Lake Country residents could see a significant property tax increase

Photo: District of Lake Country

Lake Country residents could be hit with a significant property tax increase this year.

In a press release issued Friday, the District of Lake Country says they're facing “immense external pressures” that have largely been triggered by its population growth and rising inflation.

As such, council is looking at a 2023 property tax increase of somewhere between 9.95 and 19.02%. for context, the district says a 1% increase would result in about a $20 annual tax increase for the average single family home in Lake Country – which is worth $1.087 million.

One of the reasons for the increased costs the district points to is an increase in RCMP service costs after the population surpassed 15,000 people.

“Rising inflation rates are also resulting in escalated cost of services, contracts, and wages throughout the District,” the district adds.

“Maintaining and upgrading aging infrastructure and sustaining the level of services that we are all used to will come with a higher price tag in 2023.”

The district is urging residents of Lake Country to make their voice heard leading up to council's budget deliberations. Details about this year's budget can be found here, and questions and comments can be left on the website.

Council will begin deliberations on its five-year financial plan, which includes the 2023 budget, on Jan. 26.

On Jan. 31, council will be streaming a town hall meeting on Facebook live, and residents can attend online or in person.

On Feb. 23, council will give the five-year financial plan second and third reading and incorporate any changes to the plan after receiving public input.

Adoption of the plan will come in March.