Welland City Council approved the 2023 municipal budgets on February 7 at their regularly scheduled meeting, bringing forward a budget with a -3.05% tax decrease on the municipal tax levy.

The 2023 operating budgets total just over $107 million. The budgets are comprised of the tax-supported operating budget of $71.4 million, the rate-supported operating budget for water and wastewater of $35.6 million, and the combined capital budgets of $42.8 million.

The 2023 tax-supported operating budget presents a -3.05% tax decrease (municipal portion) after assessment growth of 2.74% and includes over $31.1 million in capital projects this year.

“After a thorough and comprehensive budget review process, the City has passed its 2023 budgets in the best interest of the Welland resident,” said Steven Fairweather, director of finance and CFO. “The 2023 budget reflects a commitment to infrastructure, community services and preparing for the growth the city will welcome in the coming years.”

2023 capital project budget highlights:

• $3 million for parks
• $9.7 million for roads
• $2.1 million for sidewalks
• $2.6 million for storm sewers
• $3.1 million for Fire Station 3

The 2023 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 2023 water/wastewater capital budget totals $11.6 million.

Wastewater expenditures make up $5.5 million of the budget, while waterworks expenditures are $6.1 million. Concentration continues on sewer rehabilitation and watermain replacement capital projects.

Water rate customers will experience the following changes in their 2023 water bills:

• Low residential water consumers (annual consumption of 100 cubic meters or less per year) will have a $48 annual increase.
• Average residential water consumers (annual consumption of less than 180 cubic meters per year) will have a $79 annual increase.
• The annual rebate for the Low-Income Senior Water/Wastewater Rebate Program increases from $372 to $420, effective January 1, 2023. The deadline to submit for the 2022 rebate is May 1, 2023.
• The eligible amount for the Special Assistance Program – Water/Wastewater increases from $600 to $648, effective January 1, 2023.

For more information on the City of Welland’s municipal budgets and reports, visit https://www.welland.ca/Finance/BudgetsFinancials.asp.