The Town of Creston has approved updates to its Council Remuneration Policy following a comprehensive review of elected official compensation across comparable British Columbia municipalities. The review was conducted in accordance with the Town's existing policy requirement to assess Council remuneration every four years.
The review examined remuneration practices in 29 British Columbia municipalities with populations between approximately 5,000 and 15,000 residents and assessed compensation using guidance from the Union of British Columbia Municipalities (UBCM). The analysis found that Creston's current Mayor and Councillor remuneration was modestly below the median of comparable communities.
Under the approved changes, Mayor remuneration will increase by approximately $1,398 annually and Councillor remuneration will increase by approximately $675 annually per Councillor, effective at the commencement of the 2026-2030 Council term. The total annual budget impact is estimated at approximately $5,720, including associated RRSP contributions.
Importantly, the adjustment does not place Creston above other comparable municipalities. Rather, it aligns remuneration with the median level of compensation among peer communities, which UBCM identifies as a useful benchmark because it reflects typical market practice and is less influenced by unusually high or low compensation levels.
The review recognized that elected officials today face increasingly complex governance responsibilities. In addition to attending Council meetings, local elected officials are responsible for strategic planning, financial oversight, infrastructure governance, public safety, housing issues, emergency preparedness, community engagement, regional collaboration, and advocacy with other levels of government.
"Council remuneration should be fair, transparent, and defensible," said Mike Moore, Chief Administrative Officer. "This review was based on objective data, established governance principles, and best practices in local government compensation. The resulting adjustment is modest, evidence-based, and ensures that Creston remains aligned with comparable municipalities across British Columbia."
Appropriate remuneration plays an important role in supporting a healthy local democracy. Fair compensation helps reduce financial barriers that may prevent residents from seeking elected office, supports broader participation in municipal government, and encourages individuals from a wide range of backgrounds and life experiences to consider public service.
Diverse and representative local government benefits the entire community. When service on Council is accessible to residents from different professional, economic, family, and community backgrounds, local decision-making is strengthened and more reflective of the community as a whole. This principle was identified as a key consideration in the remuneration review process.
The approved changes will take effect for the next Council term and will not apply to the current term of office. Implementing the adjustment for the subsequent term reflects good governance practices by separating the decision from the current elected officials who considered it.
Council also approved minor amendments to the remuneration policy to improve clarity and ensure consistency with the updated compensation framework. Annual indexing provisions already contained within the policy will remain in place.
About the Review
The remuneration review was completed in accordance with the Council Remuneration Policy and included an analysis of compensation levels, governance responsibilities, and compensation practices in comparable municipalities throughout British Columbia. The review concluded that aligning remuneration with the comparator median represented a transparent, balanced, and evidence-based approach that supports both fiscal responsibility and effective local governance. To view the complete report, please visit Creston.ca and access the September Council Meeting agenda.