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Aurora Town Council Adopts 2024 to 2026 Budget, service levels maintained with investments in roads, outdoor spaces & recreation

Aurora Town Council on Tuesday adopted the municipality’s 2024 to 2026 Budget with a 2.8 per cent increase to the tax levy in 2024, and an additional 1 per cent for capital infrastructure projects. This increase translates to an additional $92.15 on the Town’s share of the tax bill for a home assessed at $800,000.

The 2024 to 2026 Budget, which incudes the multi-year operating budget and 10-Year Capital Plan, maintains existing service levels while also making strategic investments to strengthen the quality of life for community members and to accommodate growth.

“I’m very proud of this budget because it responds to the needs of the community and makes investments in our future, while not overburdening residents and businesses who have seen their own costs go up, from groceries to gas to mortgage payments,” said Mayor Tom Mrakas. “The moderate increase to your tax bill is about the same as the overall inflation rate in 2023 and allows the Town to push ahead on key priorities that matter to residents, including rehabilitating and maintaining our roads and sidewalks, strengthening our world-class recreation programs, parks and natural spaces, as well as enhancing our arts and culture offerings. Your tax dollars are also working hard to support Town partners that provide important and essential services to the community, including Central York Fire Services, the Aurora Public Library, and the Aurora Cultural Centre. I thank residents, business owners, staff, partners and of course my Council colleagues for working collaboratively on the budget to ensure it works in the best interests of all Aurorans.”

The budget process this year was different than in previous years because of recent changes in Ontario legislation. The Ontario Government’s Bill 3, Strong Mayors, Building Homes Act, granted “Strong Mayor Powers” to many municipalities. These new responsibilities given to mayors are largely aimed at accelerating the housing and development process at the municipal level. The legislation also requires mayors to propose the municipal budget to Council.

Members of Aurora Town Council had the opportunity to propose amendments to the budget, with five council amendments adopted in the multi-year budget.

Some key investments in the 2024 to 2026 Budget include:

  • The reconstruction of Poplar Crescent, and the rehabilitation of the road surfaces on Avondale Crescent, Centre Street and Earl Stewart Drive
  • Construction of the new 7,500 square gymnasium at the Stronach Aurora Recreation Centre
  • The replacement of aging playgrounds at Fleury Park and Evans Park, and the playground and splash pad at Town Park
  • Construction of a second artificial turf field at Sheppard’s Bush
  • Continued development of the David Tomlinson Nature Reserve - Phase 2
  • IT infrastructure projects to make it easier for residents to access Town services online

Operating spending in 2024 amounts to a total of $118.6 million, which is supported by both property taxes and user rates (water, wastewater, and stormwater). The Town’s 10-Year Capital Plan (2024 to 2033) amounts to a total of $304.2 million, with $65.4 set aside in 2024. The 2024 to 2026 Budget includes tax increases of 3.5 per cent in 2025 and 2.9 per cent in 2026.

Aurora follows a multi-year operating budget approval process because multi-year budgets are more strategic and, among other things, provide greater certainty for departments in managing costs and service levels, improves the fiscal discipline of the organization, and reduces uncertainty about future year tax levies.

Hearing from community members was an important part of the budget process. Residents, businesses and community groups had the opportunity to participate and delegate at the Town’s Pre-Budget Consultation Meeting in June and provide feedback through the Town’s online Budget Survey. This feedback helped the Mayor, staff and Council better understand how our community prioritizes and values Town services.