Some Sooke residents are pushing for a property tax freeze in 2025, arguing current rates are too high, even though the district ranks among the most affordable municipalities of its size in British Columbia.
A recent corporate report compared 2024 tax values across 22 municipalities with populations between 10,000 and 20,000. Sooke ranked favourably in multiple categories.
“We prioritize service quality by focusing on what matters most to the community,” said district chief administrative officer Raechel Gray. “Through thoughtful resource allocation, we deliver essential services effectively while maintaining a lean budget.”
Sooke ranks lowest in municipal taxes per capita among its peer group and second-lowest in municipal taxes on a representative home, based on average assessed property values. Provincially, it ranks 24th out of 159 municipalities for lowest taxes per capita.
However, not all residents are content. Some argue that, despite Sooke’s favourable rankings, property taxes remain burdensome for certain households, especially amid rising inflation and cost-of-living pressures.
Last year, Sooke residents saw a 10.6 per cent property tax hike. In 2024, the increase added $12.26 per month to the average homeowner’s municipal tax bill. The district’s annual budget stands at approximately $40 million.
“We need an absolute tax freeze and should review every budget line item,” said Veronica Pemberton, a Sunriver neighbourhood resident, during a Nov. 18 committee of the whole meeting. “It would be great to cut the government of Sooke, but I don’t expect that will happen.”
Business owner Ellen Lewers agreed, saying the district cannot fairly compare its tax levels with other municipalities because of differences in amenities and services.
“We really need to look at this more closely and cut where we can,” she said.
Deputy Mayor Al Beddows acknowledged residents’ concerns but emphasized the importance of maintaining adequate funding to address community needs. He reaffirmed the district’s commitment to balancing fiscal responsibility with quality services.
When comparing total property taxes and charges — including levies from all taxing jurisdictions — Sooke ranks third-lowest. On Vancouver Island, where 26 municipalities were included in the analysis, Sooke has the lowest total taxes paid by the average household.
Strategic investments in essential services and ongoing evaluations help keep taxes relatively low, Gray said. However, the district’s ability to “do more with less” is increasingly stretched.
Businesses also benefit from Sooke’s tax structure. The municipality has the sixth-lowest total business taxes collected and ranks seventh-lowest for the percentage of business taxes relative to overall tax revenue, at 14 per cent.
Despite its lean tax structure, Sooke ranks third-highest for total expenses on services, reflecting its focus on public infrastructure and programs, Gray added.
Smaller municipalities like Sooke often rely on regional districts for services such as recreation, water, and fire protection. Communities with fewer than 15,000 residents also pay 70 per cent of RCMP policing costs, compared to 90 per cent for larger municipalities.
“Raising taxes is never a decision made lightly,” Gray said. “Our team is prepared to adjust priorities as needed to deliver the best possible value to residents.”
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Key Rankings at a Glance
- 1st in lowest municipal taxes per capita (among municipalities with 10,000–20,000 residents).
- 2nd in lowest municipal taxes on a representative home.
- 3rd in lowest total property taxes and charges (across all taxing jurisdictions).
- 24th in lowest municipal taxes per capita across British Columbia.
For detailed comparisons and data, visit the BC Government Tax Statistics.
