Wawa Council Presented Draft 2025 Capital Budget, Warned of Tough Financial Challenges

The Municipality of Wawa's seeking public input, as Council considers capital plans for the next year and beyond.

In a special meeting last night, staff presented Council with a draft 2025 Capital Budget - which outlined plans for next year but also some ideas through 2028 - intended to align with the municipality's strategic, 10-year financial, asset management, and other plans.

Before going into details, CAO/Clerk Maury O'Neill emphasized to Council that there have been "difficult" challenges in preparing the budget, noting some major cost increases on the horizon, as the Municipality will need to start funding an allowance for "doubtful accounts" - the municipal auditor recommended $360,000, which would amount to a roughly 7.5 percent levy increase - while OPP costs are skyrocketing by 27% - nearly $214,000, which would amount to a roughly 4% levy increase - and despite a need to accommodate those and cost of living increases, this budget was prepared assuming a 4% levy increase plus the introduction of a new 2% capital levy - expected to raise about $100,000 a year - the funds from which would only be able to be used for capital, not operations.

As for the capital budget, staff outlined plans for approximately $3,118,500 in new capital projects - for a total of $7,029,704, with prior commitments - including plans for a Town Hall redesign study - and similar study for the Fire Hall - the relocation of Council Chambers, improvements to the Michipicoten Memorial Community Centre - including its roof - as well as annual projects like sidewalk rehabilitation and pavement preservation.

The presentation can be viewed on the Municipality of Wawa’s YouTube page or read on the Municipality’s website.

Public input's being accepted for three weeks, with plans for Council to review the proposed 2025 schedule of fees at its December 10th meeting, and the draft operating budget in early January - also followed by a public input period.