Lincoln, ON – (December 17, 2024) – At its Council meeting on Monday, December 16, the Town of Lincoln officially approved its 2025 Budget, following the approval of the Operating Budget by the Budget – Committee of the Whole on December 4, 2024. The 2025 Capital Budget was approved earlier, on October 28, with some items revisited and finalized on November 13.
The 2025 Budget focuses on maintaining essential services, contributing to infrastructure reserves, and advancing key projects that ensure continued service delivery to residents. Budget discussions involved making difficult decisions and aligning priorities. As part of these discussions, the Committee approved the replacement of one pedestrian bridge rather than two and directed staff to identify further savings by delaying the filling of some vacant staff positions and reducing workplan budgets.
Key highlights of the 2025 Budget include:
- 3% allocated to Capital Infrastructure
- 1.8% dedicated to the former Beamsville District Secondary School site
- 3.07% directed towards the Operating Budget
This translates to an increase of approximately 7.87% for the Lincoln budget, or a 2.91% increase Lincoln’s portion of the overall property tax bill.
The property tax bill is distributed across three agencies:
- 37% to the Town of Lincoln
- 52% to the Niagara Region (with a 9.6% increase just approved)
- 11% to the School Boards (with a 0% increase just approved)
The Capital Budget reflects the Town’s ongoing commitment to investing in essential infrastructure, including transportation, safety, environmental sustainability, social services, and corporate initiatives. Meanwhile, the Operating Budget ensures the continued delivery—and in some cases, improvement—of services.
Notable projects approved in the 2025 Budget include:
- Purchase and maintenance of the former Beamsville District Secondary School site, which the Town will officially take ownership of in January 2025.
- 2025 Road Resurfacing and Rehabilitation Program to maintain road conditions.
- Enhanced Water and Wastewater Programs, including a focus on reducing inflow and infiltration to prioritize health and safety.
- Greenlane Watermain replacement and reconstruction (from Lincoln Avenue to Cedarbrook Lane).
- Environmental monitoring and urban forestry programs to adapt to climate change.
- Collaboration on the Niagara Irrigation Project to support value-added agriculture.
- Community beautification initiatives such as monument restoration, and maintenance of parks, Town facilities, and streetlights.
- Tamarac Avenue Pedestrian Bridge Replacement to enhance connectivity and support active transportation.
- Roadside Safety Program to improve traffic safety for residents and visitors.
This budget reflects the Town’s commitment to responsible financial management, infrastructure development, and community enhancement.
Quotes:
“This is a balanced and comprehensive budget that meets Council’s priorities, maintains fiscal responsibility, and prioritizes public safety. We are dedicated to responding to the community's call for financial accountability, which is reflected in this budget.”
– Sandra Easton, Mayor, Town of Lincoln
“I want to thank Mayor Easton, Council, and Staff for their collaboration throughout this essential process. We recognize the importance of balancing community needs with long-term planning for continued prosperity.”
– Greg Reimer, Ward 4 Councillor and Chair, Budget Committee, Town of Lincoln
“In 2025, our focus is on building reserves for infrastructure and maintaining the services that our residents expect. We aim to do this while preserving the quality of life that defines our community. This approach highlights leadership and accountability in managing our finances responsibly. In many ways, I would call this an infrastructure-focused budget.”
– Michael Kirkopoulos, Chief Administrative Officer, Town of Lincoln
For more information about the 2025 Budget, please visit Speakuplincoln.ca.
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For media inquiries, please contact:
Liliana Busnello
Manager of Corporate Communications
Town of Lincoln
905-563-2799 ext. 230