Efficiency Study Ranks Nanaimo Best, Mount Waddington Worst in B.C.

BREAKING: A new efficiency study reveals stark contrasts in regional district spending across British Columbia, with the **Regional District of Nanaimo** hailed as the most efficient, while the **Regional District of Mount Waddington** is criticized for its excessive spending. The report, issued by the **Canadian Federation of Independent Business (CFIB)**, provides urgent insights into local government fiscal management.

The report, titled “Bureaucracy over Basics: An Examination of Regional District Spending Growth,” ranks **Nanaimo** at the top for its ability to control costs, achieving a remarkable **23 percent decline** in spending compared to the previous benchmarks. This is particularly crucial as **regional district spending** has risen faster than population growth, inflation, and property taxes across B.C., resulting in heightened financial pressure on small businesses.

The findings underscore a troubling trend: regional districts on average have increased their budgets by **34 percent** since **2018**, with administrative costs soaring by **43 percent**. This has left small businesses grappling with increased tax bills during a challenging economic period.

Ryan Mitton, CFIB’s Director of Legislative Affairs for B.C., emphasized the importance of Nanaimo’s responsible spending, stating, “When local governments cut red tape and make their bureaucracies more efficient, it helps keep property taxes affordable for small businesses which is essential while we are also facing U.S. tariffs.”

Conversely, the **Regional District of Mount Waddington** is under fire for its spending practices, which have almost doubled since **2018**, significantly outpacing its overall spending growth of **28 percent**. Mitton remarked, “The Regional District of Mount Waddington is massively overspending and deserves more scrutiny. Small businesses tell us they aren’t seeing value for their tax money from their regional districts.”

The report indicates that **53 percent** of small businesses feel regional districts are unresponsive to their needs. More than half reported rarely or never interacting with their local government, highlighting a disconnect that has serious implications for the community.

Molly MacCormack, CFIB Public Policy and Advocacy Intern, expressed concern over the unchecked growth of bureaucracy. “There is a lack of accountability in the regional district system, meaning bureaucracy and red tape can continue to grow unchecked, while overlapping roles with municipalities remain unclear,” she stated.

In response to these findings, CFIB is calling for immediate action. The organization urges regional districts to rein in spending and put small businesses at the forefront of their priorities. They are also advocating for the reinstatement of the **Auditor General for Local Government** to ensure accountability and transparency in local government spending.

Mitton concluded by urging, “Reinstating an Auditor General for Local Government is one of the ways B.C. can keep regional districts accountable and ensure taxpayers are respected.”

As local governments in B.C. navigate these fiscal challenges, the report serves as a critical reminder of the need for prudent spending and effective governance, especially in these economically challenging times.

Stay tuned as we monitor developments in local government spending and the responses from these regional districts.