Haldimand County Council reviewed and approved the 2021 Tax Supported Capital Budget on March 4, 2021. The Tax-Supported Capital Budget outlines $40.1 million of infrastructure investment in 2021, with a total tax-supported infrastructure investment of $274.5 million over the next 10 years. In total, 302 new tax-supported capital projects have been scheduled for the 2021 calendar year.

The 2021 Capital Budget is heavily focused on infrastructure renewal with notable expenditures in areas such as roadway improvements, bridge and culvert rehabilitation and enhancements to corporate, community and recreation facilities.

2021 Capital Budget Highlights:

• $21.5 million towards roadway and active transportation improvements such as paving, reconstruction, resurfacing, gravel road conversion, sidewalk/curb replacements and street lighting as well as bridge repairs, bridge rehabilitation and other structure-related projects (such as culvert replacements)
• $3.5 million towards the replacement/expansion of the Caledonia Fire Station
• $1.89 million towards the replacement/expansion of the Caledonia Paramedic Services Base
• $3.9 million in facility upgrades at Grandview Lodge
• $3.1 million towards community partnership projects and enhancements to parks, trails, arenas, pools, museums and libraries
• $700,000 towards tree conservation and reforestation initiatives

In recent years the County has deliberately increased its investment in capital to ensure that existing facilities are updated, new facilities desired by the community are added and that a funding plan is in place to minimize tax impacts. Money is set aside every year to ensure that when assets need repairs or replacing, funding is available.

“The 2021 Capital Budget balances current priorities with future needs and further positions Haldimand for growth. Through diligent asset management practices and financial planning principles, staff have developed a budget that ensures our strong financial position is maintained, and our residents and business owners continue to receive high quality programs and services,” said Haldimand County Mayor Ken Hewitt. “We, like many other municipalities, have faced significant financial pressures as a result of COVID-19, and I am proud of the capital program we have developed under such unprecedented circumstances.”

Similar to past years, the capital levy, funded by property taxes, will increase by about $698,000, or about 1% of the overall municipal levy. The total municipal levy for 2021 will be determined once the 2021 Tax Supported Operating Budget is approved by Council.

The 2021 Tax Supported Operating Budget will be presented to Council on the following dates:

• March 31 & April 1*, 2021 – 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. at the Haldimand County Administration Building Council Chamber (*if required)

More information on Haldimand County budgets can be found at HaldimandCounty.ca/Financials/Budgets/.