Written By David Gomez, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter
ADELAIDE METCALFE - Councillors reviewed the results of the 2026 budget survey during their October 20 meeting, where Treasurer Johnny Pereira presented the report summarizing residents’ feedback on municipal services, spending priorities, and taxation levels.
Pereira explained that the annual survey, which ran from August 8 to September 14, was promoted through the Township’s website, social media, and the final tax bill newsletter. “We received 41 responses this year, slightly down from last year,” he said, noting that while the sample size was small, it still offered “valuable feedback to what the community is looking for or thinking or really how we are performing as a whole.”
The survey, which has been conducted annually since 2022, showed continued public satisfaction with service delivery and infrastructure maintenance. According to the staff report, 80% of respondents felt the Township is maintaining its infrastructure to an acceptable standard, while 44% said satisfaction with municipal services has improved compared to last year.
This year’s survey also introduced three open-ended questions for the first time, which Pereira said were “well received” and provided “a lot of good information” outside of standard multiple-choice responses. Written comments covered topics such as by-law enforcement, road safety, affordable housing, and the Township’s communication methods.
The results also indicated cautious attitudes toward taxation. Forty-four per cent of respondents supported modest property tax increases of up to two per cent to fund infrastructure renewal, while just over half preferred maintaining current tax levels. Most respondents—about 75%—favoured maintaining existing service levels, with only a small minority suggesting reductions.
Pereira said the full survey results and written feedback have been distributed to department managers “to consider into their budget” and will also be posted on the Township’s website.
The motion to receive the report for information was moved by Councillor Kingma and seconded by Councillor Mackinnon.
