After a marathon session on Wednesday, the City's $5.8 billion-dollar 2024 Budget was successfully passed, maintaining a 2.5% cap on property tax increases despite ongoing economic challenges caused by inflation.
I’m particularly pleased to see the positive outcomes of my continued advocacy for Orléans South-Navan, resulting in specific investments in our infrastructure, parks, and paths. Budget 2024 earmarks over $17 million for road rehabilitation in our ward, including the final section of Frank Kenny Road from Russell Road to Colonial Road. This year’s roads investment triples what was allocated in last year’s budget. Additionally, nearly half a million has also been allotted for new multi-use pathway links on Orléans Blvd, Pineglade, Esprit, and Brockstone, and $1.9M for bridge renewals in our rural area.
Responding to my concerns after last year's engineering review, the problematic Brian Coburn/Tenth Line intersection is now included in the city's 2024 Network Modification program improvements. Residents can expect to see improvements made to make this intersection function more safely and efficiently.
Our local parks are also set to benefit significantly from Budget 2024, with $1.3 million dedicated to kickstarting the creation of the district park at François Dupuis. Additional funds of up to $8 million are proposed in 2025 to further enhance this project. Furthermore, $325,000 is earmarked for expanding the accessible playground at Notre-Dame-des-Champs Park, home to our beloved Miracle League. Additionally, just under $200,000 is allocated to replace the junior play structure and equipment at Isaie Savage Park.
While I believe this budget is balanced, responding to our most pressing city-wide needs, while respecting the affordability crisis so many families are grappling with, I feel as though our rapidly growing ward needs an even greater investment in solving our pressing mobility issues. I have had several positive conversations with the mayor and staff since the budget was tabled earlier this fall, and have commitments that creating a plan to balance our transportation issues with the rapid pace of development will be a focus for the City in 2024.
I want to express my gratitude for your collaboration throughout the year, not just during budget consultations. Your active engagement and ongoing feedback play a pivotal role in shaping our priorities, and I look forward to your continued involvement in our community's growth and development.
