Central Elgin Council Approves 2025 Municipal Budget

Zero Percent Tax Rate Increase and $15.3 Million in Capital Investments Across the Community

CENTRAL ELGIN - Central Elgin Council has approved the 2025 Municipal Budget, with a zero percent increase to Central Elgin’s tax rate.

The 2025 Budget is aligned with the Municipality’s Strategic Plan 2024-2027 and balances providing essential services that residents rely on, while investing in a capital plan to enhance the quality of life for residents and supporting the long-term health and prosperity of the community.

“I’m pleased that Central Elgin Council has approved a budget that reflects our commitment to maintaining and improving services for residents across our communities, while ensuring fiscal responsibility and growth,” says Mayor Andrew Sloan. “Central Elgin was in a unique position this year where we have been able to utilize investments from the 2024 boundary compensation agreement to the benefit of all municipal ratepayers.”

“Thank you to the Finance Committee, my Council colleagues, and municipal staff for their dedication and thoughtful effort in their deliberation and consideration throughout this process,” added Mayor Sloan.

A zero percent increase was made possible, in part, by the Municipality’s assessment growth of $47.1 million in 2024, which resulted in an additional $400,817 in new tax revenue for 2025. Additionally, a key factor in achieving a zero percent increase was the ability to budget interest earned on both investments and bank balances, most notably, the $10 million settlement Central Elgin received in 2024 from the boundary compensation agreement with St. Thomas. Overall, investments have contributed an additional $871,088 in revenue to the 2025 budget.

As part of the approved budget, the 2025 Capital Works Plan will fund 58 projects across Central Elgin, including:

Over $3.1 million for resurfacing of roads and improvements to sidewalks, culverts and bridges across Central Elgin, including repairs needed to reopen the Pleasant Valley bridge to traffic.
$369,000 allocated for upgrades to arenas and parks including a new sunshade and swing set at Union Street Park in Belmont, repairs to Erie Street Staircase in Port Stanley and drainage improvements at the Union Ball Diamond.
$400,00 allocated for the construction of a new park in the Eagle Ridge Subdivision.
$162,000 allocated for the construction of a new sidewalk on Caesar Road in Belmont to improve access and pedestrian safety between Belmont Road and Canterbury Place.
Replacement of end-of-life water meters with upgraded technology that will allow staff to obtain accurate water meter readings without requiring physical access to the meters, enhance customer service, and improve water conservation efforts.
Update to the Recreation & Trails Master Plan to ensure recreational services and trail networks across Central Elgin remain accessible and high-quality.

Council also approved keeping the Port Stanley Visitor Centre washrooms open year-round, and the establishment of a $50,000 community grant program to support local community efforts.

As a result of community feedback and input, Council did not approve the expansion of the parking lot at Erie Rest Beach.

View the final 2025 Budget document.

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