Burlington Council Approves 2021 Capital Budget with Investments in Renewal of City Assets and Infrastructure

Budget
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*Please see below a media release issued by the City of Burlington.Burlington, Ont. – Jan. 20, 2021 — Burlington City Council approved the city’s 2021 capital budget of $72.1 million at its regular meeting of City Council yesterday, with a 10-year program of $786.4 million.Seventy per cent of the 10-year program will be invested in infrastructure renewal projects, e.g. repair, refurbishment or replacement of an existing asset to extend its useful life, in accordance with the city’s asset management plan.A breakdown of spending for the 2021 capital budget of $72.1 million includes:

CATEGORY 2021 BUDGET AMOUNT
Roadways $27.1 million
Facilities and buildings $13.3 million
Fleet vehicles, accessories and equipment $11.1 million
Parks and open spaces $7.9 million
Storm water management $7.7 million
Information technology $5.1 million

Some highlights of the 2021 capital budget include:

  • $3.7 million in funding to resurface Plains Road West and add cycling infrastructure
  • $3 million in funding to renew community centre facilities, including the lap pool at Mountainside Pool (2205 Mount Forest Dr)
  • $1 million in funding to continue the development of park amenities at City View Park (2500 Kerns Rd)
  • $4.9 million in funding to support ongoing creek erosion control and restoration work.

"The 2021 capital budget continues to focus on investing in our existing infrastructure to ensure the continued delivery of high-quality services residents rely on. Early approval of the capital budget allows projects to proceed to tender, be completed in a timely fashion, and help stimulate the economy during these challenging economic times." -- Joan Ford, Chief Financial Officer, City of Burlington

2021 Budget Process ContinuesThe review and approval of the proposed 2021 operating budget continues with two key events taking place this week, including:

Quick Facts:

  • The ongoing COVID-19 pandemic resulted in considerable pressure on the city’s financial position with over $18 million in revenue losses realized during 2020. These losses were mitigated with an expenditure restraint program and support from senior levels of government.
  • It is anticipated the challenges of the pandemic will continue to impact city finances in 2021, until such time as a vaccine is developed and provincial restrictions are fully lifted.
  • To partially mitigate the 2021 impact of COVID-19 on the city’s operating budget, the planned increase to the city’s dedicated infrastructure renewal levy in 2021 (1.25%) has been temporarily redirected to the operating budget for one year. This will provide $2.18 million of one-time funding to offset the anticipated one-time COVID-19 impacts in 2021, reducing the amount of 2021 capital funding.

MAYOR MEED WARD'S TAKE:The business of the city continues throughout COVID-19, and we continue to invest in services that our Burlington residents expect and need. Some of the new items the public will see are changes to building codes, as well as enhancements to accessibility that are legislated – it’s all about building for today’s community and today’s needs. This has been a truly difficult budget year. Our City staff did a great job on the 2021 Capital Budget and I thank them for their work. Residents count on us to immediately reinvest the funds you trust us with, back into the community. You expect no less and that is what we have delivered.Links and Resources:

--*Posted by John Bkila, Mayor's Media and Digital Communications Specialist

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