2015 Budget Highlights

INSIDE: detailed draft budget info an d survey

2015 Budget Highlights TABLE OF CONTENTS 1 2 3 4 5 6 7

Introduction Budget Development Where Do Your Taxes Go? Income and Services Overview Tax Impact 2015 Budget Overview Proposed Enhancements

8 9 10 11 20 Back

Proposed Savings and Efficiencies Capital Projects How Do We Compare?

Department and Service Overviews Budget Best Practices Award Survey

www.portcoquitlam.ca/budget

About Port Coquitlam total land area 29.17 km2 located in the heart of Metro Vancouver, British Columbia

incorporated March 7, 1913

19 1 3

DEMOGRAPHICS

58,000 people

271 hectares of parks & trails

21,500 private dwellings

3,200 business licences

GOVERNANCE City Council

WHAT PORT COQUITLAM IS KNOWN FOR Historic downtown and small-town charm

PoCo Pride Hometown of Terry Fox CHALLENGE

7 members of Council provide leadership, set policies and establish budgets

Leader in waste management Family-friendly neighbourhoods

Using technology to engage citizens

VISION

Traboulay PoCo Trail

Port Coquitlam is a happy, vibrant, safe community with healthy, engaged residents and thriving businesses, supported by sustainable resources and services.

We strive to do it right by researching, planning, building and executing well-balanced solutions.

MISSION

Structure Office of Chief Administrative Officer Corporate Support Development Services Engineering & Operations Finance Fire & Emergency Services Human Resources Parks & Recreation Policing

2015 Budget Highlights

Introduction Have Your Say Your feedback will be critical to the City’s final budget deliberations.

Please provide your feedback by February 23: From left: Cllr. Mike Forrest, Cllr. Brad West, Cllr. Darrell Penner, Mayor Greg Moore, Cllr. Dean Washington, Cllr. Glenn Pollock, Cllr. Laura Dupont.

Message from Mayor and Council The City’s budget is more than just a piece of paper. Each year’s budget determines what level of service the City will provide, for everything from recreation programs to road maintenance. The draft 2015 budget includes a number of exciting projects that you can read about on the following pages.

Last year’s budget process was a great success, with about 950 people providing feedback – a record for us. We’re using many of the same outreach tools this year, including a survey and a Budget At a Glance mailout delivered to each taxpayer.

We encourage you to learn about the draft budget and to have your say. Your feedback provides us with valuable insight into what matters to you, and guides our decision-making at budget time and throughout the year.

We understand that managing your taxes is our most important job, and we’re continually looking for better ways to deliver services and to manage the City’s finances. One example is our new Budget & Infrastructure advisory committee, which will look for opportunities to further improve our budgeting and how we plan and fund our long-term infrastructure needs.

Email: budget@portcoquitlam.ca

On paper: City Hall, 2580 Shaughnessy Street, Port Coquitlam, V3C 2A8 or by fax to 604.927.5403

Survey: on the back cover or at www.portcoquitlam.ca/budget

Phone: 604.927.5280

This work will help ensure your tax dollars are put to the best possible use, so stay tuned for updates. In the meantime, take our budget survey and tell us what matters to you!

What is the Financial Plan?

Budget Suggestion Box: at www.portcoquitlam.ca/budget (year-round)

The City’s five-year financial plan includes the current year’s budget and taxes, and sets out planned services and initiatives for the next five years along with how the City will pay for them. The plan is updated every year to ensure the City’s finances are managed responsibly and reflect community priorities.

Public meetings

By law, BC municipalities must: • prepare a five-year financial plan each year, • identify proposed expenditures, funding sources and fund transfers, • consult the public before adopting the plan, and • have the plan adopted by City Council before May 15.

The public may also attend and provide comment at Committee and Council meetings. Go to www.portcoquitlam.ca/budget for schedules.

Info and feedback: www.portcoquitlam.ca/budget

1

Budget Development Factors Affecting the Plan BUDGET TIMELINE

A variety of factors affect each year’s financial planning process.

