Vaughan’s $488.8M operating budget surpasses its 2 predecessors

2021 sees no increase for property tax

Yorkregion.com
Dec. 22, 2020
Dina Al-Shibeeb

On Dec. 15, the City of Vaughan approved its 2021 Budget and 2022 Financial Plan. So here are the key 10 facts.

1. Vaughan has approved a $488.8-million operating budget

2021: Vaughan has approved $488.8 million for its operating budget.

The change comes after Vaughan envisaged a gross operating wallet of $318 million amid dwindling revenues due to the COVID-19 pandemic in its drafted budget.

2020: Vaughan approved about $320.3 million in gross expenditures. In 2019, it was $310 million.

2. Promise kept: Zero increase on property tax rate

2021: There is zero-per-cent increase to the property tax rate in Vaughan this year, a promise the Council kept to reduce burden on families in time of the COVID-19 pandemic.

2020: Vaughan had a property tax hike of 2.85 per cent for a $320 million budget. In 2019, Vaughan had a three-per-cent tax increase to cover its $310 million budget.

3. A total operating budget of $170.9 million for water, wastewater and stormwater

For 2021: The $170.9 million allocated will fund the delivery and maintenance of water, wastewater and stormwater services

This translates to water and wastewater rate-supported operating budget at $0.1325 per cubic metre, or 2.9 per cent.

The $57 million allocated for public works will include services such as snow clearing, maintenance of parks and waste collection

The $85.7 million allocated for community services will include recreation programs, bylaw and compliance services, and fire and rescue services

2020: Vaughan had $195.2 million for water, wastewater and stormwater, $56 million for public works and $43.3 million for community services.

4. Capital budget amounts to approximately $290.8 million

2021: Capital budget amounts to approximately $290.8 million, and the 2022 capital plan is forecast at a total of approximately $275.9 million.

2020: The capital budget amounts to $172.6 million. The 2021-22 capital plan forecast is $467.2 million.

5. Slight change in property tax split this year

2021: Residential property taxes are split between Vaughan (27 per cent), York Region (49 per cent), the Province of Ontario (23 per cent for local school boards) and the Hospital Precinct Levy (one per cent).

2020: Residential property taxes are split between Vaughan at 28 per cent, York Region at 48 per cent, local school boards at 23 per cent and the Hospital Precinct Levy at one per cent.

6. Major spending on transportation, mobility at $242 million

2021: Vaughan is spending $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.

2020: The sum of $62.4 million went for transportation and mobility.

7. More money for city building at $121.3 million

2021: The $121.3 million in capital projects related to City-Building 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.

2020: The $27.6 million for City Building was to create what Vaughan describes as a “world-class city.”

8. Much less to be spent on good governance at $800,000

2021: Just $800,000 allocated 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.

2020: The $4.2 million for good governance was to cover “service excellence in governance and fiscal responsibility.”

9. More on environmental stewardship at $85.3 million

2021: The $85.3 million in capital projects related to environmental stewardship 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.

2020: The $26.9 million for environmental stewardship was to protect the environment and foster a sustainable future.

10. $50.1 million for active, safe and diverse communities.

2021: The sum of $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.

2020: The $22.6 million for Active, Safe and Diverse Communities included “community engagement and cohesiveness by supporting and promoting community events, arts, culture, heritage, sports and fire prevention awareness.”