What are your priorities for City spending? How would you weigh spending for these priorities, while delivering a balanced budget?

The City of Courtenay is launching a virtual tool that will give residents hands-on experience in shaping Courtenay’s 2025 financial plan, and share their budget choices with the City.

The Balancing Act budget simulator is available at www.courtenay.ca/budget

Courtenay Mayor Bob Wells said the simulator gives residents a way to see how their choices impact the budget, and provide feedback before the financial plan is considered by Council. “This tool is a really helpful, easy way for people to share their thoughts with the City,” said Wells. “The simulator will walk you through various options and see how your choices impact the budget as a whole. In the process, we hope this helps people learn more about the budget planning process in a fun and accessible way.”

Survey respondents will provide input on revenue and expense service categories in the City’s 2025 financial plan, increasing or decreasing revenue and expenditures to arrive at a balanced budget that reflects their priorities and values. Municipalities in B.C. are required by legislation to deliver a balanced budget every year. 

Additional information, reports and documentation will be added to the City website as the budget and financial plans progress over the coming months.

The survey closes on January 15, 2025.