Whitewater Region has approved the 2021 budget. Council approved the document at the December 16th meeting. The budget reflects a 2.5% increase to the levy with a 4% decrease in operating expenses.
Total expenses for Whitewater Region in 2021 are expected to be around $14.8-million with a capital budget of $5.5 million. Roughly $3.3-million will be spent on roads next year. The following road resurfacing projects have been approved:
- Powers Road (double surface treatment) – $240,000
- Kohlsmith Road (Marjorie to Mineview) – $100,000
- Rapid Road in the vicinity of Vizena Trail to raise the road to prevent flooding – $50,000
- Olmstead-Jeffrey Lake Road – $2.7-million
- Grace Street (Gorr to Westmeath), includes the addition of a sidewalk from the school to a new crosswalk on Westmeath Road – $230,000
- Westross Road (Hydro Bay to Zion) – $45,000
Fresh gravel will also be added to the following roads:
- Calvin Road (Orin Road to pavement)
- Blind Line (Kohlsmith Road to Acres Road)
- Fletcher Road (Grants Settlement Road to dead end)
- Fletcher Road (Government Road to Sams Road)
- McGonegal Road (Indian Road to overhead bridge)
- Acres Road (Kerr Line to Queens Line)
- Stoppa Road (Highway 17 to Behm Line)
The Township plans to purchase a tandem plow along with a grader and brush head at a combined cost of $750,000. Other big-ticket items for Whitewater Region in 2021 include $1-million in policing costs, $850,000 for fire services and converting the remaining villages and hamlets to LED technology will cost $250,000.
Signalized crosswalks will be added near the Township’s three elementary schools in Westmeath, Beachburg and Cobden. Additional speed and traffic monitoring equipment will also be purchased.
Community development fees and recreation fees are comparable to market rates and to other municipalities in the County of Renfrew.
The average residential homeowner in Whitewater Region is expected to pay roughly $80 more for water and $330 more for wastewater in 2021.
The curbside collection fee remains unchanged at $156 per unit while Landfill fees will be changed from volume to classification.
The number of full-time staff remains the same and council has also approved six summer student positions.
Mayor Michael Moore says the 2021 budget is an investment in the Township’s infrastructure to ensure we can deliver services in a safe and effective manner.
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