In addition to the average 4.9% tax increase for property owners in Montreal, here are some highlights from Valérie Plante’s administration’s latest budget.
• Also read – Budget 2024: a record 4.9% tax increase for Montrealers
400 additional employees
The city of Montreal will employ around 400 more people next year.
Several of these positions will be funded by the Quebec government, including 107 additional police officers to be added to the workforce in 2024. Nineteen employees will also be added to manage the Blue Line Extension Project.
Despite the staff increase, the city has said it will eliminate around 91 positions to reduce costs. Vacant positions or retirements that are not replaced will be given priority.
Increased security around schools
In addition to new police officers, the city of Montreal plans to deploy 20 border guards to secure areas around schools. In total, the island’s 640 brigadiers will cost Montrealers $3 million in 2024.
In addition, investments of $15 million per year are planned over the next ten years to ensure road expansion for around 25 schools annually.
“People are demanding that we do more to make travel safer,” said Mayor Plante.
More money for public transport
Spending on public transport will rise sharply next year, by 7.2%.
In particular, due to the launch of the Metropolitan Express Network, the city will have to pay an additional $48 million to the Regional Metropolitan Transport Authority (ARTM).
One and a half billion for the wastewater plant
The city’s investment in the wastewater treatment plant now exceeds $1.6 billion.
The ozone disinfection project launched under the Tremblay administration is now worth nearly $1 billion, at $947 million. Last year, this major project, which will have a significant impact on pollution in the St. Lawrence River, was estimated to cost just under $700 million.
According to the city, this significant increase is primarily due to the construction market.
Added to that billion is repairs to the plant’s incinerators, estimated at $698 million.
The welcome tax brings in less
Due to the slowdown in the real estate market, revenue from property transfer tax (or welcome tax) is declining.
This tax brought in $410 million for the city of Montreal in 2022, while it is expected to bring in just $309 million next year.
The city has therefore decided to draw $20 million from surpluses from recent years to offset part of this decline in revenue.
Can you share information about this story?
Write to us or call us directly at 1 800-63SCOOP.
Originally posted 2023-11-15 18:12:23.