The Town of The Blue Mountains is welcoming the news that the Ontario government is proposing to provide over $77 million in financial relief to small and rural municipalities to help offset the increased cost of services provided by the Ontario Province Police (OPP). 

Prior to the funding announcement, the Town of The Blue Mountains was facing a nearly 20% increase in OPP costing. Under the proposed billing changes from the Province the Town will receive $487,645 in financial support and lower the increase in OPP costing to 3%.

“We are very pleased to have received this funding from the Province,” says Mayor Andrea Matrosovs. “As Council and Town staff continue to work on a draft 2025 budget, this will help us lower the projected tax rate increase while delivering the services our ratepayers expect. I’d like to thank Solicitor General Kerzner for hearing our concerns as a rural municipality and providing this relief.”

The Town will release a draft budget later this month for public review and input. The proposed budget will include the 2024 operating budget, a five-year capital budget, and proposed Fees and Charges. The purpose of the proposed budget is to serve as a starting point for budget discussions with Council and members of the public. 

The budget will be reviewed and deliberated by Council at a series of special budget meetings beginning on January 7, 2025.  Residents are encouraged to participate and share feedback with Council throughout the budget process. To learn about how to participate at a meeting or how to provide comments, please contact the Town Clerk or visit www.thebluemountains.ca/participate.