-prepared to handle specific challenges posed by rail transport emergencies.

    Terrace resident are encouraged to subscribe to Voyent Alert!. This is a multipurpose communication service used to send alerts to residents, businesses, and visitors during critical events like fires or floods while also providing relevant day-to-day communications such as snow removal advisories, planned maintenance, water advisories, and more.

    14. What is the City doing about lack of rentals and affordable housing?

    We recognize there’s many housing challenges in our area: affordability, accessibility, adequacy and supply (both market-purchased and rental housing). We are doing what we can to support and create solutions for local housing challenges.

    In recent years, Council and staff (Development Services) have supported many new housing initiatives to address our housing needs:

    • The City's Development services department, which includes the City's planners, works with developers (including BC housing) to ensure housing fits with needs of community and community plan.
    • From its Affordable Housing Reserve Fund, the City contributed $250,000 to Stoneridge affordable housing and $100,000 to the TDCSS Foundry project, which includes seniors housing.
    • Last summer, we implemented a substantial zoning bylaw amendment to allow for small scale multi-unit housing units on low density residential parcels, with the aim of increasing housing supply. More info about that is available on the Bill 44 Engage Terrace project page.
    • The City recently completed the 2024 Housing Needs Report, which:
      • Includes anticipated housing demand over the 5 and 20-year periods.
      • Will guide the City and Housing Committee in identifying the residents in our community who have a priority need
      • Will support advocacy with the province to address homelessness and affordability facing our residents.
      • Will support applications for finding to construct new affordable and supportive housing units

    The City also has a Housing Committee, which includes several local community representatives and meets regularly with Council and staff representatives. The Committee gives input and guidance to the City. This committee hosted a successful housing conference in March 2024 to stimulate discussions about local housing needs. A big part of that conference was facilitating connections between the people who build housing and the people who need it.

    All of this work has resulted in significant number of units being built locally over the years, and this work continues.

    15. What is the City doing about homelessness?
    Note: See question #14 for more information about housing.

    Homelessness is a multi-faceted issue. Housing challenges are part of it, but so is mental health and addictions. The homelessness and drug crisis in BC has impacted all of us, and the City (Mayor, Council and staff) are working hard to do what we can. Specifically, we've got a couple programs in place aimed at supporting the most vulnerable populations in the City. This includes the City's Social Development program, run by the City's Social Development Coordinator. You can learn more about the coordinator and the future of this program in the following documents, both of which were adopted by Council in December 2024:

    We also have a Community Safety Program in place. Community Safety Officers (CSOs) work closely with the City's bylaw officers. CSOs actively engage with the business community, street-involved population, other bylaw staff, RCMP, first responders, public facilities, and service providers to address community safety concerns. This position holds some of the usual compliance and enforcement responsibilities required of bylaw. However, Community Safety Officers prioritize relationship development, system navigation support, and the facilitation of connections to supports and services to address issues in the downtown core.

    Social and drug issues are not something the City can address on its own and we take a multisectoral approach. Mayor and Council advocate regularly to the Provincial Government, the Office of the Premier, the Ministry of Health, and the Ministry of Mental Health and Addictions for support and a treatment centre. We also collaborate regularly on strategies and solutions with other agencies such as the RCMP, social agencies, Northern Health, and area businesses.

    16. Are there plans to replace the Terrace & District Aquatic Centre? We have already outgrown that facility and will continue to do so. Instead of making small updates to this building, we need to get capital funds to expand or replace it.

    Significant upgrades completed at the Terrace & District Aquatic Center in 2018 resulted in a facility that is expected to serve our community for many years to come. This project was more than 50% grant-funded with the remaining $3.7 million funded by debt over a 15-year term. As part of the City's asset management planning, a review of our buildings and facilities is currently underway. This planning will provide context and priorities for future capital requirements.

    Stay tuned for more of your questions (#17-20) answered!

    And those will be the last questions we answer on the Budget 2025 Engage Terrace project page.

