Township continues its commitment to investing in community infrastructure and climate change

Woolwich Township – In approving the 2022 Budget, Council is committed to investing solidly and thoughtfully to reflect the challenges our growing community faces, while advancing critical infrastructure projects that continue to help us tackle the Township’s infrastructure deficit.  As part of the 2022 Budget Council has also continued its commitment in building up the infrastructure levy and the climate action levy, ensuring that future dollars are available for key infrastructure and climate action initiatives.

Highlights of the approved 2022 Budget include:

• The Township’s investment in infrastructure renewal, maintenance and building healthy communities with over $25.5 million in capital projects.  This includes $10.7 million in road reconstruction projects, $2.5 million in bridge rehabilitation, and $1.1 million in capital paving projects.  In addition, $775,000 is being invested in renewal and maintenance of the Township’s parks and trails as well as $555,000 for upgrades to the Township’s recreation and community facilities.
• The 2022 Budget contains a 2.50% infrastructure levy and 0.85% climate action levy.  This additional funding allows for an annual contribution of just over $1.4 million to the Infrastructure Reserve Fund and $193,000 to the Climate Action/Green Infrastructure Reserve Fund.
• The Township’s corporate business plan includes our continued commitment to planning for responsible growth and supporting covid-recovery economic development and tourism efforts.
• The 2022 Budget includes the addition of four (4) new Roads Operator positions.  Roads Operators perform a wide variety of road maintenance and operational activities including but not limited to brushing, pothole repair, bridge maintenance, signage, traffic control, debris pick-up, winter control, etc.  Road Operators are also utilized for responding to and investigating complaints/concerns from the public, Council, and agency/stakeholders.  With a fast-growing municipality, the additional Roads Operators will improve the Township’s ability to meet current legislated obligations and the increasing customer service level demands.  These positions are being funded from tax levy dollars generated by new assessment growth.
• In cooperation with the Provincial government, the Township has added $265,000 in COVID Recovery funding to the 2022 Budget to assist the Township in managing the direct costs and the lost revenues due to the pandemic.
• Consistent with the Township’s interest in balancing the need to address the significant challenges faced by our fast-growing community, while also being a fiscally responsible community the 2022 Budget represents a total tax rate increase of 5.37 per cent. This represents a household increase of approximately $12.12 per $100,000 of residential assessment.

“As our population grows, our tax base grows, but so do our needs,” said Mayor Sandy Shantz.  “While our population may seem small in the context of Waterloo Region, we recognize that we are a rural Township with urban needs.  We value our history, our health, our relationships, our natural environment, our collaborative attitude, and our financial stability; it is what makes us unique”.

Additional information on the Budget, including previously approved budgets and our annual audited financial statements, can be found by visiting:
www.woolwich.ca/budget

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For more information please contact: 

Richard Petherick
Director of Financial Services/Treasurer
519-669-6013
rpetherick@woolwich.ca

Rae Ann Bauman
Corporate Communications/Media Relations
519-669-6021
rbauman@woolwich.ca