Amid $10.6M in infrastructure spending, Carleton Place development charge reserves fall to $830K
CARLETON PLACE — Carleton Place councillors received the 2025 Statement of Development Charges for information at the March 24 committee of the whole meeting.
The report, prepared by town treasurer Trisa McConkey, outlines how growth-related funds were collected, allocated and spent across municipal services over the past year.
“This is an annual statutory report that I have to present to you by March 31 every year,” McConkey told council. “However, this report has changed drastically from past years.”
At the start of 2025, development charge reserve funds totalled about $8.38 million. Over the year, the municipality collected an additional $2.74 million, along with $346,101 in interest, bringing total available funds to roughly $11.47 million.
The largest balances and contributions were tied to water services, wastewater, roads, and parks and recreation.
“Part of the new requirements under the Development Charges Act is we have to allocate 60 per cent of water, wastewater and road balances,” said McConkey.
Spending in 2025 was significant, with more than $10.6 million used during the year and total spending, including prior-year commitments, reaching $14.35 million.
Major investments focused on infrastructure to support growth, particularly water and wastewater systems, which accounted for the largest share of expenditures.
“We more than allocated our water and wastewater funds due to the treatment plant expansions,” said McConkey.
Roads and parks projects also received notable funding.
By year-end, remaining reserve balances had dropped to about $830,431. Some services maintained positive balances, including roads and parks, while others, especially water and wastewater, showed deficits reflecting the ongoing treatment plant expansions.
The report also outlines ongoing and planned capital projects funded through these reserves. Other key areas of investment include road and transportation improvements, as well as community infrastructure such as parks, the library and emergency services.
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