    If you've got a question you want answered, please email: engage@terrace.ca

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  • Your Questions Answered (#1-10)

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    Throughout the Budget 2025 consultation process we received many questions about a wide range of topics - from bigger picture items to questions about specific projects, properties, streets and more.

    We aim to respond to as many questions as we can. We will periodically add questions and answers to the list below as we gather and summarize the information requested. We will also post on the City of Terrace Facebook page as questions are added to the list. Note that questions and answers are listed in no particular order.

    Public input is so important in helping Mayor, Council and staff know what's important to community members, so a big thank to you all who took the time you took to provide feedback and questions. Much appreciation to all those who participated in the 2025 budget process - by filling out a survey, sending us your thoughts in an email, calling us, or attending the town hall with Mayor & Council!

    Your Questions Answered

    Questions and answers are listed in no particular order.

    1. Can you explain why taxes go up and City services stay the same or go down?
      The City experiences inflation the same way residents do. The cost of items such as wages, supplies, materials, and utilities increase every year requiring increased taxation and/or user fees to provide the same services.

    2. Can you explain why taxes went up despite the City receiving the Northwest BC Resource Benefits Alliance money?
      The agreement between the Province and the City of Terrace, through which we received almost $35 million over five years, is intended to support the renewal or replacement of capital assets and construction of infrastructure. Examples of this are roads, water, sewer and other amenities, needed for economic development and growth in the region. The agreement states that funding is restricted to the purposes identified in the agreement, and the funds may not be used to reduce property taxes.

      Find out more about the Northwest BC Resource Benefits Alliance.

    3. What does the $70,051 salary of the City's 'part-time seasonal gardener' include?
      The City's seasonal gardener position is a full-time position for approximately seven months of the year. The budgeted salary amount covers the salary and all applicable benefits (as defined in a collective agreement).

    4. The park/trail I visit isn't always maintained. How do I make sure it is?
      The Parks, Recreation and Culture staff do their best to stay on top of park and trail maintenance and clean up. Staff do weekly checks at minimum. The work that gets done week-to-week varies however, as staff, at times, need to focus on problem areas. During the summer we have more staff who can cover more ground. We appreciate a heads up if you notice any locations that need special attention. Let us know! Email the parks department at pr@terrace.ca, or call the Sportsplex at 250.615.3000, or message us through the City of Terrace Facebook page.

    5. What does cultural/community partners refer to? Why is the art gallery not a community partner?
      The City's community/cultural partners include the Terrace Public Library, Terrace & District Museum Society, and the Terrace Community Foundation. The City provides some funding to these partners and they provide a service on behalf of the municipality. One of our partners, the Community Foundation, provides funding to local, not-for-profit community organizations. The Terrace Art Gallery is eligible to apply for this funding.

    6. Aquatic Centre revenues are listed as: public swim and lessons - $373,300 revenue. What does this include?
      This is the revenue expected in 2025 for swimming classes and public swimming which comes in the form of memberships and drop ins. Fees for this include the use of the fitness. Pool rentals and merchandise are not included in this amount, however. They are in addition to revenues collected for swim classes and public swimming.

    7. What is the situation at Skeena Sawmills?
      The City is aware that Kitsumkalum First Nation is in the process of purchasing Skeena Sawmills and that Kitsumkalum hopes to revive the business. Anyone wanting more information should contact the Kitsumkalum Economic Development Group.

    8. We want a new skatepark for youth in the community. How do we make this happen?
      We agree. We recognize that the design of the current skate park, which was constructed in the 1980s, is outdated and a new skate park would be great for the community. As per the City’s 2025 Capital Projects Plan, the Parks, Recreation and Culture department are planning to complete a feasibility and design study for a new skatepark. This will give us a better sense of potential costs as well as options for the actual construction of a new park in the future.

