DELTA, BC (RAJEEV SHARMA): One Delta mayoral candidate Dylan Kruger is making affordability a central issue of his campaign, promising residents that his proposed municipal agenda will not include new taxes, levies or fees.
Kruger’s comments come in response to rival candidate George Harvie’s proposal for a new community levy to help finance a recreation centre in North Delta. While Kruger supports construction of the proposed facility, he argues that homeowners should not be asked to shoulder additional costs to pay for major infrastructure.
“One Delta believes new taxes or levies, or whatever name they are given, are another cost that residents simply cannot absorb right now,” Kruger said, reiterating his campaign’s commitment to avoiding additional charges on residents.
Kruger proposes alternative funding model
Rather than relying on additional residential taxation, Kruger says One Delta would pursue funding from senior levels of government while also working to expand Delta’s commercial and industrial economy.
The campaign says a larger business and investment base could help generate additional municipal revenue without placing the same pressure on residential property owners.
“We will stand up for Delta and make the case that our community deserves meaningful support for the major projects planned in our region,” Kruger said, arguing that residents should see tangible benefits from major federal and provincial investments in the area.
Economic development at centre of campaign plan
Kruger’s campaign also wants to establish an Economic Development Office aimed at helping existing businesses, attracting investment and strengthening Delta’s industrial sector.
According to One Delta, businesses already account for about half of the municipality’s tax revenue. The campaign argues that expanding the commercial and industrial tax base could provide the city with more resources while helping limit additional pressure on homeowners.
Kruger emphasized that the proposal is not intended to increase taxes on existing businesses.
“This isn’t about raising business taxes. It’s about bringing more businesses and investment to Delta, especially in our industrial areas,” he said.
The proposed office would also focus on supporting local businesses and addressing challenges such as tariffs, while seeking opportunities to bring new investment into the community.
Election framed as choice over taxation
Kruger is presenting the upcoming municipal election as a choice between increasing property taxes to finance projects and pursuing growth, outside investment and tighter spending controls.
He criticized Harvie and the Achieving for Delta campaign for what he described as an overreliance on new taxation to fund municipal initiatives.
At the same time, Kruger said One Delta would continue to support infrastructure improvements and better services, but would seek to achieve those goals without adding new financial burdens for residents.
“We have a plan to build and invest in Delta without adding financial pressure on residents,” Kruger said.
The campaign says its broader approach will combine responsible municipal spending, economic expansion and efforts to secure provincial and federal funding for major projects.
Kruger ultimately said the goal is to allow Delta to grow while keeping affordability at the forefront of municipal decision-making.
