Taxes are expected to take a 9.4 per cent hike in Coldstream this year.

That is the number required for general increases in costs such as employee contracts, inflation, public works debt servicing, WorkSafe premiums, paid-on-call firefighters and the RCMP contract.

"Not all of these require a big increase, however, even small expenses add up quickly," said Mayor Ruth Hoyte in Coldstream's winter newsletter.

"The most challenging part of our job is to balance the community needs and wants with what we can afford."

One of the considerations is looking to the future with an expected increase in population and density that bring community challenges, Hoyte said.

"One of those challenges is policing."

Coldstream funds seven RCMP members and is looking to set aside a .5 per cent tax increase to provide for an additional member in 2026.

The 2025 budget is open for in-person consultation Thursday, Jan. 9 and Wednesday, Jan. 15 from 3-7 p.m. at the municipal office.

Dock update

One of the projects Coldstream is currently working on is replacement of the Kal Beach Rotary Pier.

Extreme weathering and unprecedented wave action had damaged the dock beyond repair.

Burton Marine Pile Driving began demolishing the dock in November.

"If the weather cooperates, pile driving and reconstruction of the pier will be completed by February 2025," Hoyte said. "Delays from poor weather could push the project into March."

The beach remains open during construction while the dock area is fenced off.

The new pier will have steel piles and bracing and composite decking.