      A feasibility study is often the first step necessary for a project like this. However, it’s important to note, the completion of a feasibility study does not guarantee a project will move forward. Community members should also consider the following list of why some projects are more successful than others, though the list is in no way complete.

      i. The project fits into the City’s already existing plans (eg. Official Community Plan, Active Transportation plan, etc.).
      ii. An organized group such as a local, non-profit organization (not just one individual) champions the project, takes initiative and works closely with the City to move the project forward.
      iii. The group championing the project has resources in place, for example, a feasibility study, a professional business plan, a budget, and/or more.

    9. Has the City had a FireSmart program in the past?
      The City’s FireSmart program is funded by the Government of BC’s Community Resilient Investment Funding. The City has received this funding several times over the past few years with the funding going towards different activities. In 2024, it funded the City’s Firesmart Coordinator. position.

      In years before that, the funding went towards public education, emergency preparedness, and wildfire prevention. Examples of public education activities include events, signage, and social media and door-to-door campaigns. Examples of emergency preparedness and wildfire prevention activities include identifying high-risk neighbourhoods and working with local home owners to complete FireSmart property assessments, and mitigation work such as brushing, tree clearing and more. External groups, including local companies and contractors, helped complete this work.

    10. Are there plans to further expand household recycling collection, for example, glass?
      Some larger communities have multi-stream recycling. This means residents must sort their recycling (such as paper, plastic, glass, and metal) into separate carts versus combining all eligible recyclables into a single cart. The collection trucks in these communities have separate compartments for each of the sorted materials.

      The City of Terrace offers single stream recycling through our agreement with Recycle BC. That means all eligible metal, paper, carboard and plastics go into one cart. The City's collection trucks have one compartment, where all these materials are dumped. The materials are sorted afterwards at the recycling facility. Single stream recycling is what is viable for our automated trucks with one recycling compartment. Glass pick up is not an option.

    Stay tuned for more of your questions answered

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  • Final Adoption of 2025-202 Financial Plan Bylaw

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    At the council meeting on Monday, February 10, 2025, council adopted the following bylaws:

    • 2025-2029 Financial Plan Bylaw
    • Sewer Connection and Rates Amending Bylaw
    • Water Distribution and Sale Amending Bylaw
    • Sewer Frontage Tax Amending Bylaw
    • Water Frontage Tax Amending Bylaw

    All these bylaws are available on our website.


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  • 2025 Budget Consultation Results

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    At the January 14, 2025, Committee of the Whole meeting focused on the 2025 budget, staff presented the results of the 2025 Budget Consultation.

    Read the 2025 Budget Consultation Results report to Council.

    This year, to collect feedback on the upcoming budget and 5-year financial plan, we:

    We received:

    • 31 online survey responses (the same number of responses as last year)
    • Two emails commenting on the budget
    • Approximately 40 community members at the town hall
      • Most submitted comments and questions beforehand or at the event itself

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  • Final budget meeting set for Tuesday, January 14 at 12noon

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    The final budget 2025 meeting between Council and staff will take place Tuesday, January 14.

    The agenda will be available soon on the Council Portal.

    At the meeting, the results of public consultation on the budget will be presented to Council, including feedback and input received by email, the budget survey results, and a summary of the December 17 town hall meeting.

    Note: If you'd like to ask a question, you must attend the meeting in person or through Teams.

    Details about participating in the City's public meeting can be found on the City's website at terrace.ca/participate(External link).

    We want to hear from you!

    A large part of setting the City's budget is considering the wants and needs of residents and in addition to being able to attend the budget meetings, and ask questions.

    Council will engage with residents about their budget priorities in the next couple months through the distribution of a detailed budget consultation document, a short survey and an in-person town hall. More details coming soon!



  • Chat with Mayor & Council at December 17 Town Hall

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    All community members are invited to a Town Hall with the City's Mayor & Council.

    • Tuesday, December 17
    • 6pm to 8pm
    • Sportsplex Banquet Room
    A chance to chat face-to-face with Council members about important community priorities and the 2025 budget.

