Midland 2023 budget sees 4.58% tax levy increase

Midland council approved the town's operating and capital budget, which sees a 4.58 per cent tax levy increase or a 3.99 per cent blended rate.
It includes a one per cent increase in the sustainable capital levy, a five per cent increase in water rate, equalling a $1.72 monthly increase and a four per cent wastewater rate equalling a $1.56 monthly increase for typical users.
The blended rate equates to a $5.08 monthly increase per $100,000 of property assessment.
The town will use the money to support municipal, county and school board services.
"In its first budget cycle of this term, council undertook a rigorous review of the proposed 2023 Budget," Midland Mayor Bill Gordon said in a press release Friday.
"This budget approval delivers a balanced approach between providing the necessary services to our community while keeping the tax rate as low as possible given the extraordinary economic challenges we face."
The budget highlighted several projects included below:
- Upgrades to Little Lake Park, Tiffin Park, Pete Pettersen Park and the Waterfront Trail.
- Launch of the Downtown and Attainable Housing Community Improvement Plan.
- Community safety enhancements to Town buses, including automatic radio announcements of bus stops and visual bus stop displays to assist passengers with visual or hearing challenges.
- New pedestrian crossings at three main pedestrian intersections.
- Increased levels of service in the areas of tourism, operations and by-law enforcement.
- Free Transit and Harbour parking for Midland seniors.
- NSSRC fees remain at 2022 rates.
- Continued support to various community organizations and events.
- Paid resident boat launch services and parking.
"We are pleased to arrive at a budget that allows us to maintain our commitment to the excellent customer service we provide," said Andy Campbell, acting CAO.
"This approved budget came in below the rate of inflation while providing increased service levels and infrastructure improvements for our residents and businesses."
The budget was approved Thursday following three days of review with town staff.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
LIVE UPDATES | Watch live coverage of U.S. President Joe Biden's trip to Canada
As Joe Biden makes his first trip to Canada as president of the United States, CTVNews.ca is offering live coverage of the leader's visit. Follow our live blog on CTVNews.ca and the CTV News app for the latest updates.

WATCH LIVE | U.S. President Joe Biden to meet Trudeau, address Parliament today
U.S. President Joe Biden has made it to Canada, as part of his first official visit since taking office. Alongside Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, Biden will be meeting with top officials and addressing Parliament in an effort to reaffirm the strength of the Canada-U.S. relationship.
Ontario crypto king kidnapped, tortured in an attempt to get millions in ransom, documents say
Ontario’s self-described crypto king was allegedly abducted, tortured, and beaten for days as his kidnappers looked to solicit millions in ransom, his father told a court in December.
Incredible photos show northern lights dancing across much of Canada
Sky-gazers and shutterbugs across much of Canada were treated to a spectacular display of northern lights Thursday night and into Friday morning.
W5 Investigates | 'Canadians should be very concerned about their drinking water': W5 investigates asbestos cement pipes
W5 investigates aging asbestos pipes across Canada and the potential health hazards if it ends up in your tap water. Watch W5's 'Something in the Water' Saturday at 7 p.m. on CTV.
W5 EXCLUSIVE | New police force should be appointed to take over investigation into death of teenaged hockey player, complaint says
An Ontario couple has filed a request with the Office of the Independent Police Review Director (OIPRD) to appoint a new police force to investigate the death of their 17-year-old son Benjamin, who died during a hockey team-bonding event in September 2019.
Restaurants and bars brace for biggest alcohol tax jump in 40 years
Canada's restaurant industry is bracing for the biggest jump in the country's alcohol excise duty in more than 40 years, spurring warnings the tax hike could force some bars and restaurants out of business.
Why executions by firing squad may be coming back in the U.S.
The idea of using firing squads is making a comeback in the U.S. Idaho lawmakers passed a bill this week seeking to add the state to the list of those authorizing firing squads, currently Mississippi, Utah, Oklahoma and South Carolina.
Sophie Gregoire Trudeau to introduce Jill Biden to curling during Ottawa visit
The United States' first lady will be given a sweeping introduction to Canadian sports culture in Ottawa today as Sophie Gregoire Trudeau takes Jill Biden to the curling rink.