Media Release
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: February 13, 2024

Municipality of Kincardine strategically invests in critical services and programs with 2024 budget

KINCARDINE, ON – The 2024 budget has been set and approved by the Municipality of Kincardine Council at their February 12^th meeting. Choosing to make critical investments to fund programs, services, and facilities the community relies on while keeping the tax rate increase as low as possible was a challenging endeavour.

“The pressures of high inflation, growth, and increased expectations for service delivery affect the considerations and decisions Council makes during budget discussions,” commented mayor Kenneth Craig. “As a Council, we hear the calls for more with the simultaneous ask of not increasing taxes. We’d all like that to be the case, however reality asks that we approach the financial plans for our community with careful consideration. We believe that this budget provides a fair value for all.”

Key investments

Identifying and focusing upon funding initiatives that best maintain quality of life, Council chose these as some of 2024’s key investments:

• Roads and Bridges: $5 million will see significant infrastructure projects get underway, including the reconstruction of Bruce Avenue at a cost of $3.075 million.
• Parks, Playground, and Sports Fields: nearly $2 million of investment in these areas.
• Davidson Centre: nearly $1 million will go towards maintaining and upgrading the lighting, roof, boiler, ramp, and more.
• Fleet and Equipment: $1.7 million to help upgrade and improve the vehicles and tools used in the daily functions of the municipality.
• Accessibility Initiatives: $300,000 total investment split between $100,000 for various capital projects and $200,000 for the McPherson Park playground improvements.

What it means for taxpayers

The final numbers for the 2024 budget are $38,301,468 for operating and $13,243,442 for capital with a total Municipality of Kincardine tax levy set at $23,521,496.

This means an overall municipal property tax rate increase of 6.86% and a blended rate increase of 5.87% when combined with the County of Bruce and local school boards.

“It’s the responsibility of Council and staff to work together to make sure the Municipality of Kincardine operates in a way that’s responsive to both current taxpayers and future generations,” said Mayor Craig. “This is a good, balanced budget that demonstrates that collaboration. We believe we’ve made solid decisions that are responsible and forward-looking for our community.”

To learn more about your municipal budget, visit www.kincardine.ca/Finance and see our 2024 Budget Guide.

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Media Inquiries:
Roxana Baumann, Director of Corporate Services/Treasurer
Municipality of Kincardine
rbaumann@kincardine.ca
519-396-3468

Jillene Bellchamber-Glazier, Chief Administrative Officer
Municipality of Kincardine
cao@kincardine.ca
519-396-3468