Council Priorities

✔

MAY 2014 Council confirms 2015 Budget priorities

DEC 2014 Departments present 2015 business plans and budget submissions

Council sets priorities that guide the budget and service delivery. Since 2013, Council has directed staff to focus on three priorities: Develop the organization and increase employee engagement in order to improve customer service, Maximize the life of infrastructure assets (e.g. roads and buildings) and save for their replacement, and Plan for the Community Recreation Complex on 15 acres of City land in the downtown that include the Port Coquitlam Recreation Complex and former works yard.

Other Factors DRAFT

JAN 2015 Council approves draft budget for public consultation Council considers Water and Sewer Rate Bylaw

Various other factors affect each year’s plan – both positively and negatively. For 2015, the City is seeing additional revenue from development in the community as well as an initiative from BC Assessment to capture previously unrecorded construction. At the same time, expenses have increased due to labour contract obligations, and a rise in library and RCMP costs.

FEB 2015 Public consultation period February 2-23

MARCH 2015 Council adopts Financial Plan Bylaw

APRIL 2015 Council adopts 2015 property tax rates

MAY 2015 Property tax bills mailed

2

Corporate Financial Goal That the City work towards full annual funding of operations, maintenance, growth and asset depletion applying the following measures: • Limit addition of new services or programs for the next five years.

• Apply only sustainable service and program cuts to reduce annual tax rate increases.

• Set funds aside for long term financial needs including the infrastructure gap, growth and opportunities.

• Pursue revenues to offset funding needs.

• Apply new revenues to reduce tax rates only if assured, sustainable, stable and incremental.

• Maintain transparency and accountability to the community by communicating developments with the strategy at each Committee and Council session on the budget.

That once the service levels are set, the budget contains the necessary inflationary increases to maintain the remaining services.

2015 Budget Highlights

Where Do Your Taxes Go? The average single-family dwelling* in Port Coquitlam pays only $243.58/month for a wide range of City services.

Water & Sewer: $61.08/month

Policing: $39.63/month

Parks & Recreation: $36.97/month

Fire & Emergency: $28.58/month

Administrative: $24.11/month

Infrastructure Funding: $19.45/month

Waste Collection: $15.19/month

Debt Repayment: $9.75/month

Engineering Services: $8.82/month

*assessed at $527,408

How do other cities compare?

Info and feedback: www.portcoquitlam.ca/budget

page 10

3

Income and Services Overview Income Sources CIP Funding* 2% Investment Interest 2%

Policing 1% Development Services 1% Developers’ Contributions 1% Corporate Support 1%

Parks & Recreation 4% Engineering & Operations 5% Sewer 8%

Taxation 63%

Water 12%

* Capital Improvement Program Funding (Grants, Developer Cost Charges etc.)

Services Provided

For details about City services, see pages 11-19.

Human Resources 1% Fiscal Services 2%

Parks & Recreation 22%

Finance 3% Development Services 4% Corporate Support* 6%

Policing 18% Sewer 9%

Engineering & Operations 10% Fire & Emergency 13%

Water 12%

* Includes Office of the Chief Administrative Officer

4

2015 Budget Highlights

Tax Impact Property Taxes

Utility Levies (Water, Sewer and Garbage)

Residential property tax rates in 2015 are proposed to increase by 1.49%. The impact on an average single-family home, townhouse and apartment are shown in the charts below.

Water, sewer and solid waste (garbage/green cart) levies are flat annual user fees, and are the same for each single-family dwelling. Townhouse and apartments have lower water and sewer rates, and do not pay a solid waste levy because they are not required to use the City collection services..

What each homeowner actually pays will depend on whether their assessed value is higher or lower than the average. For example, if the assessed value increased by more than the residential average of 3.8%, then the property tax increase will be higher than the average, and if the assessed value increased by less than the average house, the property tax increase will be lower than the average.

i

The levies are approved by Council prior to the approval of the financial plan in order to meet billing deadlines in early 2015.

