2025 Budget Approved

December 17, 2024

For Immediate Release

Camborne, ON – The Township of Hamilton Council has approved the 2025 Operating and Capital Budgets, following a comprehensive preparation process aimed at balancing fiscal responsibility with operational needs and long-term goals. The total approved budget for 2025 is approximately $16.7 million, with $13 million allocated to the Operating Budget and $3.7 million for Capital Projects.

The finalized Operating Budget was approved at a 7.3% increase, after accounting for a 0.9% growth in the Township’s assessment base, results in a net levy increase of 6.4%. Council carefully considered this increase in the context of ongoing inflationary pressures, aging infrastructure, and the need to invest in critical services that benefit residents.

“The 2025 Operating and Capital Budgets reflect our Township’s commitment to addressing the evolving needs of the community while ensuring we continue to build a strong foundation for future growth,” says Arthur Anderson, Chief Administrative Officer. “Through thoughtful planning and collaboration, Council and staff have developed a budget that prioritizes infrastructure improvements, public safety, and essential community services, all while remaining mindful of the financial constraints we face. This budget supports the Strategic Priorities of the Township of Hamilton and ensures we are ready to meet the challenges of the coming years.”

A key aspect of the 2025 Budget is the continued funding of priority projects and the development of essential infrastructure that aligns with the Township’s Strategic Plan. Significant investments include but are not limited to:

• Emergency Services and Public Safety:
  • Water Rescue Vessel: The purchase of a specialized Water Rescue Vessel to enhance public safety and the safety of firefighters and provide immediate response capabilities for water-related emergencies.
  • Replacement of Emergency Extrication Equipment: Funds have been allocated for plans to replace outdated equipment used by emergency responders. This ensures that the Township's Emergency Services officials have access to the most reliable tools for effective rescue operations.
• Replacement Dump/Plow Truck: The replacement of a critical dump truck, including plow and wing, used for road maintenance and snow removal.
• Ongoing Construction Projects: The budget continues to allocate funds for road resurfacing, reconstruction, and paving projects, improving road conditions across the Township and reducing long-term maintenance costs.
• Stormwater Management Improvements: Investments in stormwater management systems, which will improve drainage, reduce flooding risks, and protect both public infrastructure and private property in the Baltimore area.
• Parks Equipment Replacement: The replacement of the Parks tractor and loader will support ongoing maintenance of public spaces and facilities, ensuring that Parks and Recreation areas continue to be safe, clean, and accessible.
• Recreation Facility Upgrades: The purchase of two new vending machines for Township recreation facilities, enhancing the amenities available to visitors and increasing revenues toward the Parks and Facilities operating budget.
• Floodplain Mapping: Funding for updated floodplain mapping to enhance planning and risk management efforts.
• IT Hardware Upgrades: To support Township operations and improve efficiency, funds have been allocated to replace critical IT hardware, enhancing operational efficiency, and reducing long-term maintenance costs, allowing the Township to deliver reliable services to the community.
• Update of the Township Official Plan: Funding for the updating of the Township Official Plan, a critical step in ensuring that the Township’s growth and development plans align with current trends and future needs, in line with provincial regulations and community priorities.

“We greatly appreciate the valuable input from our residents during the consultation process, which saw record participation and helped shape our priorities for the year ahead. I would like to extend my thanks to both Council and staff for their hard work and dedication in bringing this budget forward. With the approval of the 2025 Budget, we are prepared to move forward and deliver on our commitments to the community” commented Anderson.

Residents are encouraged to review the full 2025 Budget package and learn more about the approved initiatives by visiting the Township’s website.

Recordings of the Special Council meetings on December 11 and 16, 2024, can also be viewed on the Township’s YouTube channel @HamiltonTownshipOntario.

For more information, please contact:

• Arthur Anderson, CAO
  • E-mail: aanderson@hamiltontownship.ca
  • Phone: 905-342-2810 x 111