For Immediate Release

South Frontenac Council Approves 2022 Budget

At the February 8^th meeting, South Frontenac Council approved its 2022 operating and capital budgets for the Township, adopting a financial plan for the year that maintains or enhances existing services, funds numerous capital projects and advances a number of priorities from Council’s 2019-2022 Strategic Plan – all while delivering an average tax payer increase of 2%.

While continuing to work towards the vision of being “Natural, Vibrant and Growing – a Progressive Rural Leader”, the 2022 budget supports the Township’s focus of modernizing and improving operations, investing in infrastructure, and addressing emerging community needs such as increased recreational opportunities and climate change.

“The 2021 Canadian Census indicates South Frontenac has grown 8.3% since 2016, with a total population of 20,188 permanent residents,” said Mayor Vandewal. “For this reason, we have been building our organizational capacity over the past few years in anticipation of this growth, as we know it will be a key factor as we move forward with the priorities in our Strategic Plan and 2022 Budget.”

The final budget represents $34,060,849 in operating and capital expenditures and reserve transfers, requiring $21,192,849 to be raised from taxation. As a result, a property with the average assessed value of $273,061 will see an increase of $32.79 (2%) on their 2022 Township tax bill.

“Since 2020, the Township’s budget has been closely tied to Council’s strategic priorities, and this year Council has placed an emphasis on organizational capacity to make sure we can meet growing demands while also preparing for the future,” explained Louise Fragnito, Interim Chief Administrative Officer. "Not only is this commitment represented through additional staff resources, but also through new public communication technology and internal software that will support growth and help make our services more accessible for residents and visitors.”

The Township’s Strategic Plan includes the following overarching priorities; 1) Positioning South Frontenac as a regional leader, 2) Promoting and supporting growth that meets the community’s needs while maintaining the integrity of our natural environment, 3) Ensuring the organizational capacity to deliver cost effective services in a changing world, and 4) To be a catalyst for the creation of vibrant and complete communities.

Projects for this year focus not only on meeting the needs of the community, but also ensure South Frontenac is actioning the priorities set by Council in the Strategic Plan and 2022 Budget. Project highlights include:

• A new marine unit and three (3) new rapid response vehicles for the fire department.
• New Garbage & Recycling Mobile App offering location specific reminders and a waste look up tool.
• Continuation of the Official Plan review process and Verona Housing initiative.
• New Communications tool coming this year that offers Township updates via text, email, or voice recording.
• Funds towards Indigenous engagement and organizational learning.
• New or updated wayfinding signage, including Township gateway signage and new 401 signs showcasing South Frontenac.
• Addition of a roof to the multi-use pad at Centennial Park to allow for more activities and events.
• Significant upgrades to a portion of Westport Road and Battersea Road.
• Ground-breaking on the construction of a new Fire Hall between Sunbury and Battersea.
• $100,000 in funding for Climate Change Adaptation & Mitigation initiatives.
• Various upgrades to the McMullen Park sport courts in Verona.
• Completion of a Roads Needs Study, including the assessment of gravel roads.
• Additional resources to support land use policy development and environmental compliance.
• Implementation of a new Heritage Grant program.
• Continued investment in pavement preservation on 16 Township roadways, totalling 33km of completed work.
• Support and administration for the 2022 Municipal Election in October.

“As these projects move forward, I encourage you to stay connected and provide input whenever possible through our online engagement portal,” said Vandewal. “Our constituents are always our first priority, so having input from residents helps Council to find a balance between providing the desired services and respecting household incomes,” explained Vandewal.

Further information about the 2022 budget will be circulated to rate payers with their Interim Tax Notice in March. For more detailed information on the 2022 Budget, please visit our customer engagement portal at website at www.engagefrontenac.net.

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For more information on this release please contact:

Emily Caird
Executive Assistant & Communications Officer
613-376-3027 ext.2260
communications@southfrontenac.net