No increases to property or business tax in Corner Brook as city releases 2025 budget

Spending is up in the City of Corner Brook, but residents won't see increases in property or business taxes as part of the 2025 budget.

The balanced budget totals $41.9 million, up 6.9 per cent from 2023.

However, the city says most of that increase is due to operational costs of the new $27-million recreation facility. Spending increased by 2.37 per cent when taking out costs related to the centre, according to the city.

The city made no change to its residential tax rate of eight mills, but says the cost of doing business has risen with the rising cost of goods.

The only rate adjustments are in water and wastewater unit charges, up $20 for residents and $30 for commercial users. The increase is meant to help offset the rising cost of water treatment chemicals, but the city says the increase won't cover all of the costs.

Council also approved $5.9 million in spending for wellness and recreation, which the city says is a record. It aims to provide more social opportunities for seniors and inclusive play spaces for children, according to a news release.

Tourism funding is also up. The city is providing more funding for the Jigs and Wheels Festival, which brings thousands to Corner Brook each year. The money is intended to secure a more high-profile headlining music artist to attract both locals and out-of-province tourists.

The city is also upping its transportation budget, spending an additional $120,000 to accommodate two larger buses for Corner Brook Transit. Mayor Jim Parsons told CBC News in November the buses will effectively double transit capacity.

It also plans to continue investments in snow clearing and storm water management, along with continued work on roadways in the city.

Download our free CBC News app to sign up for push alerts for CBC Newfoundland and Labrador. Sign up for our daily headlines newsletter here. Click here to visit our landing page.