Highlands East taxpayers got a glimpse into their township’s 2025 budget Jan. 28 when CAO and treasurer, Brittany McCaw, along with senior staff, provided department overviews and draft capital forecasts.
McCaw said the net capital budget for 2025 – if approved by council – would be $2,272,508, up from $2,132,159 in 2024. That’s a $140,349 increase – equating to a six per cent jump. The draft operation budget has yet to be presented to council; and nothing has been finalized.
The treasurer noted that last’s year increase was 10 per cent over 2023. She said the money would be raised via municipal revenue, provincial and federal grants, and reserves.
“We’ve carefully prioritized our projects to ensure we maximize the impact of every dollar spent,” McCaw told council last week.
She added, “the capital budget deliberation is a crucial and exciting opportunity to discuss our direction for the upcoming year. “
She noted the talks are a strong component of the township’s corporate strategic plan and asset management plan, “to ensure the sustainable growth and development of our community.
“As we navigate through the challenges and opportunities ahead, it’s imperative that we invest wisely in our infrastructure, public services and community projects.”
The CAO said it’s about balancing and enhancing the quality of life for residents, while also maintaining fiscal responsibility.
She said there was money for infrastructure improvements, to maintain and upgrade roads, bridges, and water and wastewater systems, all to support a growing population and ensure safety and well-being.
There is also money for community centres, steps towards a new municipal office, and for parks and cemeteries.
McCaw said there are also funds “earmarked for green initiatives, enhancements to waste management systems, and purchasing energy efficient vehicles.”
Another focus is economic development, with spending to support local businesses and the municipality’s attractions.
Substantial money is also being recommended for “innovative” technology to improve the township’s efficiency. An example is automated facility rental applications.
Deputy mayor Cec Ryall said he was, “very impressed we’re moving much deeper into the 21st Century than we have in the past.”
Some of the bigger-ticket items include a municipal office design and engineering contract and survey costs ($85,000).
There’s vehicle asks, such as a new SUV for the building department, and a new truck for bylaw. The fire department is also looking to buy two new vehicles.
McCaw said they are only purchasing one new vehicle for the fire chief. His current vehicle will be going into service as a rescue vehicle. The money allocated in the budget is to make the necessary changes to the pickup truck to make it a rescue vehicle. The department is also seeking $121,500 for three jaws of life and more than $200,000 in fire hall upgrades.
Coun. Cam McKenzie asked that with a fire master plan still in the works, if there was thought to holding off on upgrading stations. Fire chief Chris Baughman said most have been delayed at least two years or more, but once the plan comes to council, he would be seeking direction from them.
Parks, recreation and facilities is looking for $229,707 to complete Herlihey Park. There is also talk of replacing the Zamboni at the arena and a new columbarium for Gooderham Cemetery.
Ryall said with the township doing a trails strategy, he’d like more money allocated. McCaw said once staff receive the final trails strategy report, they will discuss it with council and strike a plan going forward. In the interim, she said they could put more money in the operating budget for trails.
The roads department wants a new vehicle, two plow trucks, and an excavator. McCaw said the excavator was purchased at the end of 2024, and the money is to transfer back to the reserve for the purchase.
The focus this year is on the McColls bridge replacement, Dewey Street, Glamour Lake Road and Hadlington Road, with money set aside for future works on South Wilberforce Road and Lewis Road. The department is looking at a net capital of $1.2 million, which is a $70,249 increase over 2024.
The waste department is looking at safety railings for the Glamorgan transfer station, generators to power attendant buildings at Mumford and Bicroft, and money for future tree removal at Eel’s Lake.
Environment, water and wastewater is seeking $185,000.
The first draft of the operating budget is Feb. 18 with the township hoping to finalize its overall 2025 budget in March.
