Canada/Whitehorse plans $119 million budget for 2025

The City of Whitehorse has presented a maintenance and operations budget of $119 million that is "nothing extravagant", according to the Yukon capital's mayor, Kirk Cameron, but will result in higher taxes and services for city residents.

I've often pointed out that Whitehorse is one of the fastest-growing cities in Canada," said the mayor in his introductory speech. He added that with this growth comes an increase in needs and demands for the programs and services offered by the City.

So it's essential to focus on the basics. We need to maintain our infrastructure and facilities to meet these needs," he said.

Kirk Cameron explains that the City's budget focuses on safety and accessibility, while recognizing that aging municipal buildings must be maintained. Over $400,000 has been earmarked for maintenance.

These investments are aimed at minimizing service disruption and ensuring the long-term sustainability of the city's equipment and facilities, he said, emphasizing that he wanted to take a proactive approach.

In addition to investments in maintenance, Whitehorse's budget includes $307,000 for the snow removal program and $180,000 for the FireSmart forest fire prevention program.

These two programs, which were initially pilot projects, will become permanent programs.

A new two-year pilot project will be launched, this time to ensure snow removal on two roads - the Elijah Smith Trail and the Hamilton Trail - to encourage safe, active winter transportation in this area.

Higher taxes and service charges

If the budget is approved, Whitehorse residents can expect a 4.62% increase in municipal taxes, equivalent to an average of about $130 more per year per household. Water and sewer service charges will also increase by 3%.

Residents must also anticipate higher prices for public transit and parking.

All this is necessary to meet the costs of providing these services to a growing population," assures Kirk Cameron.

Seniors, however, will be entitled to an increase in the rebate offered to reimburse up to $500 of their water and sewer bill, for garbage collection and recycling.

Residents wishing to comment on the budget before it is adopted will be able to do so at the February 10 council meeting.

Source: ici.radio-canada.ca/