Special Council meeting (2025 budget deliberations), November 28, 2024
Attendance
Mayor Danielle Okafor-Price presided over the meeting. Councillors Marcus Lindqvist, Priya Raman, Tom Beaudry, Grace Whitlock, Arjun Sidhu, and Helen Marchetti attended. City Manager Robert Eng and City Clerk Nadia Kowalczyk were present. The meeting was livestreamed for public viewing. You can watch the full recording later on the meeting archive.
Delegations
A resident from the Eastfield neighbourhood spoke about the impact of proposed transit fare increases on daily commuters. A representative from the Wrenford Chamber of Commerce presented a brief on small business relief measures. A member of the Downtown Wrenford Business Improvement Area asked about adjustments to downtown parking rates.
Reports and decisions
2025 Draft Operating Budget
The City Manager presented the draft budget, which outlines total proposed spending of $148,500,000, a 4.2% increase from 2024. Council discussed the proposed 3.0% increase to the residential property tax levy. You can review the full financial details on the budget page. Carried 7-0.
Transit Fare Adjustments
Council reviewed the proposed 5% increase to the adult monthly transit pass. The fare change is intended to fund the expansion of the Wrenford Access specialized transit service. Council deferred the decision to the next meeting to review additional public feedback. Deferred 0-7.
Community Grants Allocation
The Recreation Programs Coordinator outlined the budget for neighbourhood grants. Council approved $125,000 for local festivals and $40,000 for youth sports leagues in the 2025 budget. Carried 6-1 (Councillor Whitlock opposed, preferring library funding).
Ontario Works Emergency Shelter Funding
The General Manager of Community Services reported on the Ontario Works program. Council agreed to increase funding by $75,000 to support emergency shelter referrals for residents in need. Carried 7-0.
Winter Maintenance Equipment
The Roads Superintendent presented the winter maintenance budget. Council approved the purchase of additional snowplows and a contract for salt storage at the East Wrenford Waste Management Facility. Carried 7-0.
2025 Budget Engagement Results
Council discussed the summary of resident feedback regarding housing and green space. Council directed staff to prepare a response report for the next meeting. Carried 7-0.
By-laws
No by-laws were passed at this meeting. Budget by-laws will be introduced during the December deliberations.
Adjournment
The meeting was adjourned at 8:15 p.m.