City councillors convened this morning to start a review of their 2016 budget. A four year budget for 2015 to 2018 was set last fall but each year council makes a habit of revisiting single year budget to address new projects that have come before them in need of funding.
Some of the projects that have been referred to budget deliberations include $5.5 million for renovations to the Bear Creek Pool, a request from the QEII Hospital Foundation for $3.5 million, and a $2 million request from the Catholic School Board to help pay for the Arbour Hills School Performing Arts Theatre. They will also have to make a decision on how to proceed with the twinning project for 68th Avenue, as there are currently to possible options on the table – one of which would require additional funding.
A revised tax rate for 2016 will be established following deliberations. The current tax rate increase planned for 2016 is 4.2 per cent.