Back to Matters
Budget Deliberations
First seen: February 21, 2023
Last seen: February 21, 2023
Lifecycle Timeline
February 21, 2023Council
Full Recording2023-2027 Five Year Financial Plan Deliberations
The Committee reviewed budget items covering parks and general operations. They cut a $210,000 project for park signs and confirmed that rising labor costs are driving up the tax increase percentage.
"Debate focused on the necessity and cost of several parks capital projects. The View Royal Park Development (C-035) generated discussion regarding separation of dog walkers/cyclists and compliance with bird sanctuary regulations. The Development of Road Ends (C-114) was retained in the budget with the condition that individual projects be brought back for consultation prior to construction. The Parks Signage and Wayfinding project (C-124) was heavily criticized for its $210,000 cost and subsequently removed from the plan. Council also supported the Playground Replacement Program (C-032), instructing staff to seek accessibility grants for the Chancellor Park portion. The Watkiss Way Park project (C-122) funding was approved pending further reporting on engagement details."
Formal MotionPassed
"THAT the Development of road ends project (C-114) remain in the budget as presented, with the notation that details on individual projects be provided to the Committee of the Whole for approval and that consultation be included for each specific location."
Formal MotionPassed
"THAT the Playground replacement program (C-032) for Noll Park and Chancellor Park be supported, and staff be directed to actively seek additional grant opportunities, specifically for making the Chancellor Park component universally accessible."
Formal MotionPassed
"THAT the Parks signage and wayfinding project (C-124) totaling $210,000 be removed from the 2023-2027 Financial Plan."
Formal MotionPassed
"THAT the Watkiss Way Community Park development (C-122) project, including funding for public engagement, be supported, with the condition that details on how the funds are proposed to be spent be provided to the Committee of the Whole after consultation and preliminary designs have been completed."