Charlottetown City Council approved the 2023-2024 annual budget today at a Special Meeting of Council. The balanced budget includes a $77.5 million operational budget for the City Corporation and a $15.6 million operational budget for the Water and Sewer Utility. The budget focuses on sustainable growth and the delivery of excellent core services for City residents.
“I’m confident that this balanced budget reflects Council’s continued commitment to a high level of core service delivery to residents and visitors alike,” said Councillor John McAleer, Chair of the Finance, Audit, Tendering and Administration Committee. “This budget demonstrates our commitment to preparing for the growth and opportunities we forecast for our City and highlights investment in our sustainability and resiliency.”
Environment and Sustainability will see an investment of $1.5 million and will include programs such as the Climate Challenge Fund for Resilient Homes, Parks and People; nature restoration projects and tree replanting; and the addition of two full time arborists. Active transportation route investment is increasing by almost half a million dollars to a total of $1.7 million in the capital budget approved March 13, 2023, and will cover the proposed new routes for Towers Road, Grafton Street, Cedar Avenue, Lilac Drive and East Royalty Road.
To address growing passenger demand, the capital budget also includes a $2.4 million Transit investment to purchase five reconditioned buses, allowing for expanded routes and frequency. The $17.2 million investment in Public Works will fund the first development phase of the University Avenue Master Plan as well as begin the Eastern Gateway Project. It also includes funding to purchase generators for civic buildings to better serve residents in emergency events.
“In order to implement these big plans and manage the projects effectively, we continue to invest in staffing our City Corporation,” said Councillor McAleer. “This issue was addressed in the KPMG Governance Review report and we’re committed to following the direction provided by increasing our staffing level to ensure our core business is done in an efficient and timely manner.”
The budget also includes $12.4 million for Charlottetown Police Services, which will include hiring two new officer positions, and $5.2 million for Charlottetown Fire Department.
There will be no increase to residential and commercial tax rates in the 2023-2024 budget year. Water and Sewer rates will increase 5 per cent in order to maintain the safe and effective delivery of services required by a rapidly growing city; this increase means an increase of approximately $35 for the average household. The City projects a surplus of approximately $30,000 for the Corporation and $300,000 for the Water and Sewer Utility.
To access the 2023-2024 budget, visit
charlottetown.ca/budget.