Wellington County has adopted its 2016 budget which will lead to a 2.5% increase in the county portion of property taxes.
Warden George Bridge says it helps position the county for growth in the years ahead. He adds the budget balances a plan to renew infrastructure with key investments to ensure economic competitiveness. That includes the second installment of a $9.4-million investment in three local hospitals.
As well, $13.4-million will go to maintain the transportation network, funding to host the 2016 International Plowing Match in Minto, and building a new public works facility in Drayton.
Another $13.7-million is allocated toward building 55 new affordable housing units at Webster Place in Fergus.
There is also money for the rehabilitation of the Wellington Place Lands as part of Canada’s 150 Year Anniversary, including expansion of existing trails, expansion and improvement of the existing public education programme of the National Historic Site, with all funding from Canada’s 150th grant programme and community donations.
The county will also forward the second year of a five-year municipal investment in fibre optic technology as part of the Southwestern Integrated Fibre Technology (SWIFT) Program.
A new Wellington Signage Program will be implemented in 2016 to include welcome signs on Wellington boundary roads and way finding signs on County roads.
