GRAVENHURST TAX HIKE ALMOST 3%; AMOUNTS TO $15 PER $100,000 ASSESSESSMENT

GRAVENHURST — Budget season begins with cold reminders of the cost of running towns and townships.

At Wednesday’s special council meeting, Gravenhurst town councillors approved the 2023 Budget, which will result in a 2.9% increase to the town share of the tax rate.

It’s the first budget since they were elected last fall.

A town release says after publication of the budget materials Jan. 6, council deliberated on the details of both the operating and capital budgets over the course of two days – Jan. 31 and Feb. 1.

Mayor Heidi Lorenz said “2023 will be an exciting year for the town as council moves toward strategic and long-term plans to shape the community’s future. The long-term capital goals within this budget include plans to address outstanding infrastructure deficits, promote financial stability and address the needs of the community within directed fiscal restraints.

“The approval reflects the direction to maintain a status quo operating budget.”

But, she notes, it includes projects for the betterment of the community.

New initiatives included commitments to previous projects, such as capital investments, adapting to evolving legislation and supporting the community.

Budget project highlights include:
A focus on roads, bridges, and storm-water drainage improvements

  • Exterior security cameras for the Opera House, Fire Hall and Town Hall
  • Major overhaul to Gull Lake Rotary Park with tiered seating for community events, such as Music on the Barge
  • Completion of a Communication Strategy
  • Investment in a Climate Change Adaptation Plan
  • Strategic Plan to guide direction for the corporation and community
  • Chief administrative officer Scott Lucas says staff worked to ensure the budget presented to council stayed within council’s guidelines given inflationary pressures.

The impact on the town property tax bill would see an increase of $14.82 per $100,000 of assessment on the town-share of the Gravenhurst property tax bill.

The median single-family residence will see on their 2023 Property Tax Bill a 3.3% increase for urban properties and 3.1% increase for rural properties.

With an investment of approximately $9.3 million in Town assets and related studies, 72 projects will get underway in 2023, financed largely through capital reserves and internal borrowing.

Full details of the approved 2023 budget can be found at www.gravenhurst.ca/budget.

The median tax hike is 3.3 per cent for urban residents and 3.1 per cent for rural residents.