Nearly half of respondents to West Vancouver’s 2027 budget questionnaire oppose increasing the environmental levy to fund climate action and environmental protection projects.
Opposition stood at 48 per cent, while 24.5 percent supported an increase and 27.5 percent were undecided, according to a district report going to council October 26. The voluntary questionnaire received 502 responses between July 27 and September 10. Staff caution that its findings cannot be extrapolated to the entire community.
Comments favoured environmental spending addressing local risks, including flooding and wildfire. Opposition included concerns about affordability, municipal responsibility and measurable results.
Housing dropped from second place in last year’s questionnaire to sixth among six council priorities. Municipal services ranked first, followed by the local economy.
Asked which financial tools they supported, respondents selected 231 options to reduce or eliminate services, 220 for new user fees, and 170 for higher property taxes. Multiple selections were allowed. Staff will consider the feedback, along with financial requirements and service needs, when preparing the proposed 2027 financial plan.
Council is being asked to receive the report for information. No tax increase or service cut is being approved through this report.