There was no increase to water and sewer utility rates. The 3.18% garbage levy increase was due to increased service delivery costs and disposal fees.

Port Coquitlam property owners pay separate property tax and utility bills. The amounts for both bills are combined in the charts below to show the full impact on a household.

Average Single-family Dwelling Assessed at $527,408 Property Taxes Water Levy Sewer Levy Garbage Levy Total

2014 $1,978.20 $427.00 $306.00 $176.30 $2,887.50

Proposed 2015 $2,007.64 $427.00 $306.00 $182.30 $2,922.94

$ Change $29.44 $6.00 $35.44

Proposed 2015 $1,580.89 $400.00 $287.00 $2,267.89

$ Change $23.18 $23.18

Proposed 2015 $927.60 $380.00 $272.00 $1,579.60

$ Change $13.60 $13.60

Average Townhouse Assessed at $383,481 Property Taxes Water Levy Sewer Levy Total

2014 $1,557.71 $400.00 $287.00 $2,244.71

Average Apartment Assessed at $258,309 Property Taxes Water Levy Sewer Levy Total

Info and feedback: www.portcoquitlam.ca/budget

2014 $914.00 $380.00 $272.00 $1,566.00

5

2015 Budget Overview The 2015 budget was built around three main priorities and a variety of other factors (described on page 2).

• Maximize the life of infrastructure assets (e.g. roads and buildings) and save for their replacement, and

The three priorities are:

• Plan for the Community Recreation Complex on 15 acres of City land in the downtown that include the Port Coquitlam Recreation Complex and former works yard.

• Develop the organization and increase employee engagement in order to improve customer service,

2015

$ cost /SFD

% cost/SFD

increase/decrease

increase/decrease

increase/decrease

Base tax rate (with commitments, incl. 1% infrastructure levy) Enhancements Savings and efficiencies

$710,700

$25.75

1.30%

$741,000 -$639,200

$26.85 -$23.15

1.36% -1.17%

Adjusted tax rate

$812,500

$29.45

1.49%

SFD = single-family dwelling

6

2015 Budget Highlights

Community Recreation Complex The City is planning a new Community Recreation Complex (details at www.portcoquitlam.ca/recplan).

Existing recreation facilities in this 15-acre space in the downtown are old and need to be replaced. The new complex (rendering at right) will be a vibrant community hub where residents can connect, play and use a variety of services and amenities. Watch for opportunities to give your feedback during 2015.

Proposed Enhancements Proposed Ongoing Enhancements Financing the Community Recreation Complex Transportation / public works small community initiatives e.g. signage, line painting Development and mail-out of budget info to residents Total

2015 cost

$ cost / SFD

% cost/ SFD

$690,000

$25

1.26%

$35,000

$1.27

0.07%

$16,000

$0.58

0.03%

$741,000

$26.85

1.36%

SFD = single-family dwelling

Chafer Beetle Control A vigorous turf maintenance program would be implemented to address the European Chafer Beetle infestation on City land, parks and the cemetery.

May Day Float The current float is rented and decorated by a private company for $6,000 per year. A City-owned float would allow more decor options and allow the City to participate in other parades, thereby encouraging other cities to join in May Day.

Biz Directory This searchable listing of the 3,200 licensed Port Coquitlam businesses will help promote local goods and services.

Info and feedback: www.portcoquitlam.ca/budget

Proposed One-time Enhancements These enhancements would be funded by surplus accounts and therefore have no impact on 2015 taxes.

