Striving for Continued Growth Amid Challenging Economic Times

Tonight, Deputy Mayor Andrea Gosse, Chair of the Administration and Financial Services Committee, presented the Town of Conception Bay South’s Budget for 2024. With a total budget of $42.5 million, marking a 7.2% increase from the previous year, the budget showcases a responsible financial strategy that addresses the challenges posed by the rising costs of goods and services while meeting the needs of a growing community.

“Council was elected with a mandate to drive community development, and despite facing economic challenges, we are seeing positive results with record-high revenues, continuous residential development, and increased commercial activity. However, like every municipality in Newfoundland and Labrador, we are facing significant rising costs. After reducing expenditures for five consecutive years, any further reductions would negatively impact core services. Given the minimal increase in average property assessments, as determined by the Municipal Assessment Agency, a modest property tax increase for Budget 2024 was necessary to maintain current service levels,” said Deputy Mayor Gosse.

Budget 2024 focuses on providing essential core services while driving the momentum of growth experienced by Conception Bay South in recent years. The budget reports no new borrowing, aligning with the Town’s debt management strategy and long-term financial planning.

Key Highlights:

• The residential property mill rate will see a modest increase of 0.3, bringing it to 7.60.
• The commercial mill rate will remain steady at 11.5.
• No water and sewer tax increase, remaining at $635 per residential unit and $930 per commercial unit.
• Allocation of $50,000 for planning a regional community centre at The Gateway, focusing on sports and recreational enhancements, with the conceptual model to be announced in 2024.
• Continued focus on attracting new businesses to The Gateway through a partnership with Colliers East, a renowned name in commercial real estate.
• Elimination of building permit fees for housing projects approved under federal and provincial affordable and rental housing programs, with a 50% reduction in building permit fees for any multi-unit development.
• Commitment to speeding up the time it takes to approve development applications.
• Fifth consecutive year of waiving fees for residential improvement permits for things like sheds, decks, and fences.
• Waiver of business application processing fees in 2024 to facilitate business registration.
• Issuance of a critical tender for a new fire truck in 2024, a strategic investment valued at approximately $1 million, and a commitment to replacing two more fire trucks over the next few years.
• Investment of $1.5 million for new, essential fleet for engineering and public works services. This is an increase of $600,000 over last year and represents the largest year-over-year expenditure increase within this budget, outside of general inflationary prices we have no control over.
• Investment of $14 million for capital works programs, including water and sewer installation and upgrades, street paving projects, and the Seal Cove River Bridge Replacement project.
• Investment of $75,000 for a new Municipal Plan and Development Regulations to guide community development and shape the Town’s future.
• The creation of an ATV pilot program, aimed at providing two legal routes on town roads for off-road vehicle users to access approved ATV areas.
• Continuation of Seniors Property Tax Reduction, the Seniors Property Tax Incentive, and the Low-Income Tax Reduction.
• Investments in sustainability initiatives include a stormwater management study for the Kelligrews River and acquiring a weather station to understand weather events better.
• A slight increase to some recreation fees to better reflect the cost of service delivery, ensuring we maintain high-quality services competitive with neighboring municipalities. There will also be a charge to sports organizations for field maintenance, which was previously provided free of charge.

Conception Bay South proudly stands as the second-largest municipality in Newfoundland and Labrador, with a population of over 27,000 residents and a median age of 43 years. Located just outside the capital city, Conception Bay South offers a harmonious blend between rural charm and urban progress and is renowned as a destination of choice for young families and recreational boaters. The community’s impressive trails, spectacular ocean views, and breathtaking sunsets are set alongside great schools, high-quality municipal services, and a thriving business sector.

Watch the budget speech by tuning in to the Town’s YouTube channel.

For further details, please visit Budget.

The Town thanks all residents who provided their important feedback and input for Budget 2024.