Town Presents Preliminary 2027 Capital Budget

The Town of Aylmer has presented its preliminary 2027 Capital Budget, giving Council and the community an early look at major projects being considered for next year and beyond.

The preliminary 2027 Capital and Discretionary Budget is estimated at $10.464 million, plus projects that may carry forward from 2026. The budget is still in the planning stage and will be reviewed and finalized by the next Council later this year.

Priorities for 2027

Town staff have identified five main priorities for 2027:

Lagoon Optimization Project
Parks, recreation and trail improvements
Municipal facility upgrades
New financial software
Vehicle replacements and additions

These projects are part of the Town's long-term plan to maintain infrastructure, prepare for growth and continue providing municipal services.

Investing in Infrastructure

One of the largest projects is the continued Lagoon Optimization Project, which will improve the Town's wastewater treatment system. The project will be supported by provincial and federal grants, wastewater reserves and development charge funding.

Road and sidewalk work is also planned. For 2027, the Town is proposing $275,000 for pavement improvements, including work on Fath Avenue, along with sidewalk improvements on sections of South Street. Engineering work is also proposed for a future reconstruction of Pine Street.

Parks, Trails and Recreation

Several parks and recreation improvements are included in the preliminary plan. Proposed 2027 projects include accessible outdoor washroom upgrades, tennis court lighting, Centennial Park improvements and continued trail expansion.

The Town is also planning to extend the multi-use trail from the Willow Run/Rotary Park area to the East Elgin Community Complex (EECC). The project would connect the existing trail system to the EECC and includes a bridge over Catfish Creek.

Planning for Future Costs

The Town expects significant capital investment over the next several years. Projects will need to be funded through a mix of grants, reserves, development charges, user rates, debt and tax-supported contributions.

Starting in 2027, additional contributions to reserves from the tax levy will also be needed to help prepare for future projects that are not funded through water or wastewater rates.

What Happens Next?

The preliminary budget is an early planning document and does not represent final approval of all projects.

The Town's 10-year capital plan is updated each year as costs, priorities and funding opportunities change. The next Council will review the proposed projects, refine the plan and consider the final 2027 Capital and Discretionary Budget for approval later this year.

This early planning helps the Town prepare for upcoming infrastructure needs and identify opportunities for grants and other funding before projects move forward.

Documents

Preliminary 2027 Capital Budget