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2022 Operating Budget Graph

Port Colborne city council approved the 2022 operating budget at their meeting on Nov. 8, completing the city’s budget process as the capital budget was approved at the Sept. 27, 2021 meeting.  Both the operating and capital budgets focus on supporting the community and corporate pillars identified in the new strategic plan that is guiding the city’s operations into 2023.

In 2022, the combined impact of the City’s operating and capital budget is an increase of 2.8 per cent (1.7 per cent operating and 1.1 per cent capital) on the blended tax rate.  This is approximately a $104 increase in property taxes per household (calculated on the average residential property valued at $207,501).  The recently approved operating budget maintains current service levels and will help support the following:

  • Reactivating costs, including the re-activation of the Roselawn Centre through the Museum operations.
  • Fibre Wi-Fi costs for the Library, Museum, H.H. Knoll Lakeview Park, Vale Health & Wellness Centre, and Sugarloaf Marina.
  • Enhanced Community Improved Program Funding (CIP) to encourage redevelopment and support growth.
  • Increased patching and spraying budgets by 40% to help extend the useful life of city roads.
  • Playground equipment repair and maintenance.
  • The forecasted transition to the Niagara Region Transit (NRT) OnDemand service.

 “This budget was developed recognizing that city services continue to remain operational and active during the COVID-19 pandemic,” said Bryan Boles, director of corporate services. “When putting together this budget, staff across departments focused on maintaining current service levels while continuing to strengthen the city.”

With the 2022 capital and operating budgets approved, Port Colborne staff are now able to move forward with priority projects and key initiatives.

“The budget staff presented to council outlined standard departmental needs that we usually anticipate annually, but it also included ways we are looking forward,” said Scott Luey, chief administrative officer. “As part of this budget, staff have already identified activities that will help determine the financial outcomes of the city going into the 2023 budget process.”  

The 2022 operating budget was a collaborative effort by all departments, which included both council and city staff input. Staff based their recommendations to council after considering: the city’s established vision, mission, and values; the strategic pillars identified in the city’s strategic plan; a need to connect the community; a desire to come out of the COVID-19 pandemic stronger; planning and building for growth; organizational capacity; and organizational financial flexibility.

“City council was impressed by the 2022 operating budget that was presented and appreciate the process undertaken by staff,” said Mayor Bill Steele. “Port Colborne offers a lot of services that other municipalities do not offer, and we’re thankful to staff for ensuring our residents needs are being met.”

Residents are encouraged to read the 2022 levy budget report, presentation, and appendices, or watch the budget presentation online.

City staff will be bringing forward the 2022 water and wastewater budget, once they have rate information from Niagara Region, expected sometime in the next few weeks. More information will be available at www.portcolborne.ca.