Scugog councillors receive budget overview for 2025

DARRYL KNIGHT Local Journalism Initiative Reporter for The Standard

SCUGOG: Work is underway on the 2025 municipal budget, with Treasurer Laura Barta recently presenting a report on the 2025 budget planning process, to Scugog councillors, which spotlighted the requests highlighted by the members of Council.

Community and Council engagement is expected to play a significant role, as priorities are set for the upcoming year’s expenditures.

In June, staff requested Council members to submit a list of projects they felt should be considered in the 2025 budget. This list, provided by July 15th, allowed Township staff time, to evaluate community impact and gather preliminary cost estimates. The proposed projects, sorted into categories, like: roads, parks, recreation, culture, and facilities, were presented in Ms. Barta’s report, along with cost estimates and staff comments. These priorities will help Council and the community better understand key projects and their associated challenges.

One notable area is infrastructure, where nearly $6 million has been proposed for roadwork, including a $2 million investment in Cedar Grove Road and $2.75 million to upgrade Old Scugog Road. In addition, the report identified projects for new or enhanced facilities, such as: a replacement or refurbishment of the Blackstock arena, $20 million for replacement or $3.4 million for repair; improvements to Cartwright Fields in Nestleton, and expanded trail access around Perryview stormwater pond.

During discussion, on the budget report, Ward 4 Councillor, Robert Wright raised the possibility of including line painting, as several local roads have been recently rehabilitated and having lines painted would be a logical next step towards completing those projects.

Replying to the question, Director of Public Works and Infrastructure, Grant Taylor noted, the township does not currently have a policy on line painting.

“One of the challenges we have to correct, very quickly, is the fact we don’t have a policy on line painting,” explained Mr. Taylor. “We need to have a consistent approach to the roads we paint and those we don’t. Under minimum maintenance standards, there’s different classifications of roads. Ideally, I’d like to ensure Class 3 and 4 roads are painted. [However], this is something which will have to be brought forward fairly quickly, to council, for your approval.”

Given Scugog’s over $500 million in assets and limited funding, Treasurer Barta noted, prioritizing essential infrastructure repairs is key to extending asset life, while meeting community needs. However, some projects may be delayed or adjusted, based on resources, coordination requirements, and regulatory restrictions.

While the report was informational, the Council emphasized, it offers an important look at potential fiscal and planning considerations for the coming year. The budget development process will continue, with additional input from the community and Council, providing a clearer picture of Scugog’s 2025 priorities, as discussions proceed.