Each year, the Budget guides funding for essential services strengthening our community, from public safety to roads and recreation.
Every year, we develop a Five-Year Financial Plan. With smart financial planning, we’re able to stay focused on what matters most today and in the future for residents, keeping Oak Bay a remarkable community to live, work and play. The budget is how we decide:
- What services we deliver
- What projects move forward
- How we invest in our community
Tax Increase
8.5%
2025 increase: 11.4%
Increase means average
$422
more in 2026 municipal taxes, based off median household
Breaking Down the 2026 Budget
Grounded in Community Priorities
Our Budget is connected to long-term community plans, ensuring our financial planning and investments align with the long-term vision for the District of Oak Bay.
Investing in our Community
Read more about how borrowing is used for large infrastructure projects in Oak Bay and is part of a balanced, prudent approach.
What do my tax dollars support?
Your tax dollars help fund quality services that benefit our community today, while also planning for a sustainable future for generations to come. They support things like:
Public Safety
Fire Department, Oak Bay Police, Emergency Program
Infrastructure
Roads, Sidewalks, Utilities (water, sewer etc...)
Parks, Recreation and Culture
Parks, Rec Centres, Activities, Playgrounds
Planning and Development
Housing, Climate Action and Community Planning
Administration
Finance, IT, HR, Communications and Strategic Initiatives
How is the Budget Funded?
The District funds community services through several sources. Revenue sources include:
- Property Taxes
- Parcel Taxes
- Fees and Charges
- Debt
- Other Revenue Sources
- Reserve Funds
What affects the Budget?
Hover over each element for definitions and specific examples
Non-Discretionary Costs
Manadatory Costs
Council Approved Phase-In Plans
Projects and Planning including
Changing Service Demands
Trends
Investment Options
Example
Informed by Community Feedback
Community engagement and input is an important element of the financial planning process.
Input gathered through bi-annual Community Questionnaire and public meetings provides important insight into community priorities, service satisfaction, and emerging needs. This feedback informs both Council strategic direction and staff recommendations during budget development and deliberations.
What We Learned | 2025 Community Questionnaire
The 2025 Community Questionnaire ran from May 12 to July 2, 2025 with full results shared with Council during their annual review of Council Priority Projects on November 27, 2025.
The following highlights are among the results that staff have considered in preparing the budget for Council:
Most Important Capital Projects
Water, sewer and storm drain systems (91% somewhat or very important)
Parks and playgrounds (85% somewhat or very important)
Road reconstruction (82% somewhat or very important)
Water, sewer and storm drain systems (80% somewhat or very urgent)
Road reconstruction (64% somewhat or very urgent)
Responding to coastal erosion (59% somewhat or very urgent)
Most Urgent Capital Projects
If faced with following choices, what would you advise council to do?
45%
“Limit tax and/or user fee increases (inflationary increase only) to maintain current service levels”
24%
“Increase taxes and/or user fees to enhance or expand services”
17%
“Implement new user fees for services that are currently paid through taxation”
7%
“Reduce taxes and/or user fees recognizing that this would reduce services”
Key Dates
- March 2026: Special Budget Meetings
- May 2026: Property tax notices mailed to residents
- July 2, 2026: Deadline to pay property taxes
Looking for past Council meeting minutes, agendas and reports? Visit Oak Bay CivicWeb.
Ways to Pay Property Tax
Several payment options are available on our payment options page. If you have any questions, please reach out by calling 250-598-3311. You can pay:
- Online through your financial institution
- In-person at Municipal Hall (2167 Oak Bay Ave)
- Drop-off box at Municipal Hall