|
Budget 2018: Addressing our Communities' Challenges
Gatineau, December 18, 2017. – Gatineau has tabled its 2018 budget under the theme of Addressing our Communities' Challenges. The adoption of that budget is subject to approval by the Municipal Council at its December 18 meeting at 2 p.m.
Quick facts
A balanced budget | ● | A $599.8 million balanced budget.
‒ Unlike other levels of government, municipalities are not permitted to adopt a budget showing a deficit.
|
| ● | Expenditures are up by $22.1 million, or 3.8% compared to 2017. |
| ● | The 2.9% tax increase for 2018 is equivalent to $79 for a median tax account (property value assessed at $238,200). |
| ● | The tax increase falls into two categories:
‒ 1.9% for the Bank of Canada target consumer price index (CPI), which is to maintain service levels and ensure adequate maintenance for infrastructures; and
‒ 1% dedicated to infrastructure catch-up, which has so far made it possible to invest $81.2 million, with another
$31.5 million coming in 2018.
|
The Commission de révision des dépenses et des services | ● | Gatineau is currently facing a structural deficit.
‒ This is a budgetary imbalance between the growth in new spending and the annual growth in new revenues. This is a recurrent situation.
|
| ● | Since 2013, the Commission's work has helped generate permanent annual savings of $15.4 million a year ahead of schedule. |
| ● | In 2018, the Executive Committee, supported by the Commission, will conduct an in-depth budget review (revenues and expenses). This review will include the human resource plan, and will propose budgetary orientations for the next three years. |
| ● | At the same time, Gatineau will launch its Bureau de la performance. This will help to push forward the implementation of a true culture of innovation and continuous improvement within the organization. |
Duties on transfers of immovables | ● | New tax portions for duties on transfers of immovables for transactions will be effective January 1, 2018. |
| ● | The rates will be higher for that part of a transaction that is in excess of $1,000,000, which will essentially not affect the residential sector.
‒ This measure will generate an additional $2 million annually for Gatineau.
|
| ● | This situation stems from a new power granted under An Act mainly to recognize that municipalities are local governments and to increase their autonomy and powers:
‒ Thus, this measure is part of Gatineau's revenue diversification plan.
|
Improving services to the public | ● | Its rigorous approach notwithstanding, Gatineau was nonetheless able to invest in certain service improvements.
‒ Continued deployment of the residual materials management plan, with an additional $1,065,000 in measures in 2018.
‒ A non-recurrent $1 million envelope for valorizing urban forests.
‒ $500,000 for revitalization funds and activities for the former downtowns.
‒ $480,000 to better inform the public about the services offered to them and at the same time add to the sense of belonging (Gatineau for Life campaign).
‒ $450,000 for enhanced preventive maintenance programs in plants and the valve verification program to reduce service interruptions.
‒ $300,000 for new water playgrounds.
‒ $250,000 for an activities fund for the downtown.
‒ An additional $836,000 for the snow clearing budget, which is a 5.1% increase to bring service levels in line with the current policy. This includes $225,000 for snow clearing contracts.
‒ $150,000 for the events management strategy.
‒ $100,000 to extend the hours for outdoor swimming and wading pools.
‒ $100,000 for the permanent cultural pathway project.
‒ $80,000 for the school zone safety program.
‒ $65,000 for activities in Dalton park and the Rivière-Blanche shoreline park.
‒ $50,000 for an ecological measures subsidy program.
‒ $37,000 for an environmental intervention program at lac Beauchamp.
‒ $25,000 for the Old Aylmer public market.
‒ $25,000 for a new free compost distribution program.
|
The debt is under control | ● | Our indicators are favourable, in particular debt servicing, which amounts to only 10.5% of spending, compared to 23% at the time of the municipal merger. |
| ● | Close to 60% of our infrastructure upgrades are paid in cash, with the aim of ensuring intergenerational equity for tomorrow's taxpayers. |
| ● | Gatineau is continuing to manage its debt prudently. |
Massive injections into the 2018-2020 investment plan | ● | Total investments over the next three years will come to $387 million, of which $127.3 million will be in 2018 for:
‒ water supply and sewer systems: $36.4 million
‒ water and wastewater treatment plants: $32.8 million
‒ roads: $22.9 million
‒ social housing and residential renovation program: $4.6 million
‒ upgrading municipal buildings: $4.5 million
‒ development of parks and green spaces: $3.3 million
‒ traffic and road safety: $2.1 million
‒ active transportation: $1.9 million
|
| ● | Continuation of major intervention plans:
‒ Water and wastewater treatment plant renovations: $151 million.
‒ Boulevard Saint-Joseph: $58.8 million.
‒ Resolution of the issue of water discolouration: $53 million.
‒ Rue Notre-Dame: $19.3 million.
|
| ● | Increased investment in roads:
‒ In 2018, close to $23 million for road repairs.
‒ Pursuit of the strategy established in 2015 to increase investments in roads by 45% by 2021.
‒ Reconstruction of the intersection at boulevard Lorrain and Chambord and Blanchette.
‒ New sidewalks in built-up areas.
|
| ● | Social housing and residential renovation program:
‒ Gatineau is continuing to tap into every possible financial assistance program.
‒ $3.4 million increase in annual investments in social housing to build 175 units in accordance with the housing policy adopted in 2017. This increase will enable Gatineau to meet its 15% commitment under the program.
‒ $1.2 million recurrent envelop for the residential renovation program
|
| ● | Continued interventions against the emerald ash borer:
‒ Close to $5 million in investments over five years to cut down and replace trees.
|
| ● | Following the tabling of the new master plan on active transportation in the spring of 2018:
‒ $7.5 million will be available in 2018 to develop the bike path network, with $1.4 million annually thereafter.
‒ $470,000 annually for repairs to the bike path network.
|
| ● | As a result of new obligations imposed by the Government of Quebec, we are required to invest more than $1 million in the 911 emergency call centre, and to add human resources for an annual cost of $617,000. |
Quote
“The budget we are adopting today is balanced and in line with our fiscal reality. We are pursuing the significant continuous infrastructure improvement and massive catch-up efforts undertaken in the past few years, focusing on strategic investments in projects that will improve our communities' quality of life throughout the territory,” indicated Gatineau Mayor Maxime Pedneaud-Jobin.
Associated documents
Highlights Mayor's speech
Associated link
Budget Web page
|
