Rossland, BC – The City of Rossland has released its Draft 2025-2029 Five-Year Financial Plan.
March 21, 2025
Press Release – For immediate release.
City of Rossland Releases Draft 2025-2029 Five-Year Financial Plan
Rossland, BC – The City of Rossland has released its Draft 2025-2029 Five-Year Financial Plan, outlining a responsible and forward-thinking approach to maintaining and improving essential services, addressing the City’s infrastructure deficit, and ensuring financial sustainability for the future.
The proposed plan includes a 10% tax increase per year for the next five years, with 5% allocated to addressing inflationary pressures and 5% dedicated to infrastructure renewal activities. For the average Rosslander, this means an increase of $256 in 2025—equivalent to $21.36 per month or just $0.70 per day for the average household.
Investing in Rossland’s Future
Rossland has long faced the challenge of underinvestment in core infrastructure, and this financial plan represents a crucial and responsible step forward to ensure core municipal infrastructure (i.e. roads, water, and sewer systems) are properly maintained and future proofed. Mayor Andy Morel emphasized that this plan is about intergenerational equity—ensuring today’s challenges are not deferred to future generations.
“We cannot continue kicking the can down the road. This plan is a crucial step toward ensuring that Rossland remains a vibrant and resilient community for generations to come,” said Mayor Morel. “We know these are difficult decisions, but they are necessary to build a stronger and more sustainable city.”
Regional District Increases
While the City of Rossland is responsible for a portion of local taxation, residents should be aware that just over half of their total tax bill comes from other agencies. In particular, the Regional District of Kootenay Boundary (RDKB) has approved a 24% increase this year, which translates to approximately $220 per household. Approximately 70% of this increase is due to major upgrades to the Columbia Pollution Control Center in Trail—a $75 million wastewater treatment facility project that serves the communities of Rossland, Warfield, and Trail.
Exciting Investments for the Community
Despite financial pressures, Rossland continues to move forward with several exciting initiatives, many of which are partially or fully grant-funded:
- Trail Resident Program (TRP) Continuation – $125K investment to support residents’ access to regional recreation facilities (100% grant-funded for 2025)
- Improved Community Engagement – Strengthening transparency and communication with residents
- Community Support Review – Ensuring fair and transparent funding for local groups
- Advancing Key City Plans – Implementing the Recreation Master Plan, Integrated Climate Action Plan, Accessibility Plan, and Housing Needs Report
- Wildfire Protection Investments – Continued significant funding to safeguard Rossland from wildfire risks
- Shovel-Ready Infrastructure Projects – Preparing for future grants by advancing major water and sewer upgrades
- Utilities Master Plan Completion – A comprehensive roadmap for water and sewer investments over the next 20 years
- Exploring Alternative Revenue Sources – Reviewing possible implementation of Development Cost Charges (DCCs) and Amenity Cost Charges (ACCs)
Key Dates for Public Engagement
The City of Rossland encourages residents to stay informed and participate in upcoming discussions:
- April 7, 2025 – First and Second Readings of the Financial Plan Bylaw
- April 22, 2025 – Public Consultation & Third Reading of the Bylaw
- May 5, 2025 – Final Adoption of the Five-Year Financial Plan
A further Message from Mayor Andy Morel
“Rossland is a strong and resilient community, and together, we will navigate these challenges. While financial pressures are real, this plan reflects our commitment to transparency, long-term sustainability, and investment in our community’s future. We are taking proactive steps today so that future generations of Rosslanders inherit a city that is financially stable and well-prepared for the road ahead.
We encourage all residents to review the plan, attend upcoming meetings, and share their feedback. By working together, we can ensure Rossland continues to thrive.”
Comments and questions can be sent to CFO@rossland.ca.
For more information and to review the full draft plan, click here.
Or visit https://rossland.civicweb.net/document/44561
