Castlegar ranks among best in government spending
By Kyra Hoggan
Castlegar earned top marks for municipal spending practices, according to a recently-released report by the Canadian Federation of Independent Business.
The report, B.C. Municipal Spending Watch report for 2000-2009, ranks all B.C. communities from worst to best in spending, number one being the worst and 153 being the best. Castlegar was ranked 128, as compared to Nelson’s 39, Trail’s 51, Grand Forks’ 60 and Creston’s 79.
“Among local communities, we ranked very well,” said councillor Kevin Chernoff. “I think this tells us that we’re not all the way there, but it gives us something to work toward and tells us that we’re doing far better than other comparable communities.”
Chernoff said the report also underlines the merit of spending money on planning processes.
“I think some people think the money we spend on things like our Water Master Plan and our Parks Master Plan and our Official Community Plan is money wasted on bureaucracy,” he said. “I think this report is evidence that our approach may cost money today, but saves us money in years to come and is the responsible fiscal approach. Our careful planning has a payoff for residents.”
To view the report in its entirety, visit http://www.cfib-fcei.ca/english/research/canada/111-budgets_public_finance/3424-bc_municipal_spending_watch_2011.html
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