Many Port Coquitlam residents go about their day without giving much thought to the City services they rely on or how these services are provided.
They take for granted that water will flow from the faucet, that the toilet will flush, that there is a clean park or trail near their home, or that emergency responders will be there if they need help.
These are all examples of City services funded through each annual budget – and that’s not all.
Improving infrastructure, supporting businesses, creating welcoming public spaces, offering recreation opportunities, hosting festivals, planning for new housing, and fulfilling a wide range of other services and functions are part of the City’s daily responsibilities, all of which are supported by the budget.
For 2024, Port Coquitlam is planning a responsible budget that balances rising costs and priority community services needs with maintaining affordability for taxpayers.
For the average home, the draft budget includes an increase of 5.58% ($117.39) in municipal taxes – with 3.56% related to City services and 2.02% to rising RCMP costs. The proposed increase is well below average in Metro Vancouver based on reported information.
​Complete the budget survey by Jan. 31
Keep an eye on your mailbox because the annual Budget at a Glance mailout and survey has been sent out to residents and should be arriving starting Jan. 15, as the City kicks off public engagement Jan. 9 to 31. Residents can also find information and a link to the City’s annual budget survey online.
City residents who complete the survey by Jan. 31 will be entered for a chance to win a $150 gift card to a Port Coquitlam business of their choice. Although more than one person in a household may fill out the survey, only one participant per Port Coquitlam address will be entered in the draw.
To give your feedback, visit portcoquitlam.ca/2024budget to review the budget information and click the link to complete the survey on the Let’s Talk PoCo engagement portal.
For additional opportunities to provide feedback, watch Let’s Talk PoCo at letstalkpoco.portcoquitlam.ca and the City’s social media channels.
How your feedback is used
The annual budget consultation is a chance for everyone who lives or works in Port Coquitlam – whether they own property or not – to learn about the important work of the City while providing feedback that not only helps finalize the budget but also guides decisions and actions year-round.
One such example is the City’s focus on getting the basics right – the core municipal services that residents rely on every day, such as local roads, parks and utilities. This approach was inspired by past feedback and has become integral to the way the City carries out its businesses.
Public feedback has also informed Port Coquitlam’s actions to revitalize the downtown, promote more festivals and events, enhance community safety and other service improvements.
Last year marked a significant milestone for Port Coquitlam as it received a record-breaking 1,446 survey responses, showcasing the community's active engagement in shaping the city's future. The success of the expanded survey format, aimed at gaining deeper insights into community priorities, underscores its utility in understanding what truly matters to residents.
Despite a majority of respondents expressing satisfaction with the value they receive for their tax dollars in Port Coquitlam, the City remains committed to continuous improvement. The annual budget survey serves as a crucial tool in this endeavor, providing valuable feedback that informs decision-making processes and shapes the City's ongoing efforts to enhance services and responsiveness.
In essence, each respondent becomes a vital contributor to the city's progress, helping Port Coquitlam adapt and evolve to better meet the evolving needs and aspirations of its residents. The collective input from the community not only refines budgetary considerations but also plays a pivotal role in steering the City toward a more inclusive and responsive future.
For more information or to take part in this year’s survey, visit portcoquitlam.ca/2024budget.
