Council Renumeration: Update

Today, there is one item I wish to bring to your attention, namely my recent motion on remuneration of members of Council. The motion, submitted for the November 6^th Committee of the Whole meeting, was moved to the November 13^th meeting.

Council has begun budget discussions for the year ahead. Our economy is shifting.

While residents are anxious about rents, mortgage payments, strata fees, and grocery bills, this Council is intent on enrichment – for Mayor and Councillors.

For me, this is a matter of principle. As Victoria enters an uncertain financial period, I believe Councillors need to lead by “tightening the purse strings” on ourselves, NOT lavishing taxpayer money on ourselves.

The appendices which form part of the motion provide comparisons with other provincial capital cities and impacts of the altered remuneration approach approved by the majority of Council in 2024.

Public interest needs to be more than interest – it needs to be voiced. My motion on Council Remuneration did just that.

On November 13^th, Recommendation 1.a was defeated with a 6:3 vote and Recommendation 1.b was defeated with a 7:2 vote.

The Motion

To: Committee of the Whole
Date: submitted October 31, 2025 for November 6, 2025 Committee of the Whole meeting
From: Councillor Gardiner
Subject: Council Remuneration Bylaw, 2024

BACKGROUND:

As the City enters a period of financial restraint, Councillors needs to lead in fiscal accountability by “tightening the purse strings”, on ourselves. Fiscal prudence and transparency are essential to public trust.

A year ago, Council decided to alter the rules governing Mayor and Councillor remuneration through Council Remuneration Bylaw 2024 (No. 24-075). There are three key components to the changed bylaw:

establishing the “base” Councillor remuneration at 45% of that of the Mayor to begin following the 2026 election (standard appears to be 40%);
basing the Mayor’s City portion of remuneration on the average of the 10 provincial capitals, regardless of size/population of City or other measure of responsibility, to begin following 2026 election; and
adding one or two Acting Mayor payments resulting in an increase of 3.4%-7% to Councillor remuneration each year, starting in 2024.

These changes were made without due consideration of the CRD remuneration for four members of Council, including the Mayor, who are responsible for a larger portfolio. The three Councillors receive about 60% added remuneration in recognition of the increased responsibility and heavier workload.

Attached are:

These documents demonstrate the impact of the 2024 plans for increased Councillor and Mayor remuneration. The estimates of Mayors’ remunerations were reviewed with representatives from several cities at the recent Canadian Capital Cities Organization meeting.

The maximum increase in basic remuneration proposed by the 2024 bylaw would be about $75.6K for each Councillor, starting November 2026. Adding 3.4%-7% for Acting Mayor payments raises the planned Councillor remuneration close to $80K. CRD Councillor-Directors would receive remuneration of $115K to $120K per Councillor-Director.

Mayors in several other capital cities also perform duties similar to CRD regional work, including work related to water, wastewater, waste management, and parks. They also consult with nearby communities as part of their duties. Compensation for these duties is encompassed within established Mayor and Councillor remuneration.

The only provincial Capital City that compares in population to Victoria is St John’s, Newfoundland. Comparing the Mayor of Victoria’s current remuneration to the Mayor of St John’s remuneration, the St John’s Mayor’s remuneration falls below the Mayor of Victoria’s total renumeration (which includes CRD remuneration).

Municipalities are not permitted to have deficits. To cover anticipated expenses, property taxes must be increased.

The 2024 bylaw unduly enriches members of City Council. Given the City’s current budget problems and more importantly the financial challenges of our residents and businesses, this is the time to rethink the 2024 plans to increase Mayor and Councillor remuneration.

The recommendation changes below, to Remuneration Bylaw 2024, allow for an increase in Councillor remuneration (as proposed by the Remuneration Task Force) but reduce the planned increase to a more responsible level.

Time Sensitivity

To qualify for same day ratification of a Council Member Motion, Section 19(1)(d) of the Procedures Bylaw requires a rationale for expedited treatment of the motion. In this case, time is of the essence and same-day ratification is needed to give staff time to create bylaw changes and adjust the 2026 budget as quickly as possible.

RECOMMENDATION:

1) Council direct staff to alter the Council Remuneration Bylaw 2024 (No. 24-075) to

a) maintain the Mayor’s remuneration and increase it only by established City CPI annual adjustments (delete Section 3(2) of No. 24-075); and

b) end the Acting Mayor payments as of end of this Council’s term in 2026 (delete Section 2(3) and alter 6(b) of No. 24-075).

2) This motion be forwarded to the daytime Council meeting of November 6th, 2025, for consideration.

Respectfully submitted,

Councillor Gardiner