Coun. Keith Yacucha’s recent statements regarding the 2025 Langford budget are misleading. While he claims that “over $2 million has been shaved” from the budget, he fails to mention that approximately $862,000 of this reduction is coming from surplus funds and another $500,000 from reducing debt repayment in order to artificially lower an otherwise even more staggering tax increase. This is particularly hypocritical given that Yacucha was one of the most vocal critics of previous councils for using non-taxation funding sources to keep taxes low during difficult economic times, labeling it as irresponsible, unsustainable and a burden to future generations.
Yacucha would have the public believe that the council is making “hard decisions” and scaling back, yet their record tells a different story. Despite their claims of fiscal restraint, the current council is still imposing a 9.77% tax increase this year for a cumulative tax increase of 43% in the last three years. This 9.77% increase comes with service cuts to businesses and public safety.
One of the most egregious actions of this council is their decision to cut the number of new RCMP officers from five to four this year. This was done despite public safety being ranked as the number one priority by the public and warnings from Supt. Preston, who told them that such actions would reduce public safety. This decision was unnecessary as there were viable alternatives that would enable this council to reduce the tax burden while also allowing the city to fully fund the RCMP’s request for five new officers and maintain service levels for development and business.
The truth is that the current administration has been on an unsustainable spending spree, directing millions of tax dollars to projects that provide little to no return for Langford residents and businesses. This includes excessive spending on conferences, training, and travel; the $35 million purchase of the Westhills aquatic facility, financed over a mere five years; the $20 million acquisition of Woodland Park, which displaces residents and removes over 40 affordable homes; tens of thousands spent on community events featuring bouncy castles and hot dogs; media communications designed to promote their agenda; and millions allocated to consulting fees for developing numerous plans that remain unimplemented.
Unfortunately, rather than being honest with the public about the true causes of Langford’s skyrocketing taxes, council prefers to deflect blame and obscure the facts. This brings to mind the famous scene from The Wizard of Oz, where the audience is told to “pay no attention to the man behind the curtain.” Just like in that scene, Yacucha doesn’t want the public to see the truth behind his rhetoric. Langford residents deserve transparency, accountability, and a council that prioritizes the public needs over political posturing and wasteful spending.
For nearly 30 years Langford flourished with award-winning growth and responsible financial management. Essential infrastructure, including new fire halls, a police station, city hall, sidewalks, parks, and recreation facilities, were built while keeping tax increases below 3% per year. This approach supported economic growth, preserved affordability, and made Langford a sought-after place to live, a stark contrast to the current administration’s ‘do less with more’ mentality.
Steven Rossander
Langford
