2021 Budget and 2022 Financial Plan renews commitment to service excellence

Municipalinfonet.com
Dec. 16

During tonight’s Special Council Meeting, Mayor Maurizio Bevilacqua and Members of Council approved the City of Vaughan’s 2021 Budget and 2022 Financial Plan which includes a zero per cent increase to the property tax rate. Building on the City’s principles of integrity, accountability and responsibility, this year’s budget once again reflects Vaughan’s commitment to respecting taxpayers’ hard-earned money while factoring in the unprecedented impacts of COVID-19.

The approved citizen-focused 2021 Budget builds upon the strong fiscal foundation that has been created for the growing community and embraces sustainable growth with opportunities through arts, culture, parks, trails and recreation. In addition, it delivers on the City’s mission of Citizens First Through Service Excellence, invests in the community’s future and supports more than 200 programs and services that residents rely on.

The City’s final 2021 Budget includes an operating budget of $488.8 million and capital investments of $290.8 million to support and advance the Mayor and Members of Council’s long-term vision. The City’s operating and capital budget have two distinct components: property tax-supported budget (which funds the many programs and services families rely on, including garbage collection, snow clearing and fire prevention education) and the water, wastewater rate and stormwater charge-supported budget (which funds water-related services to ensure the City can provide safe drinking water, collect wastewater effectively, manage stormwater to mitigate flooding and safeguard investments for future infrastructure needs).

Vaughan maintains one of the lowest and most competitive tax rates in the Greater Toronto Area. In fact, Mayor Bevilacqua and Members of Council have once again delivered on their promise to keep increases to the property tax adjustments low. In addition to the zero per cent property tax rate increase for 2021, the increase for the water and wastewater rate-supported operating budget is $0.1325 per cubic metre, or 2.9 per cent.

The City’s total operating budget is used to run City facilities, programs and services. Here are some highlights for 2021:

• $170.9 million for water, wastewater and stormwater -- funds the delivery and maintenance of water, wastewater and stormwater services
• $57 million for public works -- includes services such as snow clearing, maintenance of parks and waste collection
• $85.7 million for community services -- includes recreation programs, by-law and compliance services, and fire and rescue services 

The 2021 capital budget includes key projects for 2021 and a forecast capital plan for 2022. These investments will help the City continue to grow sustainably and fund building and repairing City infrastructure, including roads, pipes and buildings. In support of the 2018-2022 Term of Council Service Excellence Strategic Plan, the 2021 budget and 2022 plan include the following in support of major infrastructure projects:

• $242 million in capital projects related to Transportation and Mobility. This will help maintain the City’s existing road infrastructure and construct new roads to improve the flow of traffic around the city. Some major projects include the reconstruction of Huntington Road, the Kirby Road extension, the design and construction of two pedestrian-utility bridges at Pine Valley North, various road rehabilitation projects, the construction of a number of road extensions within the VMC and the extension of Bass Pro Mills Drive.
• $121.3 million in capital projects related to City-Building. This includes the design and construction of the new Carrville Community Centre, District Park and Library, the North Maple Regional Park development, the Garnet A. Williams Community Centre renovation and the Maple Community Centre office space and library renovations.
• $85.3 million in capital projects related to Environmental Stewardship. These initiatives will foster a sustainable future and preserve and protect the natural environment. The two largest projects are the Black Creek channel renewal and stormwater management improvements at various locations throughout the city.
• $50.1 million for capital projects related to Active, Safe and Diverse Communities. This includes facilities and programs that help enrich our communities, including the new Vaughan Metropolitan Centre YMCA, library and recreation space, which is currently under construction and is expected to open in 2021; a new fire station location -- Fire Station 7-12; a city-wide Pedestrian and Cycling Infrastructure Implementation Program; and a Playground Replacement and Improvement Program.
• $36.7 million in capital projects related to Operational Performance. By fostering a culture of continuous improvement, the City will use data-driven decision-making and promote innovation.
• $30 million for capital projects related to Citizen Experience. This includes programs that demonstrate commitment to citizen service and transform services through technology.
• $800,000 in capital projects related to Good Governance. These initiatives will ensure transparency and accountability, demonstrate value for money and showcase Vaughan’s commitment to financial stewardship.
• $400,000 in capital projects for Staff Engagement. These initiatives will empower staff, develop leadership skills and help manage performance.
• $200,000 in capital projects for Economic Prosperity, Investment and Social Capital. Projects will help advance economic opportunities, attract new investments in Vaughan and enable a climate for job creation. 

Hearing from the community remains a vital part of the budget process. Through citizen engagement, the City plans and shapes the year ahead. In the development of the 2021 Budget, feedback was provided by online feedback forms, comments on social media, speaking live to Council at virtual public meetings, email and phone calls.

In 2017, Council endorsed the Financial Sustainability Guiding Principles, which represent responsible fiscal management, and provide a conceptual approach to making responsible decisions that address short- and long-term financial impacts. There are three guiding principles, each mirroring a category of financial pressure experienced in Vaughan due to the rapid pace of growth: consideration towards existing service levels, growth pays for growth, and new initiatives to enhance the city. Vaughan’s comprehensive budget process is a testament to the City’s sound approach to public finances and dedication to accountable governance, a priority outlined in the 2018-2022 Term of Council Service Excellence Strategic Plan.

For additional details on the City’s 2021 Budget process, visit vaughan.ca/budget. Browse Vaughan’s 2021 Budget Book (PDF) for more information on what makes up the budget, what the budget funds and where your tax dollars go.

QUOTE

“The City of Vaughan's sound approach to public finances and commitment to open, accountable and transparent governance is fundamental to our ongoing success. The 2021 Budget is rooted in fiscal sustainability and serves to secure greater efficiencies and maximize every dollar we are entrusted to invest by the people of our city. Keeping property tax rates low and competitive in the City's 2021 Budget was a priority for myself and all Members of Council because we remain dedicated to supporting residents and businesses during these unprecedented times. I want to thank my Council colleagues, members of our administration and the citizens of Vaughan for their dedication, hard work and contribution to our budget process that will shape our city for generations to come. The City's track record stands as a testament to our fiscal leadership, good governance and ongoing efforts to mitigate the financial impacts of COVID-19 in our city. Our plan lays the foundation for a better and brighter future for everyone.”
-- Mayor Maurizio Bevilacqua