Thorold Council Reveals Urgent $23M Annual Maintenance Need

UPDATE: Thorold’s city council has just confirmed an urgent need for approximately $23 million annually to maintain its infrastructure, as revealed in a meeting earlier this week. This financial demand is critical to prevent backlogs and ensure long-term sustainability for the municipality’s assets.

The council learned that to meet this requirement, property taxes would need to increase by 3.3 percent each year over the next decade, along with rising water bills. This substantial financial undertaking is necessary to uphold the city’s current asset portfolio, valued at just under $1 billion.

“The City of Thorold has a current total replacement cost of your portfolio of assets of just under $1 billion,” said Alexa Wylde, senior management advisor at PSD Citywide Inc.

According to Maria Mauro, Thorold’s director of finance, consistent annual increases are essential for the water network and sanitary sewer systems to maintain operational stability. Specifically, she stated an average annual increase of 1.2 percent for water services and 0.8 percent for sewer services is needed in addition to the overall 3.3 percent increase for all infrastructure.

Wylde reported that currently, 78 percent of Thorold’s assets are in “fair or better condition,” while the remaining assets are classified as “poor or very poor.” This statistic reflects positively on Thorold compared to similar municipalities, positioning it in the upper quartile for asset condition.

Council members expressed their concern over the financial implications for residents. Coun. Henry D’Angela emphasized the importance of demonstrating how smaller municipalities can effectively manage their needs without merging with larger entities. He stated, “We put ourselves in a good position,” highlighting the city’s proactive approach.

Mayor Terry Ugulini sought strategies to ease taxpayer burdens. Mauro reassured that the 3.3 percent increase does not account for the growing number of grants the city is receiving, which could alleviate some financial pressures.

As the council reviews these findings, the city faces a critical crossroads. The proposed financial strategy not only affects municipal budgets but also directly impacts the taxpayers who depend on these essential services. The urgency of these developments cannot be overstated as Thorold aims to balance fiscal responsibility with the need for robust infrastructure.

Community members are encouraged to stay informed as further discussions unfold regarding the future of Thorold’s asset management and the implications for residents. With infrastructure backlogs posing a significant risk, immediate action is necessary to safeguard the city’s assets.