COVID-19 weighs heavily on Stony Plain corporate plan

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The Town of Stony Plain is set to finalize its corporate plan for 2021-23 and COVID-19 weighed over much of the document deliberations.

“This year had a number of unique challenges,” Tom Goulden, Town manager said in a press release. “We have to be cognizant of these realities and plan for a future of sustainable growth and development [after the end of the] pandemic and extended economic downturn.”

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Councillors in the community discussed the set of policy and proposals during meetings Nov. 2 and 3. In their first gathering it was noted the results of several virus-caused changes were yet to be determined and various other initiatives have also been delayed into the next year too.

“The Shikaoi exchange has been paused for now,” Karl Hill, general manager of Community and Protective Services said. “A lot of those programs are contemplated to be moved but the caveat of this would be restrictions in place and our ability to continue in some form.”

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Other ideas which may be shifted included design of the new cemetery in town, a new housing strategy, improvements to crosswalks, new sewer designs, implementation of a signage strategy and a design for a new public works facility. Costs for these and other projects are expected to result in a 1.71 per cent tax increase for next year before 8.33 per cent in 2022 and 5.98 per cent in 2023. A summary of the deliberations notes the 2021 amount was originally set at 1.91 per cent but this was lowered by councillors when they gathered Nov. 3.

“There is only one taxpayer,” Coun. Linda Matties said at the time. “We need to be considering this as we move forward with expenditures.”

This will equate to about $0.88 per month or $10.59 annually for every $100,000 of residential assessment value. A home valued at $350,000 would see an annual increase of $37.07 if the change holds. As well merged increases in water, wastewater and storm rates are expected to increase by 7.06 per cent in 2021. Mayor William Choy added people may not be happy with the increases, but the Town also has to live in the moment and do what they can to maintain the quality of life those who live in the area are used to and have had even before the virus.

“It is never easy balancing priorities and planning for future growth,” he said in a statement. “While not ideal the proposed tax increase is necessary for the Town’s development and to maintain the services our residents’ value. We will continue to explore new opportunities.”

The final document will be approved at a meeting later this month before being put up on the Town website.

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