Sudbury approves ’21 municipal budget
The City of Greater Sudbury has given its seal of approval to its 2021 municipal budget, and the planned spend includes $58 million for road upgrades and drainage projects, $45 million for water and wastewater projects, and more than $65 million for work on various city facilities.
Highlights of the work include:
- $59 million to upgrade and modernize long-term care facilities at Pioneer Manor,
- $5.2 million for construction of a therapeutic leisure pool at the Lionel E. Lalonde Centre,
- $1.1 million to fund transitional housing to place and support individuals with mental health and addictions, and
- $1.8 million of additional funding for Whitson Trail.
Council approved the budget with a 4-percent tax increase.
“The 2021 municipal budget is a true picture of resiliency in the face of adversity,” said Mayor Brian Bigger. “This has been a budget like no other. I’m proud of what we’ve established as our business plan for the upcoming year, even while facing ongoing challenges brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic.”
The city’s capital budget for 2021 is set at $144.1 million. Of that figure, 72 percent will be spent on roads and water and wastewater infrastructure. The remainder will fund projects in other areas, including leisure services, environmental services, fleet and facilities, paramedic services and police.
Of the $58.3 million allocated in the capital budget for road upgrades and drainage projects, $19 million will be spent on various arterials and collectors, $14.6 million on bridges and culverts, $12.6 million for various road improvements, and $4 million for the replacement of the Frobisher Depot salt and sand storage facility.
An additional $45 million has been earmarked for water and wastewater projects.
“While there are ongoing uncertainties related to the impact of COVID-19, this budget includes a financial plan that balances affordability and the community’s service needs, all while continuing to advance the goals described in Council’s Strategic Plan,” said Ed Archer, the city’s Chief Administrative Officer.
A warmer-than-usual spring has given road crews a head start on several projects. Already underway is work on projects on Frood Road, Kelly Lake Road and Ramsey Lake Road. Those contracts closed in 2020 and the construction work spilled over into this year.
Several other contracts have closed for work on Long Lake Road, Municipal Road 48, Barrydowne Road, Bancroft Drive, Skead Road and Roy Avenue.