The Municipality of Wawa's seeking public input, as Council considers next year's capital projects.
In a recent meeting, staff presented Council with a draft 2021 Capital Budget, which includes over $10-million in proposed projects, nearly $3.4-million in projects Council approved in previous years, $1.6-million in recommended "high priority" projects, and more than $5-million that's "subject to funding".
Projects already approved to some extent include: a Strategic Plan and Corporate Review; work at Scenic High Falls Park, which was paused amid the COVID-19 pandemic; remaining work from the Connecting Link project; School Zone rehabilitation; sidewalk rehabilitation; water main valve replacement; a new fire hydrant in the Michipicoten River Village, near the water tower; and landfill expansion.
Other "high priority" projects discussed: new municipal financial software; an asset management update; Community Centre improvements and Arena modernization; a new parks mower; a new pump for a fire truck that otherwise can't be certified; a new tandem truck for Infrastructure Services; cemetery expansion, as only 75 plots remain at this time; asphalt preservation; a municipal phone system upgrade; firewall and security network; and a wireless mesh network for the municipality's network.
In an effort for long-term planning, the draft also outlines some projects through 2024, including a new Fire Pumper Truck, a new Fire Hall, and pavement rehabilitation.
Much of the project costs would be covered by grants or donations, followed by contributions from reserves, with a low amount expected to come directly from taxation, while items relating to the water system would at least partly draw on water and sewer fees.
The presentation can be viewed on the Municipality's YouTube channel - plans are to accept public input into January, in hopes Council will approve the capital budget January 19th, then receive the draft operating budget in mid-February, for approval in mid-March.