2024 Budget Update

Town of BWG Council Delivers a 2024 Budget that Supports Strategic Priorities and Prepares for Future Growth

After two days of thoughtful deliberation, Town of BWG Council is one step closer to adopting the 2024 budget.

“Our municipal budget is a matter that Council takes very seriously. During these last few days of deliberations, I am proud of Council’s meticulous attention and participation as we addressed each line item of the budget. While I understand that no one wants to see their property tax increase, our 2024 budget will deliver the investments, projects, and personnel required to respond to the needs and expectations of our growing community.” – Mayor James Leduc

Council committed to several program and service enhancements that are aligned with their strategic priorities during budget deliberations. Highlights of the 2024 budget are shared below.

Community Safety and Traffic Congestion: further investments are being made in BWG’s Fire and Emergency Services with the addition of eight new firefighters, a new fire pumper truck, as well as the design and construction of a second Fire Hall west of Hwy 400. The 2024 budget will also see additional funding for town-wide traffic mitigation initiatives and intersection and lighting upgrades along Holland Street.

Infrastructure and Major Access Roads: funds have been allocated to complete the South West Arterial Road (SWAR) project, as well as other priority road and bridge rehabilitation projects across town. The budget also includes an expansion to our wastewater treatment facility, and the highly anticipated rehabilitation of Line 8 (from Barrie Street to Sideroad 10), including new traffic signals at the Line 8/Professor Day Drive Intersection.

Economic Development: the 2024 budget is also paving the way for exciting initiatives in Economic Development, including new gateway signage along Hwy 400 and a new Business Catalyst Centre which will provide services as well as physical office and meeting spaces for small businesses, start-ups, and local entrepreneurs.

Downtown and Urban Renewal: the Phase 1 redevelopment of 125 Simcoe Road which includes the design of the new Town Hall will commence in 2024. The rehabilitation of Fred Cook Drive, Luxury Avenue, and Kulpin Avenue were also identified as priorities for 2024.

Enhanced Recreation and Leisure Services/Facilities: several investments will be made under this strategic priority in 2024 including additional staff and program funding for the new Youth Centre at Lions Park and additional staff funding to support recreation facilities, the new Community Hub at 177 Church Street, parks maintenance, and summer camp programs. The Leisure Centre will also be receiving new fitness equipment. The rehabilitation/improvement of several parks and trails were also approved during deliberations, including Luxury Park, Legion Park, and Brookfield Parkette. Henderson Park will also receive an upgrade with the addition of new storage sheds for user groups and town programs and the west lawn at the Library will be transformed into a public gathering space.

Budget deliberations were held during a special Committee of the Whole meeting on January 9th and 10th. Deliberations will continue during the January 16 Council meeting to consider the BWG Public Library budget. 

Currently, the program and service enhancements endorsed by Council represent a 4.26% overall increase for 2024. Budget approval is expected to occur in the near future. Over the next several weeks, the Town will continue to share more details on the 2024 budget with residents, including a deeper dive into key projects and initiatives across all service areas.

The meeting recording is available on the Town’s YouTube channel: www.youtube.com/@TownofBradfordWestGwillimbury