    Childcare and snacks will be available.

    Evening Program
    • 6pm - doors open. Mingle & chat with Mayor & Council.
    • 6:30pm - Opening remarks by Mayor Sean Bujtas.
    • 6:45pm - Presentation: Draft 2025 Budget, and 2025-2029 Capital Plan
    • 7pm - Open Question period
    • 8pm - Town Hall ends.

    Questions

    The floor will be open to questions at the town hall. However, if you want to ensure your question is answered, submit it beforehand to: engage@terrace.ca

    There will also be a question board at the town hall where you can post your question and Council will answer it.

    Hope to see you there!


  • Budget Consultation - Document & Survey

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    2025 Budget Consultation Document

    We are developing the 2025 budget and want to hear from the community!

    Council is currently considering the 2025 to 2029 Financial Plan, with a focus on the 2025 Budget, and your feedback is important.

    Please read through the information provided in the 2025 Budget - Public Consultation Document and provide comment:

    1. THROUGH A SURVEY

    • ONLINE
    • ON PAPER: Printed copies of the survey are available at:

    The deadline to complete the survey (online or paper) is Monday, January 6, 2025. Please return paper copies to City Hall, 3215 Eby St, V8G 2X8.

    All online and on-paper comments will be compiled and presented to Council at the January 14 meeting.

    2. IN PERSON: Provide comment in person at:

    • December 17, 2024 Town Hall - with Mayor & Council, from 6-8pm, in the Sportsplex Banquet Room.
    • January 14, 2025 Committee of the Whole meeting focused on budget - at 12 noon at City hall.

    Community can give general feedback on the budget until January 14 by emailing engage@terrace.ca or coming to 12 noon January 14 meeting.


    View the 2025 Budget Consultation Document

    Provide comments through the online survey

  • Third budget meeting set for November 6

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    The third budget 2025 meeting between Council and staff will take place Wednesday, November 6.

    The November 6 meeting agenda is available on the Council Portal.

    At the meeting, the City's Finance Director will present:

    The meeting is open to the public and there's many ways to participate.

    Note: If you'd like to ask a question, you must attend the meeting in person or through Teams.

    Details about participating in the City's public meeting can be found on the City's website at terrace.ca/participate.

    We want to hear from you!

    A large part of setting the City's budget is considering the wants and needs of residents and in addition to being able to attend the budget meetings, and ask questions.

    Council will engage with residents about their budget priorities in the next couple months through the distribution of a detailed budget consultation document, a short survey and an in-person town hall. More details coming soon!

  • Second budget meeting set for October 23

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    The second budget 2025 meeting between Council and staff will take place Wednesday, October 23.

    The October 23 meeting agenda is available on the Council Portal.

    At the meeting, the City's Finance Director will present the 2025 Draft General Operating Budget.

    The meeting is open to the public and there's many ways to participate.

    Note: If you'd like to ask a question, you must attend the meeting in person or through Teams.

    Details about participating in the City's public meeting can be found on the City's website at terrace.ca/participate.

    We want to hear from you!

    A large part of setting the City's budget is considering the wants and needs of residents and in addition to being able to attend the budget meetings, and ask questions, Council will engage with residents about their budget priorities in the coming months.

    Tell us what's important to you!

  • First budget meeting set for October 9

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    The first budget meeting between Council and staff will take place Wednesday, October 9.

    The October 9 meeting agenda is available on the Council Portal.

    At the meeting, the City's Finance Director will present the Draft Capital Plan for the years 2025 - 2029.

    The meeting is open to the public and there's many ways to participate.

    Note: If you'd like to ask a question, you must attend the meeting in person or through Teams.

    Details about participating in the City's public meeting can be found on the City's website at terrace.ca/participate.

    We want to hear from you!

    A large part of setting the City's budget is considering the wants and needs of residents and in addition to being able to attend the budget meetings, and ask questions, Council will engage with residents about their budget priorities in the coming months.

    Tell us what's important to you!