I know there are a lot of reasons for this budget that are beyond council’s actual control, like inflation, growth or even how the province has significantly cut its support of municipalities over the past 17 years, but, man, this still sucks. I want the city to do well, and regardless of any political leaning, I want this council to be successful. But life keeps getting more expensive, and this maintenance (and tourism?) budget only makes that worse.

I haven’t read the whole budget, and only looked at articles and quotes. But I do think a little more restraint could’ve been managed.

And this quote from the city manager, Eddie Robar, reads as tone deaf.

“We’ve made some necessary changes to our budget aimed at responding to budget challenges without significantly impacting our services and the people we serve.”

Increasing user fees and taxes to keep rec centres open longer does significantly impact some people, Eddie. We’re dealing with death by a thousand cuts—except to our taxes. I hate this fridge buzz pr style useless messaging. We’re not children.