The closing of the Catalyst Mill and an increase in the cost of city services has led to a $3.6 million budget shortfall for Vancouver Island’s Campbell River. In an attempt to maintain city services, council has approved a 13.6% property tax increase, but the mayor hates the idea.

“The process is flawed. The financial management of the whole group is weak. All we’ve done is condemn Campbell River to circling the drain for another three years. Where we are is wrong. We’ve done a disservice to the public.”

Councillors who approved the increase have stated they had no choice. Read more in the Campbell River Mirror.