By Andrew Phillips

Tiny councillors have officially approved the 2023 budget.

While council committee approved the budget at its February meeting, regular council met recently to make it official with councillors saying they feel the budget ensures township’s programs and services are supported to provide for the quality of life residents “enjoy in our community.”

The 2023 budget features a municipal tax rate increase of 10.82% (or a 5.96% blended budget pending final County budget approval), which equates to $35.60 in the municipal portion of the tax bill for every $100,000 in residential assessment.

Mayor David Evans said the budget includes a number of short and long-term financial planning strategies to maintain current services while addressing growth demands and important enhancements.

“The increase captures our continued focus on ensuring the responsible fiscal management of the township. We value the feedback provided by community  members, the responsible input of township staff, and the collaborative efforts of council in delivering the 2023 budget.”

Budget highlights include:

• $3.79m invested in paving and road preservation improvements, including 250k  invested in climate change projects in the area of drainage resilience. 2023 budget  initiatives include replacing approximately 15 kilometres of asphalt, 4 kilometres of  tar and chip, and 6 kilometres of micro surfaces;

• $1.05m injection into major fleet equipment including purchasing a new plow truck,  sidewalk plow/tractor, sander units, a one-ton and ¾ ton truck’

• $900k investment in water system infrastructure improvements including $250k for  a water main connection between Sawlog Bay and Georgian Bay Estates and the  first phase of the installation of residential water meters in Perkinsfield;

• $1.13m investment in beach and park amenities including phase 1 construction of  the Toanche Pavilion, which will include a covered natural ice surface,  washrooms/changerooms and a kitchen, new outdoor fountain/water bottle fillers at  multiple parks (pending Ontario Trillium Grant), Balm Beach walkway replacement,  including new trees and gardens, rest areas along Tiny Trails, rolling boardwalks at  various beach accesses as per the local aging plan, as well as, replacing the  Wyevale Park playground;

• Continued financial support for regional priorities including the Economic  Development Corporation of North Simcoe; Severn Sound Environmental  Association, Georgian Bay General Hospital Foundation, Family Physician  Recruitment, Community Reach, Wheels for Wheels, Cultural Alliance and Virtual  Care Physicians;

• Continued support to the three arenas – Midland, Penetanguishene, and  Springwater. As well as the three partner libraries – Midland, Penetanguishene,  and Springwater.

The budget also supports the municipality’s strategic priorities, which include: Delivering efficient and exceptional municipal services, building economic prosperity and opportunity, promoting environmental responsibility and stewardship, supporting community health, safety, and well-being and creating an engaged, informed and connected community.

For complete budget details, click here.