FAQs

A Financial Plan is another word for the City’s budget. Each year, the City’s budget outlines the amounts of property taxes and other revenue sources generated and how those funds will be used towards the various services provided by the City and the capital investments being made for the community and its residents. (Capital projects are all the things the City builds and maintains, such as buildings, like Leisure Centres, utility infrastructure, roads, and more). The City prepares a long-term, 10-year comprehensive municipal plan that identifies short-term needs as well as anticipated long-term service and capital infrastructure and amenity requirements.

The City prepares a rolling, 10-year Financial Plan on an annual basis.

The process begins by reviewing current levels of services, along with identifying any service gaps and needs for the City. Capital infrastructure is also reviewed to ensure current infrastructure is being maintained and anticipated amenities are identified. From there, City Council is tasked with considering and prioritizing services, while making careful choices to balance the level of property taxes levied with the levels of service and infrastructure provided to the community. 

You can share your ideas in a few ways:

• Complete the survey mailed out with property tax notices in May each year
• Take our online survey between September 26 and October 20
• Participate in the Public Information Meeting when the draft budget comes to a Council meeting (date TBC)
• Contact Mayor and Council directly via email at council@chilliwack.com
• Share these opportunities with others in the community

Property taxes are the City's main source of revenue to provide services. Here’s how the City’s portion of property taxes is currently used:

• Police: 36%
• Parks, Recreation, and Culture: 22%
• Transportation and Public Works: 16%
• Fire Protection: 10%
• General Government and Facilities: 9%
• Fiscal Services: 4%
• Other Protective Services (Bylaw Enforcement, Building Regulation and Inspection, Emergency Preparedness Planning): 2%
• Planning and Development: 1%

The value of property for tax purposes is determined by BC Assessment, which is established under provincial legislation and is independent of municipalities. The City uses property assessments to determine the tax rate we need to set to collect the revenue to pay for public services, like police, fire, and roads. Then the City applies its tax rates to the assessments. 

Watch this video from BC Assessment to learn more. 

While City Council receives ongoing input and feedback from the community on a continual basis throughout the year, other opportunities are provided for community input and feedback from the City’s residents. 

• A survey is included with property tax notices in the spring.
• An online survey is provided in the fall. 

The information received helps City Council make budgetary decisions that shape the annual Financial Plan.