KINCARDINE, ON – Council approved the 2025 budget for the Municipality of Kincardine at a special meeting on February 24th, 2025, and officially adopted it at their February 26th regular meeting.

“Our Council has many considerations when they’re at the budget table from zero percent to double-digit tax increases,” said mayor Kenneth Craig. “The expectations for service delivery, along with growth in the community, requires an approach that carefully plans and provides value to the Municipality.”

Key investments for 2025

For 2025, Council continued the trend of investing in initiatives that focus upon maintaining quality of life for residents and visitors of the community. A commitment of saving to support the needs of existing assets and infrastructure remains a priority, with 3% of this year’s tax rate slated for this purpose.

Council also reviewed and approved the funding to proceed with these key capital projects in 2025:

• The reconstruction of Brown’s Hill Bridge on Concession 5 - $4.2 million
• Purchase of an aerial apparatus fire truck for Kincardine Fire and Emergency Services Station 12, Kincardine - $2.4 million
• Replacement of the Tiverton Sports Centre’s compressor and chiller - $765,000
• The reconstruction of the Station Beach Boardwalk - $750,000
• Replacement of a multi-use Sterling vactor truck - $800,000
• Replacement of the Davidson Centre’s generator - $600,000
• Purchase of a mini pumper truck for Kincardine Fire and Emergency Services Station 11, Tiverton - $550,000
• Replacement of the Tiverton Sports Centre’s arena boards - $320,000
• Replacement of a trackless sidewalk plow - $275,000

In addition, Council chose to contribute to the Kincardine and Community Health Care Foundation’s expansion project which supports keeping quality health care close to home. The budgeted $600,000 is part of an overall total municipal contribution of $1.8 million.

Investments in water services were also a 2025 budget focus with investments funded through water and wastewater rates including:

• Water meter replacement program and software upgrades - $1.2 million
• Repairs at the Bruce Energy Centre - $325,000
• Kincardine Water Treatment Plant outbuilding generator - $200,000
• Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) system for Tiverton well sites - $50,000

What it means for taxpayers

The final numbers for the 2025 budget are $41.527 million for operating costs, and $26.8 million for capital expenditures, with a total Municipality of Kincardine tax levy set at $25.362 million.

This means a municipal property tax rate increase of 4.13%, plus the 3% capital levy, for a total rate increase of 7.13%. This translates to an average household increase of $172 per year, or $3.30 per week.

“Budgets are always challenging for Councils,” said mayor Craig. “It is our responsibility to work with staff to ensure the Municipality of Kincardine operates in a way that’s good for current taxpayers while planning for future generations. We took our time with this budget, and we believe this is a balanced approach that supports the needs of this community.”

To learn more about your municipal budget, visit our budget webpage and see our 2025 Budget Guide.

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Media Inquiries:
Roxana Baumann, Director of Corporate Services/Treasurer
Municipality of Kincardine
519-396-3468

Jillene Bellchamber-Glazier, Chief Administrative Officer
Municipality of Kincardine
519-396-3468