City budgets
The City of Quinte West’s budget is a financial plan that outlines the estimated revenue and expenses needed to fund the day-to-day costs of delivering services such as fire protection, maintenance of parks, economic development services, and community events, and long-term investments, such as renewing existing roadways, renovating City buildings and arenas, and buying equipment used to provide services.
The budget is developed based on input from various city departments, community members, Council and other stakeholders, to ensure the City’s financial alignment with the deliverables of its strategic plan and priorities for the future.
2023 Budget planning
Each year, the City of Quinte West undertakes an annual budget process to create budgets that support city operations and deliver the programs, services and facilities we enjoy in our community.
The Budget is more than dollars and cents. The Budget is a financial plan that outlines the estimated revenue and expenses needed to fund the day-to-day costs of delivering services such as fire protection, maintenance of parks, economic development services, and community events, and long-term investments such as renewing existing roadways, renovating City buildings and arenas, and buying equipment used to provide services.
Through the budget process each year, choices are made to ensure the City services provided to residents align with the priorities in the City of Quinte West’s Strategic Plan.
Quinte West’s 2024 budget process is now underway. Get involved to have your say. Use the links on the right side of this page to register for the City’s monthly community newsletter and sign up to Stay Informed of 2024 Budget updates on this page.
Questions about this platform can be directed to communityengagement@quintewest.ca.
To find out more about the 2024 budget, please visit https://getinvolved.quintewest.ca.
2023 approved budget
Quinte West Council voted to approve the City’s 2023 budget at the March 22, 2023 Special Council – Budget meeting.
The approved 2023 budget of $93.8 million reflects an overall 5.36% total tax increase that will support city services, roads, facilities and key projects.
Highlights of the 2023 budget include:
● A capital investment of 2% of the 5.36% total tax levy ($1.3 million) will fund long-term investments in key City projects.
● $28 million in funding to external agencies that deliver important community programs and services, including public health and health care services, conservation authorities, transit, and libraries.
● $850,000 in combined increased funding to local Police, Fire and Emergency Services.
● Contribute $150,000 to the Housing Affordability reserve in support of improving access and supply of affordable housing in Quinte West.
● $476,000 in Community Fund grants to over 40 local organizations that provide arts and culture, youth, seniors, and safety programs, and deliver community events.
● $800,000 in additional funding to the City’s salting, sanding, and snow plowing Winter Control program.
2023 budget process
At the start of the City’s budget review process in January, staff presented a draft 2023 budget identifying key financial considerations facing the City. Among the considerations presented was the impact of inflation on the rising costs of maintaining and improving city services, roads, parks, and facilities. Like other municipalities and individuals in today’s economy, the City of Quinte West is paying more for existing goods and services.
At meetings in February and March, Council received feedback from residents and community members on the City’s budget considerations. In response, at the budget meeting on February 15, Council directed staff to bring forward options that assist in limiting the City’s overall tax rate increase.
- Watch the Jan. 31, 2023 budget meeting here.
- Watch the Feb. 15, 2023 budget meeting here.
- Watch the March 1, 2023 budget meeting here.
- Watch the March 22, 2023 budget meeting here.
Budget facts
Each year, the City budgets for expenditures in the following areas.
- The capital budget is based on a ten-year plan that outlines how the City will spend money on long-term investments, such as renewing existing roadways, renovating City buildings and arenas, and buying equipment used to provide services.
- The operating budget outlines the City’s annual expected revenue and expenditures, and funds the day-to-day costs of delivering services such as fire protection, maintenance of parks, economic development services, and the delivery of community events.
- The water and wastewater budget outlines the annual expenses related to ensuring clean drinking water and the treatment of wastewater, as well as the maintenance and repair of wastewater treatment facilities and sewer systems.
- Funding to external agencies supports local organizations that deliver important community programs and services, including public health and health care services, conservation authorities, transit, and libraries.
Multi-year budget
The multi-year budget format ensures the strategic goals and priorities identified by Council in the City’s Strategic Plan are appropriately budgeted for over each four-year term. This budget format consists of annual capital and operating budget, 10-year Capital budget forecasts, and 4-year operating budget forecasts in alignment with each four-year term of Council.
Capital and operating budgets
Funding of this City’s capital and operating budgets is achieved through user fees, service charges, grants, reserves and property taxation. Council reviews and approves capital budgets and operating budgets on an annual basis.
The City budget considers legislated responsibilities and the expected service levels the community desires. Council reviews and approves capital budgets and operating budgets on an annual basis. Below you will find the budget summaries. For more information on the budget Presentations and Discussions, please review council agendas and minutes.
Operating Budgets
| 2022 | 2023 | ||
| City (Net Expenditures) | $69,079,500 | $74,272,800 | |
| Water/wastewater (Net Expenditures) | $19,377,550 | $21,723,300 |
Capital Budgets
To view the below chart in full-screen click the [ ] icon
on the bottom-right of chart.
* Fleet projects only – Subject to change
CCBF = Canada Community-Building Fund
DC Debt = Development Charges Debt
W/WW Rates = Charges on Water/Wastewater Bill
Property tax rate increase
| 2022 | 2023 | ||
| Increase for capital | 1.00% | 2.00% | |
| Increase for operating | 0.93% | 3.36% | |
| Total increase | 1.93% | 5.36% | |
| * average increase on residential bill |
Water + sewer rates
| 2022 | 2023 | ||
| Base charge – water | $24 | $25 | |
| Consumption per cubic metre | $1.31 | $1.34 | |
| Base charge – sewer | $37 | $38 | |
| Consumption per cubic metre | $2.00 | $2.10 |
Water + sewer rates for Prince Edward Estates
| 2022 | 2023 | ||
| Base charge – water | $24 | $25 | |
| Consumption per cubic metre | $1.31 | $1.34 | |
| Base charge – sewer | $91 | $91 | |
| Consumption per cubic metre | $2.00 | $2.10 |
2022 + 2023 budget documents
Some technical documents and papers make up the detailed budget information package. Summary budget documents are listed below for more detailed information please refer to council meeting minutes. If you require a document in an alternative format, contact 613-392-2841 or finance@quintewest.ca.
2019-2021 budget documents
Detailed budget documents are listed below. If you require a document in an alternative format, contact 613-392-2841 or finance@quintewest.ca.
City operating budget
- 2021 City Operating Budget – Gross Revenue by Function (PDF)
- 2021 City Operating Budget – Gross Expenditures by Function (PDF)
- 2021 City Operating Budget – Net Expenditures by Function (PDF)
- 2020 City Operating Budget – Gross Revenues by Function (PDF)
- 2020 City Operating Budget – Gross Expenditures by Function (PDF)
- 2020 City Operating Budget – Net Expenditures by Function (PDF)
- 2019 City Operating Budget – Gross Revenues by Function (PDF)
- 2019 City Operating Budget – Gross Expenditures by Function (PDF)
- 2019 City Operating Budget – Net Expenditures by Function (PDF)
Budget structure and process
Through a carefully planned budget, we deliver valuable services to residents. Budget priorities are guided by our strategic plan and engagement with the community.
City council considers the budget proposed by staff and finally approves a capital and operating budget. The capital covers the building and rebuilding of things such as roads, city facilities, or buying new vehicles. Operating covers the costs of delivering municipal services, such as salaries, supplies and electricity costs.
Past budgets
If you require budget information before 2019, call 613-392-2841 or email finance@quintewest.ca.