North Grenville’s municipal staff presented the Draft 2023 Municipal Budget to Council on Thursday, February 9, 2023.
Building on the Municipality’s established record of fiscal responsibility, the draft 2023 Budget represents a prudent approach to affordability during trying economic times with the lingering recovery of the pandemic, high inflation, external resource pressures, and supply issues.
“The draft 2023 Budget demonstrates a commitment to crucial investments in infrastructure, road safety, fire protection, recreation, preserving our heritage, and arts and culture, in support of a continued high quality of life for residents and business leaders in North Grenville,” emphasized Mayor Nancy Peckford.
In the draft 2023 Budget, the $26.9 million in operational costs and $7.5 million in capital costs includes key investments in services that residents rely on every day and key priorities that make North Grenville a better place to live.
“Council was elected to ensure that we make the necessary investments in our infrastructure while at the same time maintaining a high quality of life. I believe that the draft budget proposed by staff has successfully captured these needs while presenting a strong fiscal path forward,” said Mayor Peckford.
“This said, we welcome the community’s input over the next couple of weeks so that we can make necessary adjustments before reviewing another version on February 28,” added Mayor Peckford.
Proposed Investments in 7 key areas:
Investing in core infrastructure including, municipal roads and bridges at 3.5 million, plus an annual $1.8 million investment for three years for North Grenville’s share for the expansion of CR 43;
The addition of 2 multi-use pathways, up to 2 PXOs, and sidewalk improvements;
More recreational amenities and opportunities, including the Riverside Park redevelopment, three neighbourhood parks, enhanced winter and summer trails, as well as financial support to several arts, culture and sports groups;
Preserving North Grenville’s heritage through long waited investments in some of our most cherished buildings, including Maplewood Hall and the Oxford on Rideau Township Hall;
Taking care of each other through investments in our local hospital, hospice, youth centre and seniors’ centre, food bank, and victim’s services;
Accelerating progress on the establishment of a rural transit system for all ages, physician recruitment, and affordable housing;
Continued support for our local economic development and tourism promotion.
The Municipality will be hosting three public consultation sessions taking place on:
Wednesday, February 22 at 6:30 pm at the North Grenville Municipal Centre.
Thursday, February 23 at 2:00 pm at Maplewood Hall in Oxford Mills.
A Virtual Session on Thursday, February 23 at 7:30 pm. Pre-registration is required to attend the virtual session. To register, visit www.northgrenville.ca/budget or phone 613-258-9569 ext. 162
“The budget consultations are a key opportunity for community stakeholders, residents and business leaders to provide their feedback,” highlighted Deputy Mayor John Barclay. “We look forward to hearing from folks in order to help inform the budget priorities and to ensure that the community has a strong voice.”
The public consultation will begin with a short presentation and budget overview by the Chief Financial Officer.
Members of the public will then have the opportunity to interact with municipal staff to review key aspects of the draft 2023 Budget, ask questions and provide feedback.
Details on the North Grenville 2023 Budget are available on the website at: www.northgrenville.ca/budget.
North Grenville Budget 2023 Key Dates:
Public Budget Consultation #1
Wednesday, February 22
6:30 – 8:30 pm
North Grenville Municipal Centre – Urbandale Theatre, 285 CR44, Kemptville
Public Budget Consultation #2
Thursday, February 23
2:00 – 3:30 pm
Maplewood Hall, 92 Maplewood Ave., Oxford Mills
Public Budget Consultation #3 – Virtual
Thursday, February 23
7:30 – 9:00 pm
Pre-registration required.
To register, visit www.northgrenville.ca/budget or phone 613-258-9569 ext. 162
Tuesday, February 28 – Presentation of Draft Budget to Council
6:30 – 8:30 pm
North Grenville Municipal Centre – Urbandale Theatre
Live-streamed on YouTube: www.northgrenville.ca/meetings