After five meetings and hours of deliberation, the Region of Queens approved the 2023/24 budget at the most recent council meeting Tuesday, April 25.

Between the operating and capital budgets, the water utility and Hillsview Acres, the municipality is projecting $44 million in spending. The budget includes big ticket items like $8 million for the construction of a new library and outdoor pool without raising property taxes.

We’ll have a more detailed breakdown of the budget later this week.

As the meeting continued, council approved the creation of three new public works positions. The department will be hiring a Civil Engineering Technologist, Operations Coordinator, and a Survey Technician.

Council then awarded nine different community groups between $1,500 and $10,000 each from the Community Investment Fund. The money will help the various groups including the Hank Snow Society, Mersey Tobeatic Research Institute, and this station, QCCR with operational expenses.

The Greenfield Community Park Society were the first-ever recipients of a capital grant from the Community Investment Fund. The society will receive $32,000 to help offset the $124,000 cost of installing new equipment including: play structures, lighting, a community fireplace and garden behind Greenfield Recreation Centre/Church and the Greenfield School.

Council then agreed to hire Gerald Walsh Associates to conduct the search for a new CAO to replace the outgoing Chris McNeill.

Finally, a request for the construction of a “Little Free Library” was deferred until staff can complete the new policy for placing of memorials in public spaces.

The next Region of Queens Council meeting will be held May 9 at 9:00am in council chambers.

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