At a special meeting held on December 9, 2024, Mayor Eric Westram and town councillor Marie-Élaine Pitre presented the 2025 budget forecasts adopted by Town Council. This budget is marked by several major issues, including the tax transfer stemming from the tabling of the 2024-2026 assessment roll and the increase in the quota-shares of organizations linked to the Town. It is also the first budget tabled since the adoption of the 2024-2030 Strategic Plan. Thus, this budget proposes balanced solutions for dealing with these issues and reflects the decisions and projects included in the Strategic Plan. 

“During the adoption of the new Strategic Plan, we set out a clear vision for the Town: Rosemère wishes to naturally protect, promote conscientious growth, and bestow a flourishing living environment on a responsible community. It was this vision that guided the preparation of the 2025 budget, which is reflected in naturally responsible decisions that take into account our aspirations and the budget issues that we’re facing. As sound financial management is a core priority for Town Council, we are making every effort to continue offering quality services to our residents, without passing on our tax burden to future generations,” said Mayor Eric Westram.

Highlights 

• Operating budget of $43,011,100;
• Increase of 3% in the general tax and charges applied to the average residential tax bill;
• Contribution to the infrastructure fund of $0.03 per $100 of assessment for the residential sector;
• Increase of 6% in the quota-share remitted to the ARTM, reflected in a 0.5% increase in the public transit tax on the tax bill.

Naturally responsible decisions

The priorities outlined in this budget are driven by a concern for making responsible decisions, guided by a desire to strike a balance between ambitions, obligations and capacity to pay of Rosemerites. Each measure was conceived with a long-term perspective in mind to maintain the Town’s financial health and leave a solid and sustainable legacy to residents, while meeting current and future requirements.

The following measures are included:

• Addition of an annual budget of $100,000 for the creation of a climate resilience fund;
• Implementation of a capital plan spanning five years rather than three years, as required by law to ensure improved long-term planning;
• The adoption of a tax strategy to mitigate the impact of the tax transfer arising from the tabling of the 2024-2026 assessment roll;
• The use of funds and financial reserves to stabilize expenditures;
• The growth of the infrastructure tax to stabilize indebtedness;
• A rigorous analysis of charges with the objective of encouraging residents to adopt eco-responsible behaviours.

Investments aligned with major aspirations

Always in an effort to ensure sound financial management in the long term, the Town this year adopted an investment plan over five years, rather than three years. The Five-year Capital Plan (PQI) calls for total investments of $126.9 million from 2025 to 2029, with 58% of the investments financed through means other than indebtedness (subsidies, third parties, working capital or parks fund). 

The projects set out in the capital plan relate mainly to the aspirations embodied in the strategic plan. They include updating the water treatment and supply system, upgrading street infrastructures, and adapting municipal buildings to users.

Main projects in 2025 related to the operating budget

Other than the investment budget, the Strategic Plan is at the heart of several projects set out in the operating budget for the year 2025:

• Development of the employer brand;
• Development of a plan to combat and adapt to climate change;
• Implementation of the urban forestry plan;
• Continuation of the MADA-families plan;
• Establishment of an online consultation platform;
• Detailed planning for the regional commercial hub with the objective of consolidating and adapting our territory. 

The 2025 budget details are available on the Town's website.

Watch the video to learn more about how a municipal budget works.