CCAP funding assured for 2025-2026

The Community Climate Action Plan Levy was included in the 2025 municipal budget, as it should be!

On April 15, Kamloops City Council adopted Financial Plan Bylaw No. 16-330 and Tax Rate Bylaw No. 63-2, which finalized the 2025 municipal tax increase at 7.42%. For many people, the excitement of spring can be tempered by the reality of income tax and property tax. When assessment notices were delivered in January, the average home in Kamloops saw a 2% increase in assessed value (BC Assessment, 2025). For homes that increased 2% or more in value, this could mean an increase to the annual property tax balance due in July, depending on how Council chose to allocate funds in the provisional budget to different City services and taxation-funded programs. Limiting the provisional budget to reduce the annual increase was certainly top of mind for the Mayor and Council, who have no doubt been hearing from constituents about cost pressures from inflation and, most recently, the looming tariffs from the US.

In the face of rising costs for materials, labour, and service contacts that are beyond the City’s control, it is not uncommon for some budget items to be viewed as “nice to have” rather than essential. Throughout the budgeting process, there was a tangible concern that the Community Climate Action Plan Levy, an item that accounts for 0.35% of the annual budget, could be reduced by half again (as it was just last year). As outlined in the Community Climate Action Plan adopted by Council in June 2021, the Levy is a tool for funding projects that support the Plan’s eight areas of focus in mitigating climate change, such as active transportation infrastructure, emissions reductions, circular economy, and urban greenspace. The current Levy represents about $6.00 to the average household. While the funding is relatively nominal, the CCAP Levy symbolizes a commitment to climate action and accountability for the City to meet its sustainability and livability objectives.

We are grateful that the normal funding amount was resumed this year; however, it is important to note the impact that community awareness and advocacy can have on these decisions. Attending budget meetings, showing support for climate events and initiatives, speaking with Councilors—it all contributes to representing the community’s shared interest in thinking ahead for a resilient future. Reframing the public perception of climate change mitigation and preparedness as an investment, rather than just an extra cost, is crucial in showing how the choices we make today turn into changes tomorrow, and residents of Kamloops will be better off for it.

With that in mind, thank you to City Council for recognizing the Levy as a priority. We look forward to seeing what the future for the CCAP fund holds. Keep an eye out for the beginning of budget planning in the fall where we can continue to advocate for a more sustainable city.

For background, please see our blog post “Where are we at, and what’s next?”