Welland City Council approved the 2022 municipal budgets on December 14, 2021.

The overall 2022 budgets total just over $159.6 million comprised of the tax-supported operating budget of $73.8million, the rate supported operating budget for water and wastewater of $33.6 million, and the combined capital budgets of $52.2 million.

The 2022 tax-supported operating budget presents a 2.29% tax increase (municipal portion) after assessment growth and includes over $39 million in capital projects next year.

“Next year’s budget takes ownership of current city challenges and addresses future needs,” said David McLeod, councillor and chair of the Budget Review Committee. “The Budget Committee injected an additional $3.4 million into roads and sidewalk renewal, above the original proposal. Furthermore, we supported important staff positions in Fire & Emergency Services, Infrastructure Services, and Community Services. The 2022 budget is strategic in providing citizens with better service delivery and significant infrastructure investment. Clearly, the Budget Committee and City staff are aligned in providing the building blocks for Welland and its residences to thrive today and in the future. This budget respects the taxpayer and provides a roadmap to addressing city needs while securing our brightest future.”

2022 capital project budget highlights:

• 10.3 million for facility upgrades, including $6.4 million for Memorial Park pool revitalization
• 13.7 million for roads
• 2.1 million for sidewalks
• 2.6 million for storm sewers
• 2.4 million for new fire station #3
• $1.7 million for new aerial fire truck
• 1.9 million for bridges and culverts

The 2022 water/wastewater budgets allow the city to provide sustainable water services, maintain current water infrastructure, and invest in replacing or building much-needed infrastructure. The proposed 2022 water/wastewater capital budget totals over $13 million to replace watermains, sanitary sewers, ageing water meters, and other related infrastructure.

“This year’s budget process brought a fulsome discussion about where our City is, and more importantly, where it’s going,” said Mayor Frank Campion. “Our investment in the future of Welland is apparent in this budget, and I am proud of the work done by all to pass this budget. We have some bright days ahead of us.”

Water rate customers will experience the following changes in their 2022 water bills:

• Low residential water consumers (annual consumption of 100 cubic meters or less per year) will have a $32 annual increase
• Average residential water consumers (annual consumption of less than 180 cubic meters per year) will have a $34 annual increase
• The annual rebate for the low-income seniors water/wastewater program increases from $340 to $372 effective January 1, 2022

“This year’s budget process brought a fulsome discussion about where our City is, and more importantly, where it’s going,” said Mayor Frank Campion. “Our investment in the future of Welland is apparent in this budget, and I am proud of the work done by all to pass this budget. We have some bright days ahead of us.”

The City of Welland will continue to focus on emergency management and preparedness, community wellbeing, and economic recovery in the coming year. For more information on the City of Welland and its municipal budgets, visit www.welland.ca.