On April 4, Niagara-on-the-Lake Town Council approved the 2023 Budget. The 2023 Budget details how the Town will invest in critical infrastructure, programs and services that contribute to the high quality of life enjoyed in the Town of Niagara-on-the-Lake.
In keeping with the Town’s fiscally responsible approach to financial planning, the 2023 Budget identifies opportunities for long-term sustainability and provides maximum value for citizens by investing in the Town’s assets and programs.
“Town Council thoroughly deliberated the Town’s 2023 budget and made decisions to ensure the appropriate allocation of funding to support the Town’s capital and operational needs and invest in the future of Niagara-on-the-Lake,” stated Lord Mayor Gary Zalepa. “Council recognized that the use of reserves to fund operating in 2022 was not sustainable and impacted the starting point for the 2023 budget. Every effort was made to review all proposed business cases, and I am confident that the financial decisions made will maximize benefit to our community. On behalf of Town Council, I thank Staff for their efforts to ensure Council was supported and well-informed throughout the budget process.”
Some of this year’s key investments include:
- Increase capital program contributions for long-term sustainability
- Make investments to ensure assets are in a state-of-good-repair
- Focus on Asset Management Planning, inclusive of green infrastructure
- Continue to invest in parks and recreational programming to provide places and programs that are accessible to all in the community
- Enhance service and streamline processes in Planning and Building, while continuing to address the impacts of Bill 23
- Contribute to a vibrant economy through economic development initiatives
- Manage corporate risks through investments in health and safety and cybersecurity
- Maintain the volunteer firefighter model by investing in Fire & Emergency Services, including addressing increased demands in the area of Community Risk Reduction
- Enhance internal and external communications
- Improve transit services with Niagara Region Transit (NRT)
"The Town is proud of its history of strong financial planning, as shown by receiving the prestigious Canadian Award for Financial Reporting through the Government Finance Officers Association for nine consecutive years, and holding a Credit Rating of AA+,” stated CAO Marnie Cluckie. “The budget is an iterative process of review and prioritization, focused on making decisions for long-term sustainability, meeting the needs of the community and supporting the high quality of life Niagara-on-the-Lake residents enjoy. Thank you to Town Council, the Town's Treasurer, Finance Team and Town Staff for their hard work throughout this year’s budget process.”
The Town’s Capital Budget was approved on Tuesday, March 28, 2023, with the Town’s Operating Budget receiving approval on Tuesday, April 4, 2023.
Key figures from the 2023 Niagara-on-the-Lake Budget include:
- Total Annual Impact: $110.20 for the average residential assessment of $541,000
- 2023 Capital Budget: $9.7 Million
- Supports new and improved infrastructure.
- 2023 Operating Budget: $43.9 Million
- Covers the costs of operating and delivering Town services.
- 2023 Operating Levy: $14,966,567
- Results in an approximate increase of $100.83 annually for the average homeowner with an assessment of $541,000. This represents an 8.25% increase.
- Stormwater Levy: $952,110
- As in previous years, those within the urban area will receive an additional levy for stormwater management purposes to support investment into stormwater management, keeping the systems strong and meeting legislative requirements. This year’s annual increase is:
- Stormwater Levy: Approximately $9.36 annual increase ($0.78 monthly)
- Combined Increase (Operational and Stormwater Levy): Approximately $110.20 annual increase ($9.18 monthly) for the average homeowner with an assessment of $541,000
- As in previous years, those within the urban area will receive an additional levy for stormwater management purposes to support investment into stormwater management, keeping the systems strong and meeting legislative requirements. This year’s annual increase is:
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.
Stay tuned for additional budget communication tools, which will be available in the coming weeks.
For more information about the Town’s budget process, including links to Staff’s presentations and recordings of past Budget Committee meetings, please visit https://www.notl.com/council-government/meetings-agendas-minutes.
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Media Contact:
Marah Minor, Community Engagement and Communications Coordinator
905-468-3266 | communications@notl.com