Members of Wasaga Beach Town Council have approved the 2021 budget today.
“We strived to find the balance between addressing the impacts of COVID-19 on taxpayers, while planning for the future. This budget contains several meaningful investments that allow us to build a more complete community and ultimately move Wasaga Beach forward,” Mayor Nina Bifolchi said. “COVID-19 has been hard on everyone, but we want to be strong coming out of the pandemic when the economy starts to rebound. I want to thank our staff and members of council for all of the hard work that went into creating this detailed financial plan.”
It contains a 2.99 percent increase to municipal taxes, which works out to a total 1.7 percent increase when the county and school board rates are considered.
That adds up to another 76 dollars for the year or about $6.29 cents a month for the average property assessed at $450,000.
The town’s operating budget sits at $42-million and the capital budget is $54-million.
The budget includes significant investments in the following areas:
- New twin-pad arena and library;
- Road and bridge improvements;
- Water and wastewater infrastructure;
- Drainage improvements
- Public transit;
- Physician recruitment;
- Fire Department;
- Refurbished trail bridges and parks;
- Planning studies that support community development.
A key part of the capital budget is funding for the twin-pad arena and library project. This project will start construction in 2021 after several years of planning and setting aside funds. Situated at 544 River Rd. W., the new complex will replace the town’s current and aging inadequate facilities. This is positive news for our minor hockey association, our adult hockey leagues, our figure skating club, active community members, as well as the many people and groups that use our library.
The new twin-pad arena and library will also provide space for special events, such as concerts, new programming, and additional indoor activities. Included with the project is an indoor walking track.
For full details on the 2021 Budget, please click here.
Members of Wasaga Beach Town Council approved the 2021 budget today, charting an ambitious and progressive course that will result in improved services, programs, and amenities for the community. Learn more here: https://t.co/fJLSTJYX4s #MovingWBForward #WasagaBeach pic.twitter.com/ifurnCDs3z
— Town of Wasaga Beach (@WB_Media) December 22, 2020