Community Recreation Complex: Project planning, design and consultation Building Reserve contribution for future projects Chafer Beetle control on City properties Decorative lighting to enhance City Hall exterior year-round and at special events May Day float purchase Review/update of Development Cost Charge Bylaws (Water, Highways & Park) Review/update of Subdivision and Services Bylaw Personnel to pursue advertising revenue in City publications and properties Relocating Purchasing offices to improve productivity, communication and customer service New position (0.4 FTE) to market City waste collection services and engage public, helping to generate anticipated revenue of $90,000 Business directory start-up costs Development of a “one PoCo� mobile app enabling residents to access various City services Total (funded through surplus accounts)

$1,500,000 $180,000 $104,200 $75,000 $55,000 $40,000 $40,000 $33,000 $30,000 $28,600 $20,000 $15,000 $2,120,800

7

Proposed Savings and Efficiencies Totalling $639,200, these proposed savings and efficiencies would offset costs in 2015 and reduce the tax impact by more than 1%.

2015 savings

$ cost / SFD

% cost/ SFD

Modify funding source of RCMP contract to include prior-year surplus from vacancies.

-$400,000

-$14.49

-0.73%

Reduce funds set aside for base inflation increases, absorbing those costs in existing budgets.

-$164,700

-$5.97

-0.30%

Adjust sports field maintenance in the following areas due to low community use: Terry Fox Secondary oval field (remove from the City’s inventory), Central Elementary and Minnekhada Middle School joint-use fields (reduce maintenance), and Aggie Park sports field (reduce maintenance).

-$40,700

-$1.47

-0.08%

Reduce the Human Resources legal budget to reflect the average spent each year, and make more use of in-house staff, online resources and Metro Vancouver Labour Relations resources.

-$23,800

-$0.86

-0.04%

Reduce Development Services consulting budget

-$10,000

-$0.36

-0.02%

-$639,200

-$23.15

-1.17%

Total SFD = single-family dwelling

Reducing maintenance at several local sports fields due to low community use would save $40,700 in 2015.

8

2015 Budget Highlights

Capital Projects Taking a Closer Look at Infrastructure During 2015, a new Budget & Infrastructure advisory committee will review the condition of the City’s infrastructure and design a new funding model and plan that will allow the City to meet its long-term infrastrucure needs in a sustainable and structured way.

i

While the advisory committee conducts this work, the primary focus for the $7,248,900 2015 Capital Program will be on essential maintenance, committed projects and multi-year initiatives. A new funding model is expected to be in place for the 2016 budget.

As in previous years, the 2015 Capital Program sets aside the equivalent of 1% in taxes ($19.78 per single-family household) for future infrastructure replacement.

Vehicles & Equipment Bear-proof waste cart locks Street sweeper Corporate fleet - dump truck May Day float Corporate fleet - ramp hoist

Parks & Recreation Infrastructure New New RP New RP

Subtotal

$638,000 250,000 149,000 55,000 46,000 $1,138,000

Transportation, Water & Sewer Infrastructure Burns Road repaving/watermain upgrade 3400-block St. Anne St: ditch infill/road widening Major Road Network pavement rehabilitation Water meter replacement program Eastern Drive - Elinor to Klassen: paving Taylor Street - Connaught to Langan: paving Pre-design engineering PRV SCADA equipment Wheelchair accessible bus stops Retaining wall repair: 1915 Pitt River Rd Fire hydrant: Mary Hill Bypass Subtotal

RN $1,210,000 RN 560,000 RP 480,000 RP 200,000 RP 150,000 RP 80,000 New 50,000 New 40,000 New 25,000 RP 20,000 New 10,000 $2,825,000

New $1,500,000 RN

227,300

RN RN RN RN RN RN

100,000 50,000 41,500 40,000 28,400 5,700 $1,992,900

New New

$75,000 30,000 $105,000

Buildings City Hall decorative lighting Purchasing offices relocation Subtotal

Land Land acquisitions Subtotal

New $1,000,000 $1,000,000

Total 2015 Capital Projects

Information Technology Infrastructure Server replacement Network switch replacement Software replacement MyCity (MyPortCoquitlam) services Personal computer replacement Storage systems Mobile “One PoCo” app development Postage meter VOIP telephone replacement Subtotal

