Ontario Construction News staff writer
The City of Mississauga has approved the 2023 budget focused on maintaining a safe and healthy community and investing in infrastructure, building and growth.
“This year, we have put forward a no-frills budget that is designed to maintain service levels while minimizing the impacts on our residents as we address ongoing pressures from inflation and the lagging effects of COVID-19,” said Mayor Bonnie Crombie. “We are at a time when prudent fiscal management is more important than ever because we know the financial decisions we make today will profoundly affect our future.
“I stand behind the 2023 budget, which invests in our residents and supports our business community. We are making critical strategic investments in public safety, infrastructure and sustainability to build our resiliency in the future and support our community’s growth.”
This year’s budget includes:
- $83.8 million for hybrid bus acquisitions
- $25.6 million for winter maintenance
- $3.6 million for sidewalks
- $21.5 million for road rehabilitation
- $11 million for fire prevention activities
- $1.9 million for new and replacement tree plantings
There are 10 new initiatives proposed for 2023 – including capital funding for the Square One Innovation Hub, the Malton Youth Hub, grants to support Culture groups and parkland growth.
“We’re working to balance affordability for our residents and critical funding for important City needs,” said Shari Lichterman, acting city manager. “We continue to look for opportunities to keep costs low through operational efficiencies, securing financial support from other levels of government, and charging user fees where appropriate.”
However, impacts of Bill 23 have not been built into the 2023 budget.
“The province has signalled its intention to compensate municipalities for losses related to Bill 23 following a third-party audit of city finances,” a staff report states. “The City of Mississauga welcomes this review and is looking forward to working with the province to limit the impacts of this legislation on our community and taxpayers going forward.”
