Saugeen Shores Council has received the Town’s 2023 draft budget.
It has a proposed blended tax increase (Municipal/County/Education) of 5.94 per cent or $19 month for the median-assessed Saugeen Shores household (assessed at $314,000).
A release from the Town says the overarching themes of the 2023 plan include managing future growth by putting resources in place to maintain service levels, streamlining capacity and improving processes to increase efficiencies, using benchmarks (known as Key Performance Indicators) to make work clear and transparent on council-led major initiatives.
It includes almost $2.2 million in capital funding for projects like the Southampton Water Treatment Control Plant, the reconstruction of a number of roads and the installation of new sidewalks.
Highlights include a contribution to the County’s Municipal Housing Allowance program to prioritize supports for families in need while advancing a Community Planning Permit System to develop more housing options. The budget also earmarks money for healthcare supports including ongoing contributions to the Southampton Hospital CT Scanner, healthcare professional recruitment and funding of two medical centres.
The budget includes an urban tree canopy plan, increased funding to the Town’s annual tree sale and participation in a pilot program with Food Cycler to divert organic waste from the landfill.
It also includes further investment in Summerside Park, a proposed cricket pitch and plans for Jubliee Park, Helliwell Park and the reimagining of Northshore Park.
Mayor Luke Charbonneau says in a statement, “We are committed to making sure this community gets access to the services and resources it deserves while seeing value for their hard-earned tax dollars. I want to thank staff for the work they have done in putting together a fiscally responsible and thorough plan and budget.”
The release notes, the 2023 Business Plan and Budget does not affect funding for recent major recreational projects, such as the Aquatic & Wellness Centre and Phase 2 of the Lamont Sports Park. Staff say those projects will draw from the Legacy Fund, as well as from development charges and possible grants.
The final budget is set to go before council on February 27th for final endorsement.