Your 2025 Budget Talks

While deliberating the budget, Council will focus on Economic Growth, Environmental Stewardship, Health and Well-being, and Livability, the four key focuses of the City’s Strategic Plan.

Budget process

Similar to the 2024 budget process, proposed budgets will be published for Council's consideration on November 4, 2024. Council will have the opportunity to deliberate the proposed budgets for 30 days, and the budgets will be adopted on December 4, 2024.

What is a municipal budget?

The City of Welland produces a responsible and business-ready municipal budget every year. It is one of the City’s most important documents because it guides staff on allocating your tax dollars. This year, in alignment with the newly adopted Strategic Plan, the prepared budget focuses on Economic Growth, Environmental Stewardship, Health and Well-being, and Livability.

The overall budget is comprised of an Operating Budget, a Capital Budget, and a Water/Wastewater Budget.

Operating Budget: City programs and services are funded through the Operating Budget, which is designed to ensure the consistent delivery of a broad range of essential services. City of Welland tax dollars support service delivery of Fire and Emergency Services, Public Works, Parks and Forestry, Recreation and Culture, and more.

Capital Budget: In order to progress and grow, the City of Welland needs to provide existing services while still planning for population growth, urban revitalization, and economic influxes.

Essentially, the City's Capital Budget must plan for the year ahead by preparing for long-term investments. City infrastructure projects are funded through the Capital Budget. A large part of that funding is directed toward maintaining and rehabilitating existing infrastructure. The City's Capital Budget also prepares spending parameters for new projects. The Capital Budget pays for new facilities, playgrounds, and infrastructure to support our growing city.

Water/Wastewater Budget: This determines water rates for home and business owners within Welland’s boundaries. It also determines which water/wastewater projects will be initiated or completed within the budget year. The Water/Wastewater Budget ensures that residents and shareholders continue to receive safe drinking water.