Posted: Wednesday November 27, 2024
Hosting Opportunity – 2027 Ontario 55+ Summer Games
Following the successful hosting of previous Games in 2010, Brockville Tourism will be submitting a bid to host the 2027 Ontario 55+ Summer Games in the City. These Games, open to all Ontario residents aged 55 and older, aim to foster a healthy lifestyle and offer a range of events that are inclusive of all abilities and genders.
Hosting the event is projected to generate a significant economic impact for Brockville as up to 1,400 participants and their families are expected to compete, stay and explore. Being an approved host will enhance Brockville’s reputation as a destination for major events and will attract more sports tourism in the future. Results of the bid are expected to be announced in early 2025 and a planning committee will be established if the City is selected as the host.
Exterior Design Options – Main Sewage Pump Station
In March 2024, City Council made the decision to construct the city’s new Main Pump Station as an above-ground structure. This decision was influenced by the strong emphasis placed by both Council members and residents on the visual aesthetics of the proposed station. Understanding the importance of its appearance, City Council sought to ensure that the design would be well-received by the community and blend harmoniously with its surroundings.
J.L. Richards, a design and engineering firm, was hired to create three conceptual architectural renderings for the proposed Main Pump Station. These renderings showcased different design options and were presented to both the public and City Council for review and feedback.
Although the public expressed a slight preference for Option 3 – The Sail, Council accepted staff’s recommendation to proceed with Option 1– Traditional. The Traditional design is considered the most practical choice, as it addresses all the operational and design challenges associated with the current station while offering an attractive, aesthetically pleasing exterior. Additionally, it comes at the lowest estimated cost compared to the other options. A full detailed design including landscaping and exterior features will be undertaken in 2025.
2025 Budget – Water and Wastewater Operation and Capital Budgets and User Fees
Review of the 2025 Budget began Tuesday with a presentation of the 2025 Water and Wastewater Budget and User Fees. Total suggested increases of 8.7% for water and 3.2% for wastewater over 2024 figures were considered along with some additional spending requested for capital items. Water and Wastewater operating and capital budgets are to be fully funded by water and wastewater rates and provincial funding, with no direct impact to the tax levy. Staff explained that a local water rate comparison indicates that Brockville’s non-commercial water rates still rank the lowest compared to Smiths Falls, Gananoque and Prescott.
The Water and Wastewater budgets will be returning to Council for further consideration at their meeting of December 10, 2024.
Proposed 2025 User Fees were also presented for Council’s consideration. User Fees include charges applied directly to individuals who use specific services, such as airport landing fees, ice rentals, or island camping fees and charges associated with licensing, planning applications and other items. These fees are intended to offset some of the costs associated with providing such services.
The 2025 User Fees will be in effect as of January 1st to ensure the fees align with the overall budget and support financial planning for the coming year.
Looking ahead:
- Planning and Development Committee Meeting December 3, 2024, at 4:30 pm
- Planning and Development Committee Public Planning Meeting December 3, 2024, at 6:00 pm
- General Committee Meeting December 4, 2024, at 4:30 pm
- Special Closed Council Meeting December 4, 2024 immediately following the General Committee meeting
- Council Meeting December 10, 2024, at 5:30 pm
For more information, contact the Clerk’s Department at clerk@brockville.com
Agendas and meeting minutes are available at brockville.com