Deputy Mayor Andrea Gosse, Chair of the Administration and Financial Services Committee, has presented the Town of Conception Bay South’s 2025 Budget, totaling $44.3 million. This balanced budget demonstrates the Town’s ongoing commitment to maintaining essential services, fostering growth, and prioritizing community well-being — all without raising taxes.

“Budget 2025 reflects our commitment to building a stronger, more resilient community. Through prudent fiscal management, including our ongoing Debt Reduction Strategy and a commitment to no new borrowing in 2025, this budget is positioned to invest in the priorities that matter most to our residents, while holding the line on taxes to maintain affordable services for our community,” said Deputy Mayor Andrea Gosse.

A key initiative in this year’s budget is the Town’s assumption of ownership of the Manuels River Hibernia Interpretation Centre. This decision follows years of collaboration with Manuels River Community Inc. and comes at the request of their Board of Directors, with the support of their membership.

“This decision reflects our dedication to preserving this valuable community asset. We thank the Manuels River Community Inc. for their vision and hard work in building the Centre into what it is today. Moving forward, we will work closely with stakeholders to reimagine the Centre and its programming, ensuring it remains a treasured space for community engagement and connection with nature.”

Budget 2025 is shaped by the evolving needs of our growing community, informed by consultation and engagement with residents.

Budget 2025 Highlights

Maintaining Affordable Taxes and Incentives

• Residential mill rate remains at 7.6; commercial mill rate remains at 11.5.
• Water and sewer tax rates hold steady at $635 (residential) and $930 (commercial).
• Ongoing interest-free monthly payment plans and property tax reduction programs for seniors and low-income residents.
• Waiver of fees for residential improvement and home-based business permits continues.
• Reduced building permit fees for multi-unit and affordable housing developments to encourage inclusive growth.

Investing in Community Infrastructure

• $300,000 for enhanced operations and planning as the Town assumes ownership of the Manuels River Hibernia Interpretation Centre.
• $350,000 for an upgraded accessible playground at Topsail Beach Rotary Park.
• $300,000 for upgrading the bridge that provides access to Sgt. Ned Nugent’s Field.
• $130,000 for recreational facility upgrades at Remembrance Square, including $100,000 for Jim Crosbie Baseball Field and $30,000 for Stoney Hill Tennis Courts.
• $5.0M for street and sidewalk upgrades, including:
  • $2.4M for Seal Cove Bridge replacement
  • $1M for Gateway Drive development
  • $400,000 for 700 meters of new sidewalk in Topsail and Kelligrews
  • $1.2M for street paving
• $3.8M for water and sewer upgrades, including a $100,000 pilot project for odour control at the Wastewater Treatment Plant.
• Design phase to begin in 2025 for the $15M Long Pond Inner Harbour Breakwater stabilization project to mitigate climate impacts.

Enhancing Public Safety and Responsible Management

• $1.5 million investment in a modernized municipal fleet for efficient snow clearing, waste collection, road maintenance, and emergency services.
• Introduction of a Non-Compliance Surcharge to address unauthorized construction or development.
• Implementation of a Permit Compliance Security—a refundable deposit to encourage adherence to Town regulations.
• New pet adoption policy requiring all animals to be spayed or neutered prior to adoption, with subsidized fees for these services to promote responsible pet ownership.
• Additional staffing for fire services, development control, public works, and engineering to meet growing service demands.

About Conception Bay South
Conception Bay South is the second-largest municipality in Newfoundland and Labrador, home to over 27,000 residents. Located just outside the capital city, the community offers a unique blend of modern amenities and rural charm. A top choice for young families and outdoor enthusiasts, the town features scenic trails, a stunning coastline, and unforgettable sunsets, all within a connected, thriving community.

For further details, please visit Budget.

The Town thanks all residents who provided their important feedback and input during budget deliberations. To learn more, please visit the following link: Conception Bay South 2025 Budget Feedback Report