Proposed 2023 Budget Directions, Timeline and Consultation Process

The recitals

• the 2022-2026 Council Governance Review report outlines the requirement of the budget process for the Chief Financial Officer/Treasurer to annually present a directions report that details the budget timetable and provides budget directions in advance of each budget
• the Proposed 2023 Budget Directions, Timeline and Consultation Process report outlines that City user fees and charges increase in accordance with the direction outlined in the Fiscal Framework or the Long Range Financial Plans
• the Fiscal Framework sets the principles and recovery targets for municipal user fees. In general, the rate of increase in user fees is to be in relation to the cost increases associated with providing the service within the cost recovery
• the Proposed 2023 Budget Directions, Timeline and Consultation Process report recommends the 2023 transit fare increase of 2.5 per cent will be included in the budget as it is consistent with Council direction provided through the 2019 Transit LRFP
• many residents struggle with an ongoing affordability crisis amid an uncertain economic climate and require safe and affordable city services