Wellington County Council has approved the 2023 budget.

In a release on January 26, Wellington County shared that the 2023 budget will carry a 3.8 percent increase to the county portion of property taxes. Highlights of the budget this year include road infrastructure and public works facilities investments over the next decade. Those will include $35.1 million in facility upgrades in Erin, Brucedale, Harriston and Aberfoyle public works facilities and $274.9 million for roads, bridges and culvert projects.

The budget also calls for increased capital investment in social and affordable housing supported by a grant from senior levels of government.

“County Council has passed the 2023 budget under extraordinarily challenging circumstances,” said Warden Andy Lennox. “This budget is aimed at striking a balance between limiting the cost impact to residents during a period with 40-year inflationary highs, while continuing to provide the necessary resources to deliver services and maintain infrastructure for our residents.”

Highlights of the 2023 Budget include:
• Significant investment in roads capital infrastructure and public works facilities over the
next ten years, including $35.1 million in facility upgrades in Erin, Brucedale, Harriston
and Aberfoyle public works facilities and $274.9 million for roads, bridges and culvert
works throughout the forecast.
• Design and construction of the new Erin Library Branch
• Increased capital investment in social and affordable housing supported by a grant from
senior levels of government
• Land Ambulance service expansion includes the addition of two supervisors at the Erin
Station and the addition of four paramedics to improve service times across the County
• A significant reduction in child care fees for families supported through the Federal
Canada Wide Early Learning and Child Care Funding Agreement
• Waste Management enhancements including improvements to the Elora and Rothsay
Transfer Stations
• Implementation of the Wellington Place Master Plan to improve visitor experience at
the site

“County services have faced significant cost increases across the board, which are reflected in the budget,” commented Councillor Chris White, Chair of the County’s Administration, Finance and Human Resources Committee. “The County’s forward-looking budget maintains a strong commitment towards infrastructure requirements despite significant challenges.”