The Township of Laurentian Valley has officially begun the second round of deliberations for its 2025 budget, and the draft budget is now open for public comment. A final public meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, December 3rd, where residents will have the opportunity to ask questions and provide feedback before the budget is finalized.
Like many municipalities across Ontario, Laurentian Valley has faced significant challenges in managing rising operational costs. The township has seen a reduction in its Ontario Community Infrastructure Fund (OCIF) funding for 2025, as well as a notable increase in the cost of services, including Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) expenses. Despite these financial hurdles, the township is committed to providing high-quality services to residents while maintaining a balanced approach to its budget.
The proposed budget includes a tax levy increase of $614,175, which will result in an estimated $109 increase per median-assessed home in the township. This increase will help cover a variety of rising costs, including mandatory service fee hikes due to existing agreements and legislated requirements. Notably, the township will face a $253,372 increase in policing costs and an additional $50,000 for gravel to maintain 10 kilometers of gravel roads each year.
In terms of capital investments, Laurentian Valley is planning a total of $2,384,500 in improvements for 2025. This funding will support roughly 8 kilometers of paved road rehabilitation, as well as building updates for increased efficiency and accessibility. Additionally, the township will invest in much-needed safety equipment for its fire department.
Utility users in the Laurentian Valley will also see an increase in their costs in 2025. Safe drinking water will rise by $129 per residential home, and wastewater treatment fees will increase by $199 per median-assessed home. These increases are partly driven by the recently signed water and wastewater agreement with the City of Pembroke, which includes full cost recovery for both capital and operational costs.
The budget also reflects the township’s continued commitment to joint ventures and community services. Laurentian Valley has allocated a record $493,500 to support its joint recreation agreement with the City of Pembroke, which includes funding for general recreation, pool repairs, and the exploration of a potential joint recreation facility. The township has also committed $20,000 to the Community Warming Centre for 2025 and $155,000 to the Pembroke Public Library to support library services.
While the budget reflects the financial pressures faced by the township, Laurentian Valley remains focused on connecting the community and investing in essential infrastructure and services. The public is encouraged to review the draft budget and participate in the final public meeting on December 3rd. For more information on the budget process, residents can visit the township’s official website at www.lvtownship.ca.
(Written by: Emma Butler)