In previous editions of Town Talk, I have written about some of the challenges facing the Town and our Council. These have included support for our volunteers whose efforts keep our town vibrant and socially rich, the need to maintain and replace municipal buildings, roads and underground services and, in many areas, the need to extend our sidewalk, street lighting and crosswalk networks. These are long-term issues of “sustainability” that require the Town to develop plans to address them.

However, Council is also very much aware of another dimension of “sustainability” - the ability of residents to meet the cost of all of the competing demands on the Town budget. The Town has little to no control over some pressures on the budget: inflation, previously negotiated labour agreements, the economic conditions confronting both Canada and our community, and so on. Municipalities have very limited means to raise revenues apart from property taxes (non-tax revenues such as fees, service charges and earned interest are a very small portion of the Town budget). Council understands the pressures that property taxes place on residents and business.

Preparations are underway over the next weeks to develop the Town’s 2011 Financial Plan (Budget). Last year, Council ensured that Sidney’s percentage budget increase was one of the lowest of all of the municipalities in the Capital Region because Council was aware of the financial challenges facing many of our residents and business people. This same awareness will guide us in the 2011 budget considerations. We are committed to seeing that Town expenditures provide residents with the greatest service for the least amount.

Council has set three evenings in February aside for its formal budget deliberations (February 22, 23 and 24). Anyone wishing to make a presentation to Council with regards to the 2011 Budget is welcome to do so. Please contact the Town’s Administration Office (250-656-1139) to be included in the agenda. In addition, written submissions are also welcomed by Council.

Sidney is the community that it is because of the commitment of its residents to a quality life – and their readiness to work together. Your comments and suggestions with regards to expenditures and priorities would be of great help to Council.

2010 was a very positive year for the Town:

• formation of new Town Commissions and Committees;
• continued negotiations to secure long-term lease with Washington State Ferries and full ferry services
• commencement of Lochside redevelopment, Iroquois Park revitalization and Town’s Works Yard improvement projects;
• new agreement with Saanich Peninsula Chamber of Commerce for operation of the Towns’ Visitor Information Centre;
• lease with School District to remove derelict building and provide interim additional parking in the downtown;
• formed community partnership to review the feasibility of a trolley service in the Saanich Peninsula;
• undertaking major review of Town’s Zoning Bylaw;
• establishment of mail-in registration and mail ballot voting for next local election;
• establishment of regular Mayor’s Open Door (an opportunity for members of the public to meet with the Mayor);

And in 2011 we will build on our successes of 2010. I want to wish all residents the very best for 2011.