Fort Erie Town Council approves 2023 budget

FORT ERIE (February 16, 2023) Fort Erie Town Council approved in principle the 2023 budget with an increase of 0.88 percent for the Town’s portion of the residential property tax. For the median household, this increase translates to an additional $12 per year.

When the Niagara Region and the Boards of Education levies are included, the combined increase for residential taxpayers in Fort Erie is 6.9 percent.

“Strategic financial planning is extremely important as we continue navigating past the pandemic. We are preparing for the next 10 years and beyond to ensure that future generations are not left carrying a tax burden properly payable by current property owners. This budget represents Council’s and staff’s continued commitment to the services that our residents need, the long term sustainability of our infrastructure and addressing the challenges of a growing community, while appreciating the affordability concerns of our residents. Responsible financial planning has given us a strong foundation and the ability to be flexible with our future needs, projects and initiatives,” said Mayor Wayne Redekop.

The operating budget of $31.3 million will deliver town services and expand some strategic areas such as industrial land development, heritage, communications and systems. The following are a few items approved under the Town’s operating budget:

• Supervisor, Roads & Stormwater, Asset Management Co-op Student and Parks beautification enhancements
• Ontario Land Tribunal (OLT) Appeals legal costs
• Environmental Planner and temporary Parking/Bylaw Enforcement Officer
• Fire Training Officer and Communications Coordinator

The 2023 Operating Budget includes several one-time requests funded from strategic and rate stabilization reserves. For example, a consultant to prepare Town-wide Urban Design Guidelines and retain consultants as expert witnesses in support of Ontario Heritage Act (OHA) and Planning Act appeals.

“The 2023 budget was developed in the midst of a number of exceptional economic and inflationary pressures. However, it also benefits from the Town’s existing financial health by capturing increased investment income in a fast-changing interest rate environment and moves transit costs to the new Niagara Transit Commission. It addresses the demands of strong development and growth by making important investments in infrastructure, staffing needs and system enhancements. It also uses reserves to fund temporary costs to help minimize tax increases,” said Jonathan Janzen, Director, Corporate Services.

In addition to the Operating Budget, Town Council approved the 2023 Capital Budget and 2024 to 2033 Forecast. The Capital Budget consists of 59 projects with a total cost of $26,997,835. The budget includes works related to roads, bridges, sidewalks, water, wastewater, parks and facilities. Some of the larger Capital projects include:

• $4.5 million for the Pt. Abino Road South Reinstatement of the Shoreline Protection and Road Reconstruction
• $2.3 million for the Douglas Park Revitalization
• $2.1 million for the 2023 Road Resurfacing program
• $1.5 million for the Financial Software Replacement

On January 23, 2023, Town Council approved Fort Erie’s 2023 Water and Wastewater Budget for $21,571,607, which supports high standards of service delivery at a cost increase of 4.25 percent or $5.40 per month for the average household. For more information about the Town’s 2023 Budget, please visit the Town’s website or contact Town Staff.