Niagara-on-the-Lake- On February 11th, 2019 through report FC-18-002A, Town Council officially approved the 2019 Capital and Operating budgets. A budget increase of 4.48% was finalized, whittling it down from the originally proposed 13.45%. This will result in an approximate increase of $46 for homeowners with a property assessed at $500,000.
Highlights of the 2019 Capital Budget include:
St. David’s Pool Trail (York Road to the Cannery Subdivision) – $100,000
Cannery Park and Playground Development – $175,000
Niagara-on-the-Green Park Refurbishment – $132,000
Community Centre Cardio Equipment Replacement – $20,000
Full Time Fire Prevention Officer – $45,900
River Beach Restoration – $28,000
Projects that were approved in previous years that will be taking place in 2019 include; the Virgil Sportspark Pickleball Courts, Queenston Park Development (Phase 2 - Playground), Virgil Skatepark, and the design and consultation for St. David’s Pool.
“Council has worked hard to reduce the impact of the budget increase without compromising services,” said Lord Mayor Betty Disero. “This year was focused on staff retention and the inevitable increase of utility costs. The priority for the next three years must be infrastructure maintenance and building the Town’s reserves.”
“Thank you to the Town’s Treasurer, Kyle Freeborn, and the staff for working diligently through this budget process,” said Holly Dowd, Chief Administrative Officer. “Council members and staff worked closely together to find possible financial reductions. I look forward to that teamwork continuing during this term of Council.”
Niagara-on-the-Lake’s property tax bill includes levies for the Town, Niagara Region, the Province of Ontario (for education purposes), and the Niagara Health System. At this time, only the Town’s budget has been approved and the total impact on residents’ tax bills can not be determined at this time.
The 2019 Water and Wastewater Rates and the 2019 User Fees and Services Charges are available on the Town’s website.
For more information, please contact:
Holly Dowd
Chief Administrative Officer
905-468-3266