Community Recreation Complex planning and design Lions Park: water feature, bio swale and old washroom decommissioning Cemetery development Bear-proof garbage cans for parks Traboulay PoCo Trail asphalt repairs Leigh Square Bandshell grass conversion Castle Park garden retaining wall Railside Skate Park fence Subtotal

RP RN RN RN RN RN New RP RP

Info and feedback: www.portcoquitlam.ca/budget

$30,000 30,000 30,000 30,000 20,000 20,000 15,000 10,000 3,000 $188,000

$7,248,900

RN = renewal (replacement with enhanced features) RP = replacement (similar features) New = new infrastructure

9

How Do We Compare? i

Port Coquitlam property owners pay lower municipal taxes and user fees than the average in Metro Vancouver.

2014 014 Property Taxes Taxes* Metro Vancouver average $2,246

Port Coquitlam $2,048

2014 Residential User Fees (Utilities, Waste Collection)* Metro Vancouver average $1,058

Port Coquitlam $909

* Based on an average single-family dwelling valued at $527,408 in 2014. Source for charts: Ministry of Community, Sport and Cultural Development

10

2015 Budget Highlights

Department Overview: Corporate Support and Office of the Chief Administrative Officer

Office of the Chief Administrative Officer 12%

Information Services 27%

Corporate Office 13%

2015 budget: $4,327,000 6% of City budget

Communications & Admin 23%

Bylaw Services 25%

Key Responsibilities Chief Administrative Officer • Directs and coordinates the activities of all departments

Corporate Support • Communications, legislative and administrative functions • Bylaw enforcement • Technology and online services • Council meetings, City records and elections

Divisions – Corporate Support • Bylaw Services • Communications & Administrative Services • Corporate Office • Information Services

Info and feedback: www.portcoquitlam.ca/budget

2015 Highlights • Conduct Continuous Improvement Assessment of business licensing and customer service/internal communications.

• Engage the community in developing a new City slogan and branding.

• Develop mobile app to help residents access a variety of City services.

• Introduce email management system.

• Update City Info Guide.

• Oversee and participate in infrastructure / capital planning review.

• Continue to oversee and support Continuous Improvement Assessments.

11

Department Overview: Development Services Business Improvement 6%

Building 39%

Administration 12% Planning 19%

2015 budget: $3,089,400 Development Engineering 24%

4% of City budget

Key Responsibilities • Manage the growth and development of the City.

2015 Highlights

• Institute sustainable and integrated land use and development policies.

• Continue planning and design Community Recreation Complex.

• Provide guidance on land use and development matters.

• Engage the community in an update of the Official Community Plan.

• Promote economic development.

• Liaise with First Nations, Business Improvement Association and Chamber of Commerce.

Divisions • Planning (including Economic Development, Social Planning and Heritage functions) • Building (including Plumbing) • Development Engineering

12

of

• Promote local businesses through a new searchable Biz Directory and the BizAlley showcase at the May Day Festival.

• Determine a preferred route linking Dominion Avenue with either Lincoln Avenue or Victoria Drive.

• Introduce mobile technology engineering inspections.

to

• Update the Development Cost Charge and Subdivision and Servicing Bylaws.

2015 Budget Highlights

Department Overview: Engineering & Operations Administration 4% Transportation 4% Projects, Mapping & Survey 10%

2015 budget: $7,476,700

Operations 82%

10% of City budget

Key Responsibilities • Manage/maintain municipal infrastructure, including roads • Transportation planning and operations • Maintain/develop (PoCoMAP) geographic information system • Garbage, green and recycling collection • Stormwater collection and flood control • Engineering customer services • City fleet management

Divisions • Operations

2015 Highlights • Roll out new City bear-proof waste cart locks to areas with high bear activity.

• Review of garbage, green and recycling collection services.

• Advocate for Port Coquitlam in TransLink’s Northeast Sector Area Transit Plan, including integrating bus service with the Evergreen Line.

