Peterborough City Council continued its deliberations on the Draft 2025 Budget during meetings on Monday and Tuesday. Key decisions included additional funding for community services and arts groups, as well as adjustments to public health, police, and paramedic budgets.
The proposed budget now reflects an 8% all-inclusive property tax rate increase, translating to a $12.43 monthly rise per $100,000 in property assessment. This increase covers necessary service levels, infrastructure projects, and operating expenses totaling $411 million.
Council has directed staff to explore options for further reductions in city services or alternative revenue sources to achieve a 7% tax rate by the time of the next meeting on December 9th.
Notable additions include $298,153 to restore funding to 2024 levels for community and arts groups (which had been proposed for a 25% reduction in 2025), $264,000 to extend operations at the Trinity Community Centre, and $280,000 for Brock Mission. Additionally, the budget proposes a $500,000 loan for Showplace Performance Centre roof repairs as well as a 25-cent increase in transit fares, bringing the single ride fare to $3.25.
The full details of the budget, along with an interactive tool for residents, are available at peterborough.ca/Budget.
(Written by: Scott Arnold)
