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Set on a Path of Financial Sustainability by Mary Wagner, Sept 15, 2026
When I post something these days, it's no surprise that someone will comment about our tax increase.
To be clear, I do think taxes need to be kept in check; however, if you have followed along in our budget meetings or watched the recent asset management plan presentation you will know the previous taxes were not sustainable.
Only 20% of the revenue needed to manage our $1.8Billion of assets was being collected in 2022 prior to our taking office.
We also stopped using amenity fees as a tax break and put them towards amenities like safe routes to school. There were a lot of other budget pressures particularly with public safety investments to keep up with our growth.
If previous tax increases had been just a bit more sustainable at say 4% for the years leading up to this council taking office in late 2022, then our tax increase in 2024 would have been around 5% to get the same community investments. (see excerpt from the report from the Director of Finance)
We are on a much more stable footing, and I believe whoever is elected will be able to keep the tax increases to a more standard level. If you look at fast growing communities across Canada and look at the downloaded costs from the Province such as for 911 service, we are not alone in our having some bigger tax increases. But we have caught up.
Langford taxes are now basically on par with Colwood who had collected much higher taxes and invested them in the community over the past several years. Langford still remains one of the lower tax rates, with our business tax rate also being vey competitive.
Langford is doing well by many metrics. We had 573 business license applications last year - people see us as a great opportunity.
The tax increases were shocking for some people, and I wish that the budget had not been so rough. I encourage people to look at the numbers. I see that this council has set Langford on a path of financial sustainability.
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“Community begins with awareness. Thank you for showing up, staying informed, and believing in Langford.”
— Mary Wagner