• Market City waste collection services to multi-family properties.

• Purchase City street sweeper.

• Transportation, Roads & Drainage • Engineering Projects, Mapping & Budgets

Info and feedback: www.portcoquitlam.ca/budget

13

Department Overview: Finance

Common Services 37% Finance Services 63%

2015 budget: $2,287,800 3% of City budget

Key Responsibilities • Provides financial services to citizens, City Council and City Departments, including: financial planning, accounting, payroll, purchasing and revenue collection • Administrates operating funds • Risk management (insurance)

Divisions • Finance Services · Purchasing · Accounting · Financial Planning · Payroll · Revenue Services

2015 Highlights • Continue to implement new cloud-based financial system.

• Obtain Government Finance Officer Association awards for financial reporting and budget.

• Assist with work of new Budget & Infrastructure advisory committee.

• Relocate Purchasing offices to improve productivity, communication and customer service.

• Continue to promote MyPortCoquitlam system for online property/tax bills access.

• Common Services

14

2015 Budget Highlights

Department Overview: Fire & Emergency Services Training 2%

Administration 5%

Emergency Program 1%

Protective Services & Public Education 6%

2015 budget: $9,633,100

Fire Suppression 86%

13% of City budget

Key Responsibilities • Protect lives and property of citizens from the adverse affects of fire, sudden medical emergencies and exposure to dangerous conditions or disasters.

Divisions • Administration • Protective Services & Public Education • Operations & Training • Facilities & Training • Emergency Program

Info and feedback: www.portcoquitlam.ca/budget

2015 Highlights • Restructure the fire inspection process to make it more efficient and user friendly.

• Review workplace option for fire-specific software.

• Tender process of new apparatus to ensure proper apparatus is in place for timely response.

• Work with Human Resources to complete the IAFF Local 1941 Collective Agreement for firefighters.

15

Department Overview: Human Resources Safety & Training 3%

2015 budget: $888,200 Human Resources 97%

1% of City budget

Key Responsibilities • Recruit City staff and ensure succession planning.

• Manage the City’s labour relations.

• Coordinate the City’s occupational health and safety program.

• Plan and implement staff training and development.

• Administer benefits, wages and salaries.

2015 Highlights • Implement a succession planning and knowledge transfer program, including conducting a City career awareness fair and developing a post-secondary and professional association liaison.

• Complete IAFF Local 1941 collective agreement for firefighters.

• Support two Continuous Improvement Assessment processes.

• Implement the Human Resources module of the new cloud-based financial system.

• Engage union supervisors in the design of a performance planning process.

16

2015 Budget Highlights

Department Overview: Parks & Recreation Centralized Services 6% Parks and Facility Services 32%

2015 budget: $16,385,700

Recreation Services 62%

22% of City budget

Key Responsibilities • Provide recreation, fitness, active living, arts and cultural programming.

• Coordinate volunteers and events.

2015 Highlights • Continue planning and design new Community Recreation Complex.

• Manage and maintain recreation and cultural facilities, parks and other amenities.

• Open the newly renovated Lions Park.

• Plan and design parks / open space systems.

• Purchase a City float for May Day and other parades.

• Manage the City’s facility preventative maintenance and lifecycle programs.

Divisions • Recreation Services • Parks & Facility Services • Centralized Services

Info and feedback: www.portcoquitlam.ca/budget

• Update the Cultural Policy and Plan.

• Continue to implement the new userfriendly online registration system.

• Implement a Chafer Beetle control program on City properties.

• Expand the columbarium at the City cemetery.

17

Department Overview: Policing Community Policing 1%

Public Safety Buildiing 19%

RCMP 80%

2015 budget: $14,010,100 18% of City budget

Key Responsibilities • Reduce crime and protect citizens from the adverse effects of criminal activity.

• Identify and address emerging public safety issues.

• Work in partnership with the City and citizens to ensure Port Coquitlam is a healthy, vibrant and safe community.

