Burlington City Council approves $96.4M 2019 Capital Budget with investments in transit and city infrastructure

Burlington, Ont. – Feb. 27, 2019 — Burlington City Council approved the city’s 2019 capital budget of $96.4 million at its meeting on Feb. 25, 2019, with a 10-year program of $819.0 million.For more background on the discussions related to the capital budget and information on the operating budget, click the link: Highlights from the Burlington 2019 Proposed Capital and Operating Budgets

“The 2019 capital budget places a strong focus on investing in our existing infrastructure to ensure the City can continue to deliver the high-quality services that residents depend on. The budget also provides funds for new initiatives that contribute to the quality of life our residents enjoy in the city.” - Joan Ford, Director of Finance

Seventy two per cent of the 10-year capital budget will be invested in renewing Burlington’s aging infrastructure in accordance with the renewal funding strategy outlined in the city’s Asset Management Plan.A breakdown of spending for the 2019 capital budget of $96.4 million includes:

• $49.5 million, the largest component, for roadways;
• $10.1 million for facilities and buildings;
• $8.4 million for parks and open spaces;
• $6.3 million in storm water management;
• $10.6 million towards fleet vehicles and equipment;
• $9.5 million for information technology;
• $0.9 million for local boards (Burlington Public Library, Burlington Performing Arts Centre, Art Gallery of Burlington, Burlington Museums); and
• $1.1 in parking.

Some highlights of the 2019 capital budget include:

• $1.9 million in funding to improve public transit with the purchase of three new conventional buses;
• $234,000 in funding to purchase one new para-transit bus;
• $550,000 in funding to build a new splash pad in Brant Hills Community Park;
• $450,000 in funding for a new sports lighting system for the ball diamond and pathways at Maple Park; and
• $600,000 in funding for new amenities at Tansley Woods Park.

Quick Facts

• The 2019 Capital Budget is focused on:
  • delivering initiatives in the City's Strategic Plan
  • maintaining existing service delivery levels
  • planning for infrastructure renewal
  • enhancements to transit service.

• Review of Burlington’s proposed 2019 operating budget will continue at Committee of the Whole – Budget on Feb. 28, 2019 at 9:30 a.m., with approval by Council scheduled for March 25, 2019 at 6:30 p.m.

MY VIEW:Thank you to everyone who took the time to provide their feedback on the proposed 2019 capital budget through town halls, by email, or online through social media channels. Your input is important and makes a difference in our discussions at Committee and Council meetings. The 2019 capital budget makes very important investments in transit and infrastructure and I look forward to continuing the respectful discussions with Council about the proposed operating budget to find ways that we can deliver a final tax increase under three per cent.