St. Catharines council has approved a "resiliency" budget for 2023 which responded to pressures created by inflation, provincial legislation and pandemic recovery, with key investments in infrastructure.
Highlights of this year's operating budget include replenishing reserve funds after several years of reliance on them due to the pandemic and spending to maintain infrastructure in a state-of-good repair, including new commitments for the Port Dalhousie piers that were transferred to the City and other strategic priorities.
An additional $2.5 million will be directed back towards supporting the capital budget after cuts during the pandemic.
St. Catharines Council reports that the budget will include the following:
- $16.8 million to support buildings and facilities across the city, including accessibility improvements
- More than $13 million for transportation projects, including roads and bridges
- $11.9 million of investments in the City's water distribution system, such as watermains
- Investments in an assortment of other capital projects aligned with the City's strategic priorities
Ontario Construction News stated that the city approved its $71.9 million capital budget for 2023, including investments that addressed the capital priorities, but also ensured infrastructure sustainability and taxpayer affordability.
Highlights include:
- $4.8 million for a phased renovation at the St. Catharines Public Library's Central branch, which will include renovations to the basement, ground floor and second and third floors. The project will include accessibility upgrades, new universal washrooms, improved thermal properties and other green infrastructure. Staff are currently exploring available grant opportunities to help offset taxpayer impact.
- $4.4 million investment into Martindale Pond weir replacement, a critical improvement ahead of the 2024 World Rowing Championships taking place in St. Catharines.
- Investment in active transportation, climate change adaptation/mitigation and parks renewal, including about $6.1 million for recreation and parks renewal, including replacements of two playgrounds, two basketball courts, construction of the Merriton splashpad, investments at Seymour-Hannah Sports and Entertainment Centre, and replacement of the turf at Kiwanis Field.
- More than $5.6 million for "environmental stewardship", including tree plantings, pollution control, supporting watercourse infrastructure, shoreline protection and continued reduction of greenhouse gas emissions.
- About $2.8 million will support active transportation projects aimed at reducing vehicular traffic, including new sidewalks, bike lanes and pedestrian crossovers.