Lakeshore Approves 2025 Budget
January 28, 2025
On Thursday, January 23, 2025, Lakeshore Council approved the municipality’s 2025 Budget.
On average, the approved tax rate increase will add $54 per year ($4.50 per month) to the municipal portion of property tax bills. County of Essex and school board levies will add an additional $55 per year ($4.58 per month).
“Our deliberations took a critical and comprehensive look at the entirety of Lakeshore’s financial picture and Council made a number of difficult decisions,” said Mayor Tracey Bailey. “We continue to face significant financial challenges, including the ongoing impact of inflation as well as pending costs outlined in the Water and Wastewater Master Plan and Fire Master Plans. In the face of those pressures, the 2025 Budget is the product of a sensible decision-making process that focuses on delivering value while limiting the impact on taxpayers.”
“As a Council, we’ve delivered another budget that is below the rate of inflation. Hats off to the entire team for their fantastic work on the Budget, as well as to all the residents who shared their feedback throughout the past two months,” Mayor Bailey added.
“The Budget is a critical document that guides our operations and reflects Council and the community’s vision for the future of Lakeshore. I’d like to thank all the members of Team Lakeshore who contributed to the creation of the Budget, as well as to Council for their thoughtful deliberations and decisions,” said Justin Rousseau, Deputy Chief Administrative Officer and Chief Financial Officer.
Throughout the deliberations, Council reduced the originally proposed increase of 7.66 per cent to 2.91 per cent. The reduction was accomplished through reductions in reserves, as well as reprioritization of projects and operating dollars to support roads and Council’s strategic goals.
The Budget will return to Council for final approval at an upcoming meeting.
Stay tuned for 2025 Budget highlights and more!
Capital Budget highlights:
- $1.14 million for road surface treatment
- $2.9 for asphalt resurfacing, with projects identified through the Roads Needs Study
- $8 million for Comber watermain project
- $3 million for County Road 22 sewer infrastructure improvements to align with CR22 widening
- $3.7 million Rochester Watermain replacement
- $3.5 million for Stoney Point Community Park
- $2.07 million for two new Fire Trucks (Tanker and Engine)
- $250,000 for sidewalk replacement and connection
- $980,000 for a pedestrian bridge over Duck Creek
- $20,000 for parks signs
- $100,000 for an accessible kayak launch dock system
- $150,000 for accessible pathways in parks
- $300,000 for skate park at Optimist Park