Planned park improvements, road projects and new trail connections are among $1.1 billion in capital projects set to be pushed into the future by city hall.
Among them is a new Waste Resource Innovation Centre, new sports fields, pickleball courts and a second skateboard park, as well as lighting for the existing skateboard park.
A new fire department headquarters and paramedic station replacement are also set for deferral, as well as action items from council-approved recreation, culture, cycling, tree canopy and other master plans approved in the past three to five years.
The deferrals, officially proposed by Mayor Cam Guthrie, are included in the 10-year capital spending plan, which was publicly released late last week as part of the multi-year municipal budget update.
They are meant to help city officials comply with an order from Guthrie to hold the city budget to a four per cent or less property tax increase for next year, though most capital projects come from reserve accounts and don’t have a direct impact on current tax rates.
As explained on the city’s website, “high priority” projects such as those impacting safety, supporting housing in priority areas or with legislated requirements have been kept in the 10-year plan.
Deferred later within or beyond the plan are “low priority” initiatives such as amenities that support population growth, housing infrastructure in non-priority areas and service enhancements without grant funding commitments.
The city’s transportation network faces the largest dollar value of deferrals, at $531 million, followed by parking and transit ($229.3 million) and waste management ($141 million).
They include transit route enhancements, new or improved bus shelters and elements of downtown parking infrastructure that would also be put on hold.
As would active transportation and trails projects, a new Guelph Central Station and new pedestrian bridges not already underway.
Further, the draft plan calls for no new public art to be commissioned or installed. There’s also to be no Indigenous art, signage or plantings or new “places and spaces” for diverse and inclusive programming.
Also set for deferral are:
- creation of a new economic development and tourism strategy;
- redesigned city website;
- digital service enhancements;
- And construction of a new Waste Resource Innovation Centre.
City council will hear public delegations regarding the draft budget on Nov. 19, during a special budget meeting set to begin at 6 p.m.
Councillors have an opportunity to propose and consider amendments during another special meeting, this time on Nov. 27.
The mayor then has 10 days to veto any amendments approved by council.
If there are no council-approved amendments or mayoral vetoes, the budget is considered confirmed.
