Amidst a 10.3% Tax Increase, Groups Requesting Hundreds of Thousands

Sunday, November 19th, 2023 - 10:10 am
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During the recent delegation night, Guelph City Council faced a barrage of requests to add various items to the municipal spending plan. This comes at a time when residents are already bracing for a substantial 10.3% tax increase, raising questions about the prudence of these additional financial burdens.

The council, without making any commitments or posing questions to city staff, listened to 15 delegates. Mayor Cam Guthrie emphasized their role was to listen, with decisions on budget alterations scheduled for a later workshop.

Most delegates avoided specifying a dollar amount but were vocal against slowing down the expansion of the transit system.

The budget requests included significant amounts, such as $960,000 for Guelph Farmers’ Market upgrades by 10C, with a promise to repay less than half.

Sanguen’s Community Health Van, which connects community members with harm reduction supplies, such as new drug gear, needle exchange, safer sex supplies, naloxone training and distribution, food, clothing and hygiene items, sought $90,000.

Guelph Wellington Ontario Health Team requested $43,445 annually for two years for physician recruitment. The drill hall revitalization, though symbolic, also sought funding without a clear future use.

Amongst the budget items is a $38.3 million total cost estimate for adding protected bicycle lanes on three corridors (Eramosa Rd, Gordon St and College Ave). Several sections of the network will be recommended for funding in the 2024-2027 multi-year budget to use allocated funds according to the ICIP funding agreement.

John Fisher, president of Guelph Hiking Trails Club, proposed an intriguing solution for the Trans-Canada Trail upgrades, suggesting community involvement instead of city-led efforts, potentially saving taxpayer money.

However, amidst these requests, a critical perspective on the city’s financial priorities is necessary, especially considering the looming significant tax hike. Delegates like Dustin Davis of the Guelph and District Association of Realtors urged the council to reconsider the proposed tax increase, highlighting the current economic strain on residents. His call for a freeze on hiring new city staff and a review of the budget assumptions is a reminder of the need for fiscal responsibility.

Steven Petric, chair of the Transit Action Alliance of Guelph, argued against transit cuts, citing the broader implications for a climate emergency. Nelson Chukwuma of Conestoga Students Inc. echoed these sentiments, highlighting the impact on students reliant on transit.

In light of these requests, the council must balance the community’s needs with the financial realities of its residents. The proposed 10.3% tax increase already places a heavy burden on taxpayers, and additional spending could exacerbate this strain. It’s crucial for the council to critically evaluate each request, considering the long-term financial sustainability of the city and the immediate economic pressures on its citizens.

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