Council briefs: levy increase looms with $48.4 million in unfunded city projects

- During a bi-annual review of the city's multi-year capital plan, councillor Carol Merton wondered when the city will face the reality that an annual one per cent levy increase directed to capital reserves in the face of $48.4 million in unfunded projects is severely lacking. One per cent isn't cutting it. It's not even going to come close," Merton said. Bradley Carbert, Owen Sound's manager of corporate services, said the $48.4 million is just a fraction" of the unfunded projects that will eventually need attention. Unfunded projects are listed on the city's website and include $2.5 million for north parking lot paving at the Harry Lumley Bayshore Community Centre, $3.6 million for a fire station renovation and addition, $2 million for asphalt and sidewalks at Harrison Park, and $20 million for the expansion of the Tom Thomson Art Gallery. Unfunded projects are items needing attention from the city, often identified through scheduled reviews and analysis, staff input and resident concerns, that are not currently budgeted. Read More