Divisions

2015 Highlights • Create safer neighbourhoods by strengthening community engagement.

• Decrease incidence of fatal collisions through education and enforcement.

• Reduce the impact of prolific offenders on public safety.

• RCMP • Public Safety Building • Community Policing

18

2015 Budget Highlights

Service Overview: Utilities Water 12% 2% Sewer S 9%

Utilities are the water and sewer services provided by the City in support of a healthy community. Property owners receive a separate utility bill each February.

The majority of budgeted expenditures are flow-through costs for water supply and sewer discharge services provided by Metro Vancouver.

21% of City budget

Water Utility

Function

Operating Costs 26%

• Provides a supply of high quality, potable water, at flows and pressures suitable for fire protection.

2015 Highlights Water Purchased 74%

• Create systems to capture industry-accepted metrics for waterworks operations.

• Install fire hydrant on Mary Hill Bypass.

2015 budget: $9,146,300

Sewer Utility

Function

Operating Costs 30%

• Provides for the collection and disposal of liquid wastes.

2015 Highlights Sewage Treatment 70%

2015 budget: $6,507,700

Info and feedback: www.portcoquitlam.ca/budget

• Review the pump station maintenance program.

• Create/revise processes and systems to capture industryaccepted metrics for sewer and piped storm operations.

19

Budget Best Practices The Government Finance Officers Association of the United States and Canada (GFOA) presented a Distinguished Budget Presentation Award to City of Port Coquitlam, British Columbia for its annual budget for the fiscal year beginning January 1, 2014.

In order to receive this award, a governmental unit must publish a budget document that meets program criteria as a policy document, as an operations guide, as a financial plan, and as a communications device.

This award is valid for a period of one year only. We believe our current budget continues to conform to program requirements, and we are submitting it to GFOA to determine its eligibility for another award.

The City of Port Coquitlam has won the Distinguished Budget Award for 17 years in a row.

This is the City of Port Coquitlam’s 17th Distinguished Budget Presentation Award.

20

2015 Budget Highlights

2015 Budget Survey Submit to City of Port Coquitlam – Finance at budget@portcoquitlam.ca or by mail to 2580 Shaughnessy St., Port Coquitlam BC, V3C 2A8 1. Are you a Port Coquitlam resident or taxpayer?

Yes

❐

No

❐

2. Would you rather pay your utilities and property taxes at one time, rather than at two separate times of the year? Yes

❐ No ❐

3. If you had to pick three infrastructure projects for the City, what would they be? (Provide specific examples, e.g. fix pothole on ‘Elm’ Street, build a sidewalk on ‘Elm’ Street, or add a park near ‘Elm’ Street.) i)

ii)

SAVE TIME & POSTAGE: fill o ut the survey at

iii) 4. Do you feel you get good value for your tax dollar in Port Coquitlam? Yes

❐

No

❐

portcoquitlam .ca/ budget

5. How do you feel about the level of service you get in the following areas?

Exceeds Expectation

Meets Expectation

Needs Improvement

Road Conditions

❐

❐

❐

Traffic Control (lights, signals, crosswalks)

❐

❐

❐

City Cleanliness and Attractiveness

❐

❐

❐

Garbage, Recycling and Green Cart

❐

❐

❐

Fire Services

❐

❐

❐

Police Services

❐

❐

❐

Parks and Trails

❐

❐

❐

Recreation and Culture

❐

❐

❐

Additional comments

6. If you could reduce or eliminate one service provided by the City in exchange for lower taxes, what would it be and why?

7. If you could improve one service provided by the City, recognizing that it could increase taxes, what would it be and why?

Yes

❐

No

Newspaper

❐

City website

8. Are you satisfied with the budget information available to you this year?

❐

Please explain why: 9. How did you learn about this survey? Mailed to my home

❐

Info & online survey: www.portcoquitlam.ca/budget

❐

Social media

❐