Conception Bay South Freezes Taxes in Budget 2021,
Eliminates Key Residential Construction Fees

The Town of Conception Bay South today announced its budget for 2021.  Highlights include no increases to residential or business tax rates, as well as a freeze on water and sewer taxes and all other rates and fees.

“We are very pleased to introduce a budget that ensures residents of Conception Bay South enjoy the lowest residential tax rate and the lowest water and sewer fees of all comparable municipalities on the Northeast Avalon at the time the budget is announced.  We also offer business tax rates that are on par with other municipalities,” said Deputy Mayor and Finance Committee Chair Richard Murphy. “From a financial perspective, we are a very attractive community in which to live and invest.”

Deputy Mayor Murphy also said, “We are investing heavily in areas that we know are very important to residents, such as roads, sidewalks, parks and recreational facilities.”

Highlights of the $37.2 million balanced budget include:

• Freeze on residential, business tax rates, water and sewer taxes, and recreational fees;
• Elimination of fee for New Home Construction Permits;
• Elimination of fees for permits to repair and improve residents’ homes, including extensions, decks, sheds, fences and general repairs;
• $750,000 for road rehabilitation and sidewalks;
• $2.5 million to upgrade Minerals Road;
  • All four major connector roads will have seen significant upgrades over Council’s Term of office – Fowlers, Legion, Lawrence Pond and Minerals; and
• $1 million to upgrade Anchorage Road.

“The Town will be investing an additional $2.5 million to complete construction of our new inclusive and accessible community park, which started in 2020 with construction of a parking area, inclusive playground, swing sets and properly graded accessible walking trails,” said Deputy Mayor Murphy. “In 2021 we will install a dual water park and ice skating surface, lighting and stage.  Construction will also include new changerooms and washrooms as well as storage space for equipment and mechanical outfitting.”

Funding has also been allocated for construction of a new 8,000 square foot library with a total cost of $4 million.  “We are working with our partners and the provincial and local library board as well as the Department of Education to see construction commence during the Spring of 2021 and conclude in 2022,” added Deputy Mayor Murphy.

Mayor Terry French acknowledged and thanked the Governments of Canada and Newfoundland and Labrador for their support in progressing issues that are important to Conception Bay South.  “Our local Member of Parliament and Members of the House of Assembly have been excellent partners who have always supported requests from Council.  This year in particular, we would not have been able to balance our budget or progress many of these wonderful initiatives without their financial support.  While Council has worked very hard to reduce expenses every year, investments from our Governments, such as the Safe Restart Fund, have been instrumental in helping us get through this difficult time.

“Council expects to complete its entire mandate without having increased residential and business tax rates, or water and sewer taxes,” said Mayor French.  “Indeed, Council has succeeded in reducing costs in each year of its mandate while at the same time ending the year with a budgetary surplus. That’s an important legacy we are proud to pass on for the benefit of the residents of the Town of Conception Bay South.”

For further details, please visit Budget.

The Town thanks all residents who provided their important feedback and input for Budget 2021.