North Grenville’s Council approved the 2022 Budget last week, concluding the budget process for 2022. Council worked with staff to approve a final budget with a tax rate increase of just 0.74%.
“We have taken a fiscally responsible approach while investing in our community. This is consistent with Council’s intention since 2019 to keep annual tax rate increases well below 2 percent,” said Mayor Peckford.
Municipal budgets are comprised of capital and operating expenses. The Municipality’s capital budget represents an investment of $6,685,295 on infrastructure in 2022 that will support sustainable growth in North Grenville while rehabilitating and replacing existing infrastructure.
Some of the Highlights include:
Approximately $1.8 million has been allocated this year for the forthcoming, multi-year County Road 43 roadway expansion and new bridge project which is scheduled to begin later this year (North Grenville is responsible for multi-use pathways, trees, lighting, and some minor underground works, which constitutes approximately 17% of the overall cost of the multi-year project.);
Gravel rebuilds, rehabilitation and pavement overlays of several rural and urban roads;
Roof and related repairs of Maplewood Hall, one of North Grenville’s oldest public buildings and former Oxford Mills school house;
Support for key community services such as, the Kemptville District Hospital, local Victim Services, Kemptville Salvation Army Food Bank, Seniors Community transportation services, and The Beth Donovan Hospice;
New amenities in Riverside Park to ensure full year use as well as key upgrades to safe equipment in parks in rural hamlets. (It is important to note that funding for rural and urban park investments is being provided from the $100,000 Grand Prize awarded to North Grenville by ParticipACTION and North Grenville’s Development Charges (standard one-time fees paid by commercial and residential developers for future infrastructure needs as our community grows);
Key improvements to the Municipal building to improve accessibility and audio-visual capacities;
An Affordable Housing Fund to incentivize developers to incorporate affordable housing units into future builds;
The establishment of North Grenville’s first ever Heritage Buildings Reserve fund.
The operating portion of the budget in the year 2022 dedicates $26,022,550 towards the costs of running the Municipality, excluding water and wastewater.
“Investing in continuous advancements to our municipal operations while also forging partnerships with dynamic community and business groups has been Council’s focus, with the goal of improving customer service, enhancing quality of life and promoting a healthy and cohesive community as we grow,” Mayor Peckford added.
“North Grenville is growing, and with that growth comes increased opportunities as well as responsibilities. We must pursue crucial infrastructure investments, while ensuring well-managed growth that will shape North Grenville for the decades to come,” emphasized Gary Dyke, Chief Administrative Officer.
“We extend our gratitude to Mr. Dyke and senior staff for their dedication and expertise in the development of this 2022 budget. Our collaboration throughout the process made it possible for Council to approve a budget that allows for important investments in our community, is fiscally responsible and upholds service levels,” Mayor Peckford noted.
Budget 2022 can be found on our website at: www.northgrenville.ca/budget.
