Saugeen Shores council has approved the 2022 Business Plan and Budget.
Residents can expect an estimated tax rate increase of 4.5%, or about $186.30 per household.
Mayor, Luke Charbonneau, says the Business Plan outlines the priorities for the Municipality, including managing and supporting growth, improving operational effectiveness, and building the community.
“Some of the big initiatives include beginning to plan, in detail, for the new aquatic centre and recreation facility, we’re going to continue to develop the innovation park on the South End of Port Elgin. We’re preparing ourselves for the next wave of growth in our municipality.”
The Business Plan includes 29 major initiatives and 68 division highlights. Together, these guide the Town’s priorities and work plans for the year ahead. Managing and supporting growth is a key focus of the Plan, including developing commercial and industrial land, addressing housing issues by streamlining approvals, advancing infrastructure development, managing parkland and other natural assets.
“Housing remains council’s highest priority, and certainly our budget and business plan reflect that,” added Charbonneau. “We’re working steadily on a number of developments being planned this year to bring on board new high-density rentals in the community. Our planning department is focused on supporting those.”
Also, a major initiative for the CAO’s Office in 2022 is to implement the Municipal Service Delivery Review completed last year. The MSDR sets out a modern organizational structure for the Town to be Future Ready by better aligning roles and responsibilities, improving staffing levels, and addressing gaps in service.
The approved Business Plan and 2022 Budget will be available on the town's website.