The town of Pemberton, B.C., is rapidly approaching a critical population threshold, prompting officials to search for solutions to cover the escalating policing expenses that will burden the picturesque mountain community once it surpasses 5,000 residents. Over a span of five years, from 2016 to 2021, the village located along the Sea to Sky Highway, just 30 minutes north of Whistler, saw a 32 percent population surge to 3,407 residents.
In 2023, the estimated population of Pemberton stood at 3,678, giving local authorities hope for the town’s organic growth driven by its appealing small-town ambiance, proximity to Vancouver and Whistler, and access to nature. However, the looming prospect of heightened policing costs in the near future has raised concerns among officials.
Mayor Mike Richman expressed the challenges faced by the town, stating, “We have to also keep up with things like infrastructure, fire, climate change, housing, transit, all these other costs. And then you add this one-time massive budgetary implication through policing, and it’s really not manageable for small communities. It’s crippling.”
In British Columbia, municipalities with populations below 5,000 do not directly cover their policing expenses. Instead, the province levies a police tax on these communities through property taxes to offset a portion of the policing costs provided by B.C. However, the scenario changes once small communities exceed 5,000 residents.
For Pemberton, this would mean bearing 70 percent of the policing costs for its community, estimated to result in an additional $1.3 million in expenses within the next eight to 10 years. The proposed 2025 budget of $9.4 million includes discussions on whether to incrementally raise taxes annually to build reserves for the impending policing costs or to absorb the added expenses in a single year, potentially leading to a 40 percent property tax hike for residents.
Raven Burns, the owner of Pemberton’s Blackbird Bakery, emphasized the complexity of the situation, stating, “It’s such a big conversation.” The village is looking to learn from other municipalities like Oliver, Duncan, and Metchosin, which have recently surpassed the 5,000-population mark.
Duncan Mayor Michelle Staples advised, “You know it’s coming. Start preparing for it. Start building that pocket that you’re going to need.” Duncan’s proactive approach of setting aside funds ahead of time has helped mitigate the impact of policing costs on property taxes, with an 11.3 percent increase in the budget, 11 percent of which is allocated to policing expenses.
Likewise, Oliver successfully implemented a five-year plan with nine percent annual property tax increases to finance capital projects, ensuring readiness for the new policing costs. Pemberton aims to follow suit by potentially setting aside $257,000 annually for the next five years to smoothen the tax burden for residents.
Mayor Richman emphasized the need for a more gradual funding formula for small communities facing heightened policing expenses, rather than an abrupt shift to assuming 70 percent of the costs. Discussions are ongoing to clarify how policing arrangements will function in Pemberton once the town takes on the responsibility, including the sharing of costs with the regional district and local First Nations.
Adam Adams, President of the Pemberton and District Chamber of Commerce, echoed the sentiment, seeking clarity on the implications for businesses. The community seeks a phased approach to acclimatize residents to the financial adjustments ahead, ensuring a smoother transition to higher policing costs.
