Bowen's Budget: 2026 Edition

Section 1: Demographics
1.Please select the option that best describes you:
2.How old are you?
3.How many members are there in your household?
4.How long have you lived on Bowen?
Section 2: Council Priorities & Municipal Services
5.Which one of Council's Strategic Goals do you think should receive the most focus in the 2026 Budget?

Select only one of the options below.
Section 3: Current level of satisfaction in Municipal services
6.How would you rate the current level of service in the following areas?
Excellent
Good
Neutral
Poor
Very poor
Fire and Emergency Services
Parks, Trails and Beaches
Community Planning
Asset and Infrastructure Renewal
Water Operations
Sewer Operations
Recreation Programming
Library Programs and Services
Environment and Climate Change Preparedness
Roads Maintenance
Support for Community Organizations
Bylaw Education and Enforcement
Garbage Collection and Recycling
Section 4: Taxation & Spending
7.The Municipality has several financial tools to help balance the budget. Please indicate option(s) you would support. Select all that apply.
Here’s how the 2025 budget was allocated across municipal service areas to cover net expenses (expenses less non-tax revenues):

2025 Budget Allocation
8.If you are willing to pay more in property taxes, which areas would you like to prioritize for increased funding for enhanced services?

Please only select up to three options.
9.If you support reducing or eliminating some Municipal services, which areas would you consider reducing budget from?

Please only select up to three options.
Section 5: Infrastructure Investment
The municipality is facing significant infrastructure needs, including upgrades to roads, culverts, docks, trail structures, and other essential assets. To address these needs, the municipality is considering increasing taxes.
10.Would you support a dedicated annual tax increase (e.g., $100 or $200 per household) that would be set aside each year to fund maintenance and upgrading of key infrastructure?
Section 6: Budget Engagement
11.What is your preferred method of providing feedback to Council?
12.How did you hear about this questionnaire?
13.Do you have any additional feedback you would like to share?