Dawson Creek holds public consultation for budget

FORT ST. JOHN, B.C. – The City of Dawson Creek council is holding a public consultation for residents to spread awareness about the 2025 budget. 

On February 10th from 12 p.m., residents are invited to Council Chambers in City Hall to ask their questions regarding the City of Dawson Creek’s 2025 budget. 

The public consultation is a part of the process of crafting the 2025-2029 Financial Plan for the City. A draft of the budget was originally brought before the council in 2024, and a second will be reviewed during the upcoming January 27th council meeting. 

If no significant changes or reviews are requested by council, staff, or the public, the current timeline has a third draft coming to council on March 10th, and then the five-year financial plan bylaw would be read and adopted on April 7th. 

On December 16th, council approved the first draft of the budget, which includes increases in municipal property taxes, user fees and charges, and other taxes and fees. 

The draft also sees increases in operational expenses for facilities such as the Ovintiv Events Centre, as well as contracts between the City and the RCMP and Hockey Canada.

The five-year plan also focuses on debt servicing and capital projects such as paving, sidewalks, and drainage maintenance, fencing, and line painting at the airport, and improvements to the Dawson Trail 17th Street connector and the lighting in Kin Park. 

Those unable to attend can send their questions to the city by 12 p.m. on February 7th to have them included in the meeting agenda.