TOWNSHIP OF ESQUIMALT STAFF REPORT
MEETING DATE: March 2, 2026 Report No. ADM-26-009
TO: Council
FROM: Deb Hopkins, Director of Corporate Services
SUBJECT: Supplemental Information for 2026 Budget - Corporate Services, Engineering and Public Works, and Communications Advertising
RECOMMENDATION:
Recommendation
That Council provide staff with direction on the inclusion of the advertising budgets for Corporate Services, Engineering and Public Works, and Communications.
Body
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY:
The purpose of this report is to provide Council with supplemental information on advertising expenditures included in the 2026 Financial Plan for Corporate Services, Engineering, and Communications, as directed.
BACKGROUND:
Across Corporate Services, Engineering and Public Works, and Communications, advertising budgets support statutory notice requirements, public engagement, community awareness, and strategic promotion of Township programs and community identity. The Public Notice Bylaw, adopted in 2024, enables electronic notice as the primary statutory public notice method; therefore, print advertising is now discretionary. Reductions or elimination would result in decreased reach, particularly for residents not using online channels, and diminished visibility for community, corporate, and economic development initiatives.
The combined budget allocation for the three departments is $25,900, representing approximately 0.06% of the total budget. Any cost savings related to reduced or eliminated advertising budgets should be weighed against the corresponding reduced community reach and engagement.
At the February 9, Special Committee of the Whole meeting, Council also requested information pertaining to the distribution and readership of the Victoria News. The following information was provided, however it should be noted that while distribution is tracked, readership is much more difficult to determine. The website metrics illustrate meaningful reach h...
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