Wilmot Council approves 2025 budget to support Township sustainability

After three months of deliberations, Wilmot Township Council has approved the 2025 Operating and Capital Budget, prioritizing essential municipal services, infrastructure maintenance, and long-term financial sustainability.

This budget begins to address years of financial decisions that have resulted in low reserves, underfunded operational costs, and service gaps.

The total 2025 budget for Wilmot Township is $29,278,441, reflecting a tax levy increase of 18.22%. For the average property, this represents an annual increase of $208 (or $17.33 per month). This is a significant reduction from the originally proposed increase of $580 per year ($48.35 per month).

Key Budget Highlights

• Proceeding with the design phase for a new fire station (funded in 2024) while delaying further investment until designs are finalized.
• Extending the lifespan of the Fire Department’s existing vehicles through strategic maintenance.
• No cost-of-living increase for Council members in 2025.
• Approval of one new Policy Planner to manage increased planning responsibilities from the Province of Ontario, related to legislative changes that came into effect on January 1, 2025.
• Approval of a Grant Coordinator position at a lower cost than originally proposed, with a focus on securing funding from upper levels of government.
• Enhanced revenue generation efforts, such as increased rentals of Township facilities.
• Investment in a new roof for the St. Agatha Community Centre.
• Establishing a long-term financial plan to fund critical capital projects, including roads, bridges, sewers, and facility and trail maintenance.
• Policy direction to ensure a 10-year capital plan is included at the start of every draft budget process to council

Council engaged extensively with the community throughout the budget process, ensuring decisions reflect public input while securing the Township’s financial future and protecting essential services.

Mayor Natasha Salonen acknowledged this budget process was particularly difficult, given the need to address the Township’s fiscal reality while acknowledging the affordability issues many of our residents, and all Canadians are facing.

Residents can learn more about the 2025 budget by visiting the Township’s website: www.wilmot.ca/budget

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Mayor Natasha Salonen, Township of Wilmot

“From the beginning of this budget process, Council has been committed to delivering a responsible budget that works for our residents and community. A 50% increase was simply too much, and we have worked hard to bring it down while ensuring we invest in Wilmot’s future. This budget reflects the difficult but necessary steps to rebuild our financial health after years of underinvestment. While this is just the beginning, it puts us on a more sustainable path—one that will allow us to maintain essential services, invest in infrastructure, and plan responsibly for the future.”

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For media inquiries: 
Brett O’Reilly | Communications Specialist
brett.oreilly@wilmot.ca | 519-556-0039