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Why change to a city?
The conversation around a potential municipal re-classification from town to city is rooted in the community’s identity now and into the future.
A town may explore re-classification for many reasons: fostering economic development, acknowledging population growth and change, attracting business, enhancing visibility, and to support advocacy for emerging community needs.
Creston is growing! In 2011 the Town’s population exceeded 5,000, making it eligible for city status. The 2021 Statistics Canada Census recorded Creston’s population at 5,583 and more recently, BC Stats estimated the 2024 population of Creston at 6,166 residents. Beyond our town’s boundaries, CrestonContinue reading
Why change to a city?
The conversation around a potential municipal re-classification from town to city is rooted in the community’s identity now and into the future.
A town may explore re-classification for many reasons: fostering economic development, acknowledging population growth and change, attracting business, enhancing visibility, and to support advocacy for emerging community needs.
Creston is growing! In 2011 the Town’s population exceeded 5,000, making it eligible for city status. The 2021 Statistics Canada Census recorded Creston’s population at 5,583 and more recently, BC Stats estimated the 2024 population of Creston at 6,166 residents. Beyond our town’s boundaries, Creston serves as an economic hub, supporting approximately 14,000 residents from surrounding communities.
“Economic Prosperity” is a key community goal within our Official Community Plan, with a vision of “a thriving economy that fosters local entrepreneurship and job creation, and that meets community needs through effective, efficient and creative use of our diverse resources and assets.” Re-classification may be an opportunity to support economic development goals by:
Attracting business and investments that strengthen our local economy;
Opening doors to additional grants and funding;
Boosting tourism and its economic benefits;
Enhancing public services.
A re-classification could serve as a strategic step in shaping Creston’s future while meeting current and evolving community needs.
We decide together
The decision to transition from town to city status is one that will involve the entire community. To better understand whether this is something our community is interested in exploring, Council is eager to hear your thoughts.
We’ve designed a short and straightforward survey to capture your opinion on the matter. Your responses will be presented to the Council for consideration as they determine the next steps.
Please note, Council is simply exploring the possibility of re-classification, and no final decisions have been made at this stage.
After the results of this survey are presented, if Council decides to further explore reclassification an elector approval process will be completed (the community would formally decide).
FAQ's
Would the municipal budget be affected?
An elector approval process is required to re-classify a municipality, pursuant to the Local Government Act. To meet the requirements of legislation (advertising, public education and information, and print materials) the cost is estimated at $5,000.
The transition to city status is not expected to impact the municipal budget. Re-branding and updating print materials can be completed in house and occur over time. Current resources can be used up before being replaced.
Would there be any new taxes or fees as a result of being a city?
Taxes are based on the needs of the municipality (services, infrastructure, and needs of the community). They are not based on municipal status.
Would there be changes to Council representation?
There will be no change to Council representation. Creston would continue to have 7 elected officials (1 Mayor and 6 Councillors).
The transition to city status does not grant additional powers to Council. The community’s legislative responsibilities are unchanged.
Too big or Too small?
While eligibility to apply for city status rests with a population threshold of 5,000, there are large towns such as Comox with a population of 72,445 and very small cities like Greenwood with a population of 702.
Greenwood has shown how a small community can leverage city status for its benefit. Branding itself as the “Smallest incorporated City in Canada.”
Greenwood has successfully used its designation to promote its unique identity.
Perceived benefits of becoming a city:
Becoming a city offers Creston an opportunity to shape its future. It may offer a foundation for a clear long-term vision for Creston as a community and reinforces the sentiment that Creston is open to business and welcomes growth and opportunity.
Becoming a city may have the following potential benefits:
Attracting Business – City status may make Creston more attractive for new businesses and investors. Cities are typically the first choice for companies looking to establish operations. By becoming a city, Creston may attract more attention as a prime location for business development and investment opportunities, establishing Creston as a community excited about growth and opportunity.
Improved recognition and visibility with a stronger voice for advocacy – Creston’s uniqueness deserves to be recognized, and city status can help bring that recognition to the forefront. This change enhances the community’s visibility and increases its ability to advocate for itself, ensuring it stands out in regional, provincial, and national conversations. City status may also improve access to grant funding and other advocacy opportunities that typically favour cities over towns, providing Creston with more resources to support its development.
Minimal budgetary impact – The transition to city status is not expected to have budgetary impact. In fact, over the long term, becoming a city may actually increase the local tax base, particularly through enhanced business development and growth. The move offers potential for economic expansion without placing financial burden on the community.
Perceived challenges of becoming a city:
As with any significant change, there are both advantages and challenges to consider. Below are some preliminary concerns that have been raised regarding the reclassification of Creston to city status:
Loss of small-town charm - The transition to city status may alter the small-town character of Creston. With the potential for increased development and a larger population, there could be concerns about losing the close-knit community atmosphere and unique identity that defines the town.
City problems: Becoming a city may also introduce issues commonly perceived with urbanization, such as higher crime rates, and a greater demand for public services.
Minimal immediate changes: While the long-term benefits of becoming a city may be significant, the immediate impact may feel minimal. This lack of immediate change could lead to frustrations among residents who are eager to see tangible benefits right away. It may take time for the full effects of city status to be felt, and some might question whether the transition was worth the wait.
Thoughtful planning and community involvement can help mitigate many of these concerns, ensuring that Creston’s transition to city status, if approved, is as smooth and beneficial as possible.
Creston is considering reclassifying as a city, and we want to hear your thoughts! Your input is important in shaping the future of our community. Please take a few minutes to share your perspective by completing this short survey. Survey closes at 4:00pm on May 9, 2025.
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Why change to a city?
