Town of Grimsby Releases Draft Budget for 2025

Each year, Town of Grimsby Staff prepare an annual budget which is based on the community’s priorities and input and ensure the allocation of local resources are distributed effectively. The objective of the budget is to address Council priorities, operations, services, infrastructure, and asset management for the Town. This draft budget is then presented to Council, where they work to balance the needs between the service levels and the increased cost to delivery these services, both sustainably and affordably. 

The public is welcome to review the draft consolidated budget for 2025 here: https://www.grimsby.ca/town-hall/budget-and-financial-statements/budgets/

Key Highlights

• The budget was developed with a focus on ensuring Grimsby remains a strong and sustainable community while advancing the Town’s strategic priorities of People, Places and Prosperity.
• The draft budget proposes a Town tax levy increase of 6.44%. Blended with the Niagara Region and education taxes, the average levy for a home assessed at $442,000 would see a $388 increase. Of this, Grimsby’s portion of the increase would be $91.
• Regarding utilities, the water fixed rate has been recommended to be set at $346 for the year, along with a variable rate of $1.57 per cubic metre of water consumption. Wastewater cost recoveries are split between the tax levy and consumption. The Wastewater levy is proposed to be set at $380 for an average assessed home along with a rate of $1.72 per cubic metre based on water consumption.

The budget is a planned itemized summary of money coming into the Town and a plan on how that money is going to be spent over a specific period of time. The proposed budget includes strategic investments to support the growing needs of the community, tax relief for designated heritage properties, increased funding allocated for the Town’s asset management reserves, and increased funds to meet the Town’s current and projected debt requirements related to the West Lincoln Memorial Hospital and the Peach King Centre.

The draft budget also reflects the Town’s ongoing commitment to investing in essential infrastructure with a recommended $22.1 million in capital budget funding. Of this total, $8.5 million relates specifically to the Downtown Reimagined Project, which will contribute to a vibrant, active, and safe downtown. In addition to the road reconstruction, this project will provide a more pedestrian-friendly look and feel and will incorporate watermain and sewer work.

It is important to note that provincial legislation requires a balanced budget, money coming in equals money going out, also known as revenues equal expenditures. 

The 2025 budget will be presented for consideration at the Budget Committee of the Whole Meeting on January 27, 2025. The agenda for this meeting will be made available on the Town’s website on January 22, 2025. Requests to delegate at the Budget Committee of the Whole meeting can be submitted online at: https://www.grimsby.ca/town-hall/mayor-and-council/speaking-at-committee-or-council/.

Quotes:

“Strong budgets are the driving force of thriving municipalities, as they transform aspirations into action, ensuring resources are wisely allocated to build resilient communities, foster growth, and secure a brighter future for all. I’m proud of the hard work Town Staff have done to balance the needs of our community while addressing the various priorities in 2025.” Sarah Kim, Chief Administrative Officer, at the Town of Grimsby.

Contact Information:

Christina Davidson

Communications Specialist

cdavidson@grimsby.ca | 905-945-9634