Lakeshore Proposes 2.64% Tax Increase

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Lakeshore has released a draft version of its 2022 Budget document with a proposed tax rate increase of 2.64%.

Municipality of Lakeshore officials say that with the increase they still remain below the level of inflation and would maintain Lakeshore’s top spot in the region as the lowest tax rate relative to average household income. If approved, the increase, when accounting for County and Education levies, would see an average of $62 added to annual property tax bills.

“This budget builds upon the successes of past years, focuses on accomplishing Council’s strategic priorities, and has adapted to the challenges that local governments have faced throughout pandemic,” said Justin Rousseau, Lakeshore’s Corporate Leader – Chief Financial Officer. “Lakeshore has experienced sustainable growth and this budget, if approved, will ensure we are well-positioned to accommodate investment and welcome new residents well into the future.”

The 2022 Budget earmarks operating expenditures of $53.7 million with an estimated $17.1 million in offsetting revenue from grants, user fees, and investment returns. An additional $17.2 million is proposed for capital projects, which will be funded by transfers from reserves or the issuance of long-term debt.

Council will meet to discuss the budget on January 10th, 11th, and 12th. The draft budget can be viewed online at www.Lakeshore.ca/Budget]

Budget highlights include:

•  $440,000 for Lifecycle Asphalt Road Resurfacing and $675,000 for Roads Surface Treatment Program
• $100,000 towards sidewalk replacements
• $152,000 for stormwater pump station monitoring systems, $90,000 for a new high-capacity emergency dewatering pump, and $38,000 for storm and sanitary sewer modelling software
• $612,000 for watermain replacement on Comber Side Road
• $870,000 for engineering and design for Puce Road, Major Street and Lilydale Avenue and $1,800,000 for Puce Road reconstruction
• $67,500 for the community visioning and design process of the Stoney Point Park and multi-use community hub facility
• $250,000 for improvements to St. Clair Shores Park
• $150,000 to update the Transportation Master Pla
• $10,000 for additional tree planting in Maidstone Park
• $115,000 for the replacement of playground structure in Stoney Point Par
• $934,000 for a new fire truck and two hybrid (electric/gas) command unit vehicles
• $221,500 for technology, personnel, and other requirements to carry out the 2022 Municipal Election