Media Release: Budget 2023 – Balanced Investments to Support Growing Municipality

The Town of Paradise 2023 Budget was presented during a special Public Council Meeting on November 30. The $40.7 million budget makes balanced investments to provide essential services and community programming while ensuring municipal assets and infrastructure are properly managed.

As part of Budget 2023, there are small increases to the residential mil rate and the residential and commercial water and sewer rates. Next year the residential mil rate will be 7.4, a change of .2 with water and sewer moving to $625 from $600. The commercial water and sewer will increase to 1.5 mil from 1.0.

“Rising costs, supply chain issues, and inflationary pressures are changing the way all organizations operate, and the Town of Paradise is no different. Like all municipalities, it is costing the Town more to provide services and programs to our residents,” said Mayor Dan Bobbett. “In preparing the budget, Council thoroughly reviewed all departments and spending areas and carefully considered the priorities for the coming year. It was not an easy decision to increase the residential mil rate, but it is the right decision so that we can provide residents with the services and programs they need and deserve. “

Budget 2023 makes investments in all areas of Town operations, and includes:

Funding to continue Phase I Evergreen Village water and sewer upgrade project and the Elizabeth Park Refresh Phase I with installation of bicycle lanes and park upgrades;
Water and sewer installation on Stephen’s Road and Neary’s Road;
Allocations for additional snow clearing equipment and staff;
Annual street rehabilitation program of $1 million;
Funding for new playground for Peter Barry Duff Memorial Park, site preparations for the Canada Summer Games, trail improvements, finalizing the design of the Community Boathouse, and improvements to the Milton Road Clubhouse;
Additional neighbourhood quieting initiatives with pedestrian islands on Karwood Drive and at the crosswalk at Topsail Road and Glendarek Drive;
New online services for permitting and tax accounts; and
Continued investment in the Infrastructure Reserve Fund.

“Budget 2023 presents a sound fiscal plan for the Town of Paradise, ensuring our residents have the services and programs they need and deserve, maintaining our strong financial position, and keeping us on the path of sustained and strategic growth,” said Councillor Elizabeth Laurie, Chair of the Administration and Corporate Services Committee.

The complete 2023 Budget package is available on the Town’s website at www.paradise.ca/Budget

Media Contact

Diane Keough, Communications Manager, email, 709.769.4212 (mobile)