Thompson Regional Hospital District residents will see an increase in property taxes in 2025 of approximately five per cent.
During its regular meeting Thursday, Feb. 20, the board of directors approved the increase which will be about $10.34.
A residential home within TRHD boundaries assessed at $680,000 will pay approximately $217.94 in property taxes to the Hospital District in 2025, noted a news release from the TRHD.
The increase comes due to the 2025 budget and capital projects contributions being approved.t.
"The board previously gave direction for staff to prepare a 5 per cent tax requisition increase each year between 2024 and 2028. This additional revenue is specifically earmarked for construction of the new Kamloops Cancer Centre at Royal Inland Hospital (RIH) and for future enhancements at RIH," noted the release.
Currently, the TRHD is anticipating to cover approximately $45 million of construction costs for the Kamloops Cancer Centre, which is 35 per cent of costs for a new parkade, purchasing MRI equipment, and additional upgrades to RIH.
“A new Kamloops Cancer Centre remains a top priority for our board and for residents, and we are preparing for an additional improvement project at RIH in future years,” said board chair Mike O’Reilly. “This Hospital District budget balances our current and future healthcare needs while maintaining predictable, stable tax increases for residents.”
The TRHD board has also approved allocating $6.85 million for capital projects and equipment purchases in 2025 at healthcare facilities, which represent 37 per cent of total costs for these projects.
For the Barriere Health Centre that will be a refrigerator for vaccines for a total budget of $15,500.
Projects for the Dr. Helmcken Memorial Hospital and Health Centre in Clearwater include a coagulation analyzer, $37,800, a fume hood and cabinet for biological safety, $14,600, an oven, $26,200, a convention oven, $31,200 and a vaccine refrigerator, $10,800.
For the Ashcroft Hospital and Community Health Care Centre projects include a bed, $24,100, a bladder scanner, $21,600 and a vaccine refrigerator, $12,300, and a stretcher for transport for the Clinton Health and Wellness Centre, $13,100.
Interior Health pays a portion of these projects and the TNHD covers the remaining 37 per cent. The amounts above represent the total budget costs.
For a list of minor capital projects being funded in 2025 are available on the TRND website.
