Council Set to Examine Proposed $87.4 Million Capital Spending Plan
Date: January 31, 2023
County council is preparing to begin an in-depth review of a proposed $87.4 million capital budget for 2023, with discussions scheduled to take place over three days from February 1 to February 3.
Capital budgets focus on long-term investments, including major infrastructure projects such as road and bridge reconstruction, facility upgrades, fleet replacement, and large-scale planning initiatives. Included in the proposal is $25.1 million in rate-supported funding dedicated to water and wastewater infrastructure.
One of the most significant items in the plan is the redevelopment of a long-term care facility, estimated at $64.9 million. The proposed 160-bed home would be built next to the existing H.J. McFarland Memorial Home, which is now more than five decades old. If approved, the project would add approximately $421,000 annually to the operating budget to cover debt financing over a 25-year period.
The project is eligible for $42.2 million in provincial funding, contingent on the design reaching an advanced stage by August 2023. Funding for the redevelopment is expected to come from multiple sources, including grants, development charges, community fundraising, and long-term borrowing.
Beyond the long-term care project, council will review a wide range of proposed capital works. These include road reconstruction and rehabilitation, enhancements to the Western dynamic beach system, land acquisition for the South Marysburgh landfill, drainage improvements at Centennial Park, and site preparation for future fire and rescue training facilities.
Several municipal buildings are also slated for repairs or upgrades, including the Wellington Library, Rose House, local museums, Benson Hall, Westfall Canteen, and multiple town halls. Accessibility improvements, roof replacements, and storage expansions are among the proposed projects. Additional plans include the next phase of work at the Crystal Palace.
Parks and recreation proposals feature upgrades at Jack Taylor and Consecon parks, new canteen equipment, and improvements to the sound system at the Picton arena.
Work yard maintenance is also included, with planned repairs to sand storage domes at the Sophiasburgh and Sandy Hook depots, along with an overhead door replacement at the Ameliasburgh Roads facility.
Council will also receive an update on the condition of the municipal vehicle fleet, which includes heavy equipment and light-duty vehicles. Staff are recommending deferring the replacement of a wheel loader valued at $308,000. Other proposed purchases include a new land ambulance and more than $1 million in fire service vehicles and equipment. While delaying the replacement of the Milford fire pumper could save $650,000, staff caution that the aging vehicle no longer meets industry standards and could affect insurance costs for residents.
The capital budget review will begin with a presentation from the Director of Finance on the evening of February 1, followed by detailed departmental presentations on February 2 and 3.
Council is expected to review the proposed operating budget later in the month, between February 22 and 24, when the final tax levy will be determined. The draft operating budget is scheduled for release by February 16.
All budget meetings will be held at Highline Hall at the Wellington and District Community Centre. Members of the public may attend in person or follow the proceedings live via the County’s YouTube channel.
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