Grimsby's Town Council Approves 2023 Budget

Grimsby's Town Council Approves 2023 Budget

At the Council meeting of April 3, 2023, Town Council approved the 2023 Budget.

Council approved the 2023 budget with a 5.97 per cent increase to the Town’s portion of the tax levy, for an overall property tax increase of 6.30 per cent when combined with the regional and educational levies. The 5.97 per cent increase to the Town’s portion of the tax levy results in residential property taxes increase by $97 per year ($8 a month), for an average residential household assessed at $442,000.

Through the 2023 budget, Council is investing in our people, places, and prosperity. The 2023 budget balances valuable services, initiatives, and investments in the Grimsby community while being fiscally responsible, and financially sustainable.

Some of key investments being made to meet Council’s Strategic Priorities include:

• To provide a high quality of life by supporting happy, healthy lives in a well-connected inclusive community by providing initiatives such as:
  • Customer service, communication, and volunteer strategies;
  • A change to governance structure;
  • The Fire Master Plan;
  • Investing in the Transportation Master Plan to support future growth;
  • Creating library and cultural strategic plans; and
  • Investing in active living infrastructure such as the Peach King Centre Expansion, Whittaker Park, and the 40 Mile Creek Bridge.
• Fostering vibrant neighbourhoods while protecting and promoting our natural environment through:
  • Developing strong plans on how Grimsby grows, supported by the Official Plan, the Heritage Study, while balancing emerging legislative changes;
  • Protecting and improving our natural environment through the 2 Billion Trees initiative and continued environmental sustainability; and
  • Promoting a vibrant, active, safe Grimsby by investing in the Downtown Reimagined project, supporting the Farmers Market, and completing parking studies to support resident and commercial business needs.

• Driving innovation and collaboration in our local economy to benefit everyone by investing in:
  • The Town’s website to improve information sharing and attract businesses;
  • A tourism strategy to promote the Town of Grimsby; and
  • The Asset Management Plan to ensure strategic investments to maximize asset life.

“Our team has spent a tremendous amount of time and effort creating a budget that appropriately balances the needs of residents and businesses today, while ensuring Grimsby has a strong and bright future” said Sarah Kim, Acting Chief Administrative Officer. “We are confident that this budget is a positive step in moving the Town forward to realizing its goals and achieving Council’s Strategic Priorities”.

Mayor Jeff Jordan noted that “approving the budget is a huge accomplish for our new Council, and I would like to thank all of its members for their time, effort, and diligence. This budget will allow us to accomplish our Strategic Priorities, and ensure that residents are provided the services they need both now, and in the future”.

Contact:

Beth Brens

Director of Finance/Treasurer

bbrens@grimsby.ca