PITT MEADOWS, BC – The 2023 budget will support Council priorities related to enhancements in the Fire & Rescue Services, community parks and recreation facilities, future planning for the Civic Centre, development of a new Agricultural Plan, and accessibility upgrades at the Heritage Hall.
On December 13, Council concluded budget deliberations, approving a budget of $50 million with a combined property tax and utilities increase of 7.61% for the average single-family, equalling $283 per year or $23.58 per month and 7.78% for multi-family equalling $178 per year or $14.83 per month.
“The approved budget demonstrates Council’s unwavering support and investment in our essential Fire & Rescue Services,” says Mayor Nicole MacDonald. “The shift to a primarily career model ensures that Pitt Meadows Fire & Rescue Services will have coverage 24 hours per day, seven days per week which will greatly enhance safety. As well, Council is excited to advance the development of an aquatics feasibility study given that the outdoor pool is at the end of its useful life. And, strategic space planning for the Pitt Meadows Athletic Park and the Harris Road Park will also help to enhance health and wellness for everyone in our community.”
The proposed $283 increase is broken down as follows:
Major cost pressures come from:
- Non-discretionary charges related to Metro Vancouver water and sewage treatment, RCMP policing costs, as well as supply chain and high inflationary pressures; all of which account for $133 or a 3.58% of the total increase.
- Asset Savings account for $48 or 1.3%, providing $13 million towards future replacement of aging infrastructure and ensuring long-term sustainability.
- Investing in the Fire & Rescue Services with the addition of nine Fire Positions for $95 or 2.55%.
- Providing a Place of Remembrance, an additional Labourer II and other initiatives & maintenance adjustments for $12 or 0.33%.
After recognizing $33 in growth revenue, this leaves $28 or 0.74% for all other City departments to maintain existing service levels.
2023 Capital Projects
The total Capital Plan is valued at $14.2 million with the majority of the capital program funding coming from reserve savings and debt. Some of the significant projects planned for 2023 include:
- New RCMP Detachment
- Recreation Centre Roof Replacement
- Baynes Road Pump Station Upgrade
- Hammond Road/Airport Way Paving and Roadwork
- Agricultural Plan
- Aquatics Feasibility Study
- Civic Centre Scoping Project
- Harris Road Park, Pitt Meadows Athletic Park and Pitt Meadows Family Recreation Centre space planning
- Heritage Hall accessibility upgrades that include the installation of new elevator and second floor accessible washroom
- Rose Grabenhorst Garden Improvements
“The 2023 budget is primarily focused on much needed investments in the City’s Fire & Rescue Services as well as future planning for parks and recreation capital projects, and accounts for increased inflation and rising costs,” says Chief Administrative Officer Mark Roberts. “Staff and Council have worked hard to deliver a budget that will determine requirements and opportunities in developing a comprehensive Civic Centre Plan for the most efficient utilization of City buildings in the future. The City continues to make necessary investments to ensure future infrastructure needs are able to be met with annual contributions to the asset reserve savings.”
For a more comprehensive breakdown of the 2023 Budget, watch the November 28 and 29 business plan presentations and the Council budget deliberations on December 13 at pittmeadows.ca/councilmeetings. Learn more about the 2023 budget and business plans at pittmeadows.ca/budget.
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For more information please contact:
Carolyn Baldridge
Manager of Communications & Community Engagement
City of Pitt Meadows
cbaldridge@pittmeadows.ca