Canada Global(Web News)Today, after a long city-level meeting, the mayor’s first budget was approved. Brampton’s 2024 budget takes into account the needs of a growing population in infrastructure, transportation, recreational facilities, health care and community safety. The investment decision was made. The following decisions were made for the 2024 budget.
By September 2023, the City has decided to increase taxes by 1·9 per cent, in line with Canada’s inflation rate of 3·8 per cent. This increase is half that of Peel Region, less than the City of Mississauga and the GTA. At least $139 million is allocated to maintain the city’s buses, recreation centers, public spaces and other infrastructure. In addition, an operating budget of $913 million and a capital budget of $544 million have been set.
The City has already set aside $74 million as a reserve fund in the health care sector. As well, the 1 per cent hospital levy will continue to build a second hospital and a new cancer care center for Brampton. In addition, funds have been earmarked for a new medical school (slated to open in 2025).
In the transit sector, $78·4 million has been allocated for the purchase and refurbishment of buses. Brampton Transit has earmarked $3.8 million for Zoom service’s Bramley Road corridor extension. As well as providing 108,500 new transit service hours and 136 new Brampton Transit operators.
In addition, recreation funds will be spent as follows: ·
Embleton Community Center Construction: $79.8M
· Howden Recreation Center Construction: $24.2M
· Tennis, pickleball, basketball, outdoor recreation facilities , Dog Park and Playground Enhancements: $6.1M
· Cricket Infrastructure and Programming: $8M
· Century Gardens Youth Hub Construction: $5.5M
· Memorial Arena Expansion (Construction): $2.5M
· Lawn Bowling at FCCC: $900,000
· Basketball Ball Court and CAA Center Additions: $525,000
· Artificial Field: $200,000 at Central Pelturf
· New, Comprehensive Multi-Sensory Room at Loafer’s Lake Recreation Center: $100,000
To further improve the environment, expenditures will be as follows:
· River Walk Phase One (Flood Prevention): $87.3M
· Stormwater Capital Improvements: $7.9M
· Drainage Channel Inspection and Maintenance Program : $1M
· Erosion control and stream bank stabilization: $1M
· Minimize energy and emissions through energy efficiency programs: $215,000
· Enhance community gardens: $100,000
· Chinguacousy Park upgrades: $25,000
This year’s budget has been prepared after taking feedback from residents and local businesses. ·