What Does a Core Service Review Cost—And What Could It Save?

One of the first objections to a Core Service Review is cost. But the better question might be: how much are we wasting without one?

The Numbers That Matter

A meaningful CSR for a city like Nanaimo typically ranges from $150,000 to $300,000 depending on scope and depth. That may sound steep—until you consider the scale of our city budget.

Nanaimo’s operating budget exceeds $200 million per year. Even a modest 1–2% improvement in efficiency could result in annual savings of $2–4 million. That means a CSR can easily pay for itself within the first year.

What do CSRs typically uncover?

- Redundant departments or programs
- Outdated or duplicative services
- Opportunities to automate or consolidate tasks
- Better resource allocation across departments

It’s Not an Expense—It’s an Investment

A Core Service Review isn’t an expense—it’s an investment. And in the long run, the cost of not doing one may be far greater.

👉 Ask council: Will you support a one-time investment that could permanently improve how your city works?

VOICE of NANAIMO