The Village of Warfield has been actively engaging its residents in discussions about its future sustainability, facing challenges common to many small municipalities in British Columbia.
With an overwhelmingly residential tax base, aging infrastructure, and limited borrowing capacity, the village initiated a Municipal Sustainability Study to explore its long-term viability and potential governance options.
On March 10, Warfield hosted two town hall meetings at the community hall, one at 10 a.m. and another at 7 p.m.
These meetings allowed residents to voice their concerns, learn about the sustainability study, and participate in discussions about the village’s financial and operational challenges.
The meetings saw strong turnout, reflecting the community’s deep interest in shaping Warfield’s future.
A key component of community engagement was the Municipal Sustainability Survey, available both online and in paper format.
The survey deadline was March 15, after which responses were compiled for review by the sustainability committee.
The village stated that the survey offered meaningful insights into residents’ concerns and their preferences for potential solutions.
Following the community feedback process, the sustainability committee is reconvening to review a consultant-prepared report summarizing key issues and potential options.
The committee’s recommendations will be presented to Warfield council in May 2025 for further deliberation.
Based on these recommendations, Warfield council will submit a final report to the Province of B.C. and discuss possible next steps.
If a Phase II Study is recommended to explore structural changes or governance alternatives, the village said it will engage with other local governments to assess their interest in collaborative solutions.
A funding request for Phase II will also be submitted to the province.
As the community awaits council’s deliberation in May 2025, council encourages residents to stay involved, attend meetings, and remain informed about the potential changes that may shape the future of their village.
The sustainability committee meetings remain open to the public, and meeting agendas and minutes are available online at Warfield civic portal.
Key challenges
Warfield faces several pressing challenges.
With 98 per cent of its tax revenue coming from residential properties, the financial burden of maintaining infrastructure and services falls heavily on homeowners.
The village’s borrowing authority is capped at $8.9 million, limiting its ability to finance major infrastructure projects without external funding.
Critical projects, including a new independent water source estimated at $10.9 million and upgrades to the regional sewage treatment plant, pose significant financial hurdles.
While Emerald Ridge presents an opportunity for tax base expansion, significant infrastructure investments are required before development can proceed.
The village has started setting aside funds in reserve accounts, but the gap between current savings and necessary investments remains substantial.
Governance options
The village is exploring several pathways to address its sustainability concerns.
One option is to remain an independent municipality while making necessary adjustments, such as tax increases and service modifications, to address financial constraints.
Another possibility is amalgamation with a neighbouring municipality, which would expand the tax base and allow for shared resources.
This option would require collaboration and consent from potential partners.
A third option is for Warfield to revert to an unincorporated status, becoming part of the regional district and shifting governance and service delivery responsibilities to the Regional District of Kootenay Boundary.
