TOWN OF GRAND FALLS-WINDSOR RELEASES 2025 OPERATING BUDGET: FOCUSED ON GROWTH, INFRASTRUCTURE, SAFETY, AND RECREATION
Posted on
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
December 17, 2024
GRAND FALLS-WINDSOR, NL – On Tuesday, December 17, 2024, Councillor Amy Coady, as Corporate Services Lead, presented the 2025 Annual Operating Budget for the Town of Grand Falls-Windsor. This year’s budget is balanced at $24,241,730. The budget reflects the Town’s commitment to maintaining quality services and driving forward strategic initiatives that will enhance the community.
While this budget includes a property tax increase of 1.0 mils, this adjustment is necessary to address rising costs of equipment, services, labour, and materials. This is the first residential mil rate increase for residents since 2019. The average property assessment value in Grand Falls-Windsor is lower than many other municipalities in the province, which means a higher mil rate is required to generate enough revenue to maintain and improve services. The Town of Grand Falls-Windsor remains the lowest among comparable communities in terms of taxation per average household. The Town remains dedicated to providing excellent value to residents and ensuring that our community continues to grow and thrive.
The commercial mil rate associated with property tax will remain unchanged for 2025. However, to ensure equitable contributions across all sectors, some categories of businesses, including department stores, banks, and personal care homes, will see a slight increase. These adjustments are necessary to balance the budget while continuing to realign our tax categories to better suit different types of businesses. All other business tax rates remain the same for 2025, as does the water and sewer fee for all residents and businesses.
“This 1.0 mil adjustment ensures that we can meet rising costs while continuing to invest in projects and services that benefit everyone,” said Councillor Amy Coady. “It’s about balance – ensuring that we remain fiscally responsible while building a brighter future for Grand Falls-Windsor.”
The 2025 budget prioritizes four key areas: Growth, Infrastructure, Protective Services, and Recreation. These investments are designed to improve the quality of life for all residents and position Grand Falls-Windsor for continued success:
- Growth: To address the growing demand for housing and to attract new residents, the Town will pursue initiatives aimed at expanding housing options. To support this anticipated housing growth, the Town will be adding a Building Inspector and a GIS/Planning position with funding from the federal Housing Accelerator program. Additionally, in the future, when the weather permits each year, the Town has budgeted for the option of enabling longer work seasons for seasonal Parks and Public Works employees to respond to necessary maintenance with Town infrastructure and public spaces.
- Infrastructure: Asset management and water infrastructure improvements are high priorities. A new Asset Management Coordinator position has been added, along with investment in advanced asset management program technology to enhance the Town’s planning and maintenance capabilities. The Asset Management Coordinator position will help the Town remain eligible and compliant with funding that comes annually from the Canada Community Building Fund. Rising costs of chemicals for water treatment and the addition of another employee at the Water Treatment Plant will ensure the continued delivery of safe, clean water.
- Protective Services: The safety and security of residents remain paramount. A new Municipal Enforcement Officer position has been added to strengthen enforcement efforts, and the firefighter honorarium has been increased by $50,000 to support and recognize our dedicated volunteer firefighters. An additional $50,000 has been earmarked for the purpose of undertaking a comprehensive fire services review to enhance long-term planning and operations.
- Recreation: The budget includes $50,000 in funding for expanded community events and $2.9 million in capital funds committed for the progression of the Community Center project. Furthermore, the labour budget for both stadiums is increasing by $105,000 to a total budget of $470,000 to accommodate the longer operating season demanded in recent years, and the maintenance budget for parks and trails will increase by $90,000 to $301,000, ensuring these spaces remain accessible and enjoyable year-round.
Despite the challenges of rising costs, the Town’s financial health remains strong, and this budget reflects a careful approach to managing taxpayer dollars.
Councillor Coady added, “Grand Falls-Windsor has always been a community that prioritizes quality of life. This budget allows us to make meaningful investments in areas that matter most to our residents while ensuring our town remains financially sustainable. Together, we’re building a stronger, more vibrant future.”
The full budget presentation and the schedule of rates and fees will soon be available at https://grandfallswindsor.com/town-hall/publications as well as at the Town Hall.
Media Contact:
Robyn Hannaford
Communications Officer, Town of Grand Falls-Windsor
communications@townofgfw.com
709-489-0173 | 709-689-3682
###