TNRD – Regional district board sets tax increase at 5.9 per cent for 2025

The TNRD will tax residents with a 5.9 per cent increase this year, but the district is quick to point out that many property owners will see an increase less than that, and some will even get a decrease.

The regional board adopted its budget and capital plan Thursday (March 27, 2025), boosting the tax requisition to $28.8 million, an increase of $1.6 million from 2024.

New growth, especially in the utilities and residential classes, will spread the increase over a larger tax base, accounting for variations in what property owners will pay.

Average residential properties will see a change in tax owing for TNRD services that ranges from a decrease of $21.37 (Electoral Area “E”) to an increase of $10.58 (Mountain Resort Municipality of Sun Peaks).

“We continued to be impacted by recent years of inflation when preparing the 2025 budget, and have worked to keep costs sustainable while maintaining services,” said CAO Scott Hildebrand.

“We have reduced expenses in many departments and continue to find ways to cut costs of doing business where we can.”

The 2025 operating budget is $63.98 million, which is funded by taxation, municipal debt funding, grants, fees, surpluses, and reserves. Key factors for the 2025 tax requisition include wage increases from previously negotiated union agreements, two new library service positions for the Aberdeen Tiny Library, new facilities manager and asset manager positions, anticipated cost increases for janitorial service after a five-year fixed contract, and cost increases for E-Comm 9-1-1 service.

Revenues were lower than expected in 2024 for tipping fees and building permits due in large part to slower economic activity, resulting in about $1.5 million being transferred from reserve funds of those services.

Cost reductions have been made by using higher-than-expected surplus and interest funds, reducing expenses in solid waste and recycling, and eliminating one full-time position.

The 2025 capital plan includes $24.99 million in project costs, which are funded by grants (52 per cent), capital reserve funds (32 per cent), community works funds (10 per cent), and borrowing (six per cent).

Among the capital projects in 2025 are the new Pritchard community water system and Pritchard wastewater system upgrades, a new Monte Creek firehall, a new reservoir for the Walhachin community water system, and renovations to the Clearwater library and North Kamloops library.

For more information on the 2025 budget, details about operating and capital costs, to view the TNRD’s tax rate infographics, and to provide feedback, visit: tnrd.ca/budget.