Council Adopts 4 Year Strategic Plan to Guide Oak Bay Forward

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE                

OAK BAY, TUESDAY APRIL 28, 2015

The District of Oak Bay rolled out its four year strategic plan last night supported by a 5.1% property tax increase to advance several key initiatives that will move the community forward, strengthening assurances that the unique character and rich quality of life enjoyed by Oak Bay residents will be preserved into the future.  Included in the bold strategy is Council’s commitment to address the complex realities of aging community infrastructure, and to commence the implementation of the 2014 Official Community Plan, the proud result of an 18 month dynamic process involving broad community consultation where residents responded in impressive numbers to inform the future of the 109 year old municipality.

A 5.1% property tax increase for an average Oak Bay home (valuation $858,000) is approximately $155.00 this year, or roughly $13.00 per home per month.

“Investments in these important, taxpayer-informed initiatives will enable Council and staff to deliver meaningful results over the short and long term at a reasonable cost to home owners,” explained Oak Bay Mayor Nils Jensen. “The ratio of community investment to long-lasting benefits returned to the community has been a key consideration in both the development of the strategic plan and the corresponding budget. Council is pleased to be able to deliver a sensible yet bold plan to our citizens - one that advances an array of integrated and comprehensive quality services to address infrastructure repairs and enhancements – one that advances alternative transportation solutions, and one that inspires land-use innovations and introduces new strategic initiatives. Council has approved a smart plan that is thoughtfully aligned with the human resources necessary to drive the implementation of the OCP and associated projects.  We are investing now in necessities that have been deferred for many years, and we are investing in the future in order to preserve and strengthen the livability quotient of our highly desirable community. Oak Bay is not an accidental community. We must invest to preserve, define and guide the community’s future.”

The District of Oak Bay’s strategic plan was adopted by Council last night.

View the Strategic Plan here.

The budget received third reading and will be considered for adoption at the District Council's meeting on May 11^th.

Property owners will be receiving their tax notices in the coming weeks.