Council Sets Course for 2025 Budget with Focus on Infrastructure

Georgian Bluffs Council held its first meeting today to discuss the 2025 Township budget, setting the stage for key financial decisions over the upcoming year. The draft budget includes significant investment in infrastructure, while maintaining core services and responding to inflationary pressures.

“Staff have developed a fiscally responsible budget that responds to the needs of the community, as shared through the ongoing strategic planning process, through delegations to Council, and by Council themselves,” said Niall Lobley, Chief Administrative Officer. “The focus of this budget is on investing in infrastructure, enhancing community services, and moving forward on environmental projects.”

After a full day of deliberation, including the base budget and 23 proposed operating and capital enhancements, Council directed staff to prepare a draft 2025 budget that maintains the proposed tax levy change rate of 5.14%. This includes funds allocated to continued bridge and culvert repairs, upgrades at community parks and facilities, and accessibility improvements.

Council asked that the hard surface preservation program budget be increased to $2 million, up from the original request of $950,000, doubling the Township’s investment in maintaining its hard-surface road network. Council also requested an issue paper be developed to consider the installation of a playground in Kemble.

“Council recognizes that our community relies on a well-maintained road network to move through and around the Township,” said Mayor Sue Carleton. “Investing in this infrastructure is crucial, and Council is committed to prioritizing road and bridge improvements in this year’s budget.”

The revised draft budget will be presented at a special meeting on November 12, 2024. A public feedback meeting is scheduled for December 3, with the final budget expected to be approved in January of 2025.

The community is also encouraged to join the conversation. The 2025 Budget Survey is still open, and feedback can be provided online at engagegb.ca/2025budget or in hard copy at Georgian Bluffs facilities. Community members are also invited to attend upcoming budget sessions, or stream them online at youtube.com/@georgianbluffscouncil.

This first meeting marked an important step in the budget process, with Council focusing on balancing fiscal responsibility with the community’s needs for infrastructure, services, and recreation.

For more information and to see previous year’s budgets, visit www.georgianbluffs.ca/budget.