2022 Budget reflects Vaughan's commitment to keeping tax rates low

Muinicipalinfonet.com
Dec. 10, 2021

During tonight’s Special Council Meeting, Mayor Maurizio Bevilacqua and Members of Council approved the City of Vaughan’s 2022 Budget and 2023 to 2026 Capital Plan. Building on the City’s commitment to keeping tax rates low while delivering quality public services, the approved citizen-focused budget aims to advance city-building, achieve customer service and accomplish results.

It includes an operating budget of $512.8 million and capital investments of $271.8 million to support and advance the Council-approved priorities and long-term vision. The budget builds upon the City’s existing strong foundation and accounts for sustainable growth with opportunities to enrich lives through arts, culture, parks, trails and recreation. In addition, it delivers on the City’s mission of Citizens First Through Service Excellence and investing in the community’s future.

With this approved budget, Vaughan maintains one of the lowest and most competitive tax rates in the Greater Toronto Area. The property-tax supported operating budget for 2022 is $333.2 million; this includes a two per cent property tax levy increase which funds the more than 200 programs and services families rely on, including garbage collection, snow clearing and fire prevention education. Here are some highlights:

• $60 million for public works --includes services, such as snow clearing, maintenance of parks and waste collection
• $57.4 million for Vaughan Fire and Rescue Service --includes the mitigation of emergencies and promotes the prevention, education and preparedness for emergency situations
• $34.5 million for infrastructure development --includes building infrastructure, such as roads, bridges, sidewalks, watermains, sewers, stormwater management ponds and street lighting
• $28 million for community services --includes recreation programs and by-law and compliance services

Twenty-eight cents of every property tax dollar stay with the City to provide these and many other services. The remainder is split between York Region (49 cents), the local school boards (22 cents) and the hospital precinct levy (one cent). In the context of the average $6,000 annual property tax bill, only $1,676 stays with the City.

The $179.6-million Water, Wastewater and Stormwater Budgets fund programs and services to ensure the City can deliver clean and safe drinking water, collect wastewater effectively, manage stormwater to mitigate flooding and save for future water, wastewater and stormwater infrastructure needs. The approved increase for the combined water and wastewater rate in 2022 is $0.1551 per cubic metre, or 3.3 per cent, versus 2021. The increase for the 2022 stormwater charge is an average of 4.5 per cent versus 2021.

Finally, the Capital Budget was also approved with major infrastructure projects for 2022 and a forecast capital plan up to 2026 with investments of $1223.4 million --this will help the City grow sustainably and build and repair City infrastructure, including roads, pipes and buildings. Highlights include:

• $325.8 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 planned include the reconstruction of Huntington Road, the Kirby Road extension, the Vaughan Super Trail development, various road rehabilitation projects throughout the municipality, construction of a number of road extensions within the VMC and extension of Bass Pro Mills Drive.
• $291.2 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, Black Creek Channel renewal and stormwater management improvements at various locations throughout the city, represent 54 per cent of the capital plan.
• $208.4 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 2022; a city-wide Pedestrian and Cycling Infrastructure Implementation Program; and a Playground Replacement and Improvement Program.
• $190.8 million in capital projects related to City-Building. This includes the design and construction of the new Carrville Community Centre, District Park and Library.
• $127.3 million in capital projects related to Operational Performance. By fostering a culture of continuous improvement, the City will use data-driven decision-making to promote innovation.
• $78 million for capital projects related to Citizen Experience. This includes programs that demonstrate commitment to citizen service and transform services through technology.
• $1.7 million 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.
• $200,000 in capital projects for Staff Engagement. These initiatives will empower staff, develop leadership skills and help manage performance.
• $400,000 in capital projects for Economic Prosperity, Investment and Social Capital in 2021.These funds support initiatives that create jobs, advance economic opportunities, attract new investments, and enrich the creative and cultural community through public art and cultural developments.

The City’s budget is also supported through various funding sources, including the Canada Community-Building Fund (CCBF), formerly known as the Association of Municipalities of Ontario (AMO) Gas Tax Fund. The City has received approximately $119 million from this fund from 2010 to 2021, with an additional anticipated $9.7 million in 2022. These funds are directed to eligible projects covering a wide spectrum of programs, such as local roads and bridges, community energy system, public transportation, and water, wastewater and stormwater management. Learn more about the CCBF in this news release.

The 2022 Budget Book and 2023 to 2026 Capital Plan (PDF) further details how the City’s revenues and other sources of funds are allocated to programs, services, and maintaining and building infrastructure.

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 2022 Budget, feedback was provided by online feedback forms, comments on social media, speaking live to Council at virtual public meetings or by email and phone.

QUOTE
“The City of Vaughan takes the management and stewardship of public funds very seriously and continues to demonstrate financial leadership and discipline. Today, Council approved the City's 2022 Budget and 2023 to 2026 Capital Plan, which is rooted in fiscal sustainability and serves to secure greater efficiencies and maximize every dollar we are entrusted to manage. Vaughan proudly maintains one of the lowest and most competitive tax rates in the Greater Toronto Area. For the last 12 years, the City has passed budgets with a property tax rate at or below three per cent. This stands as a testament to our sound approach to public finances and commitment to open, accountable and transparent governance. I am confident that the 2022 Budget and 2023 to 2026 Capital Plan will guide our COVID-19 recovery efforts and prioritize our investments to ensure Vaughan's continued success. I want to express my gratitude and appreciation to my Council colleagues, members of our administration and the citizens of Vaughan for their dedication, hard work and valuable contributions to the City's budget process. The 2022 Budget is the manifestation of what can be achieved when we work together and sets the vision for a bright and promising future for everyone.”
--Mayor Maurizio Bevilacqua