The Township of Algonquin Highlands Council passed By-Law 2025-53 to adopt the estimates of expenditures, in the amount of $19,233,135.00 and revenues, in the amount of $12,161,523.00 for
the 2025 calendar year. The sum of $7,071,612.00 shall be levied for General Municipal purposes on the assessment in each property class to fund the remaining 2025 estimated expenditures.
The Township portion of the tax rate will realize an increase of $15.98 per year or 4.26% per $100,000 of Residential Assessment. While the combined tax rate, including County of Haliburton and Education requirements, results in an increase of $31.97 per year or 4.095% per $100,000 of Residential Assessment.
The 2025 Budget features many capital and operational projects including road reconstruction and maintenance, building maintenance, docks and landings rehabilitation, IT upgrades as required, the addition of new positions in various departments, the completion of the multi-year project for the new public works building and the renovation of the existing public works building, the lightning protection project for the Dorset Tower and upgrades to the HVAC system at Dorset Recreation Centre. The projects planned are included in the budget estimates and Township reserves and Government Grants are being used where possible to keep budget increases at a minimum.
We are looking forward to implementing the goals and objectives outlined in the new Corporate Strategic Plan and will continue collaborating with the County and neighbouring municipalities to
implement innovative plans and ideas related to the delivery of services resulting from the Service Delivery Review.
General Government
Operationally, the administrative team continues to find options to offer more efficiencies and accessibility for ratepayers. With these efforts in place, Council has approved a new position within the department to lead and manage continuing digital projects for the Township. Staff are also planning to get new Cemetery Software in place and will be updating the Asset Management Plan in 2025.
Protection to Persons and Property
Fire Services
The fire department will be completing the training grounds and various repairs at Station 60 and 70 during the year. Operationally, the department has included both regular and more specialized training courses for firefighters in the budget along with annual equipment replacements and the purchase of additional technical rescue equipment.
Building and By-law Department
The Building and Bylaw budgets reflect additional training courses for staff and the purchase of a hybrid SUV for Bylaw Department personnel which will be used to monitor and enforce the new Short Term Rental program along with increased bylaw coverage on weekends.
Police Services
The 2025 Budget reflects a 5% increase in police services costs based on the Annual Billing Statement submitted to the Township by the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP).
Transportation and Environment
Airport – the Township is still planning to update the Airport Land Use and Development Plan for the airport. Staff also plan to complete an electrical assessment for the runway lighting system,
relocate the fuel tank, install water and electrical pedestals, update the card lock system and install gates, and will be working on the tree clearing project.
Buildings and Maintenance – various projects are planned for many of the facilities managed by the Township with the intention of improving accessibility and increasing energy efficiency – these
projects include but are not limited to a furnace replacement at Oxtongue Lake Community Centre, EV Charger installation and HVAC upgrades at Dorset Recreation Centre, the completion
of the new Public Works garage, the completion of the renovation of the existing garage, the installation of security cameras as required and repairs to the roof at the Kawagama Garage and the installation of a new entrance door at the Municipal Office.
Cemeteries – entrance upgrades will continue, and plans are underway to build a roadway into the green burial section at St. Stephen’s cemetery.
Equipment – the budget includes costs for the regular maintenance of equipment and aged equipment will be replaced in accordance with the Asset Management Plan. As always, vehicles will be redeployed to other departments to complete their lifecycles where possible.
Construction Projects – a design plan, tender and phased construction will continue on North Shore Road along with surface repairs on various roadways throughout the Township in accordance with the Asset Management Plan. Ditching and culvert replacements will be completed on roads scheduled for surface treatment and problem areas addressed throughout the Township. Traffic sign inspections and inventory will be completed and the information uploaded to our Asset Management Software and other operational programs.
Bridge Reserve – Council approved the creation of a dedicated bridge reserve in 2025 to ensure funds are available for future repairs or replacements.
Environment
Site enhancements, signage updates, general repairs and equipment replacements as required will be completed at municipal landfill sites throughout the year. The Environmental Manager will
continue to collaborate with local municipalities and the County on various projects.
Parks, Recreation and Trails
Parks and Trails – annual maintenance will continue at all locations along with tree and flower planting and seeding. Specific projects planned include the installation of a swing set at the Oxtongue Lake Community Centre, repairs to the stone steps at Log Chute, upgrading the exterior lighting to LED and replacement of decking at Dorset Ice Palace, replacement of the equipment shed at Stanhope Park, the design and installation of an indigenous garden at Tapscott Lopes Park and replacing and adding signage throughout the trail system. The equipment purchase planned for 2025 is the replacement of the 2017 pick-up for the trails team.
Ongoing training for canoeing safety, first aid, by-law enforcement, chainsaw operations, and swimming certifications will be completed by Trails staff along with the recertification of the Wilderness First Responder course for the PRT Manager.
Staff have included costs related to hosting a volunteer appreciation event for 2025 amongst the many other regular events offered annually.
The 2025 budget includes costs related to engaging a consultant to develop a parking philosophy for the Township.
Dorset Tower – the installation of a lightening protection system is to be completed along with various structural improvements to the tower. Property improvements planned include the installation of a pathway to link the parking lot to the gift shop and tower, replacement of the storage building, extending the security fencing at the entrance of the tower structure, installing bear-proof refuse storage containers and replacing the railing at Peek-A-Boo rock. As patronage continues to grow, traffic control services will be increased during the weekends of fall colours and improvements to the point-of-sale system will be implemented.
Docks and Landings – the rehabilitation of the Russell Landing retaining wall will be completed, the design and tender for Fletcher Lake Landing will be prepared and repairs are planned for the Raven Lake Landing retaining wall.
Planning and Development
Staff will continue to collaborate with the County and neighbouring municipalities to review Development Charges and continue to implement recommendations as a result of the Service
Delivery Review. Staff will be implementing the Licence of Occupation policy and continue planning for the Official Plan Review which is anticipated to take place in 2026.
Along with the by-laws and policies outlined below, staff will continue to work with Council to support affordable housing initiatives and other policy reviews and updates as required
