Mayor Nancy Penner says the City of Morden is balancing responsible financial planning with critical investments in infrastructure and services as it unveiled its 2025 municipal budget during a public presentation held last week.
The $25.1 million general operating budget, paired with an $18.2 million utilities operations plan, was presented Tuesday evening to a surprisingly strong turnout of residents. “It was pleasantly surprising to have a number of people attend,” said Penner. “Normally, it's pretty slim pickings.”
Key budget highlights
Morden’s 2025 municipal budget outlines numerous capital projects and funding commitments, including:
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$1.75 million investment into Phase 1 of the city’s new industrial park, with sewer, water, and drainage infrastructure expected this year.
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A new ladder truck for the fire department, set to arrive by early summer.
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Reconstruction of the Thornhill service lane between McDonald’s and Tim Hortons.
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Potential work at the 40-acre property on 1st Street, pending grant approvals.
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Concrete road upgrades along Parkhill Drive near the new Discovery Trails School.
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Investment into the city’s infrastructure master plan with support from grant funding.
Morden is also prepared to spend $7 million on wastewater treatment upgrades, pending further opportunities and approvals. Additionally, the city plans to replace the standpipe at the water treatment plant—a project 50% funded by other levels of government—which will improve both water pressure and quality. The construction is under way.
Algae control on the horizon
Another major initiative is the anticipated installation of an ultrasonic algae control system at Lake Minnewasta, awaiting final approval from the provincial government by the end of the month.
“We’re very encouraged by that,” said Penner. “This will help both with tourism and the treatment of our water.”
Special levies driving overall 5.16% tax increase
While the mill rate has been reduced by nearly 10% thanks to increased assessment values, residents will still see a 5.16% increase on their 2025 property tax bills due to new special levies.
These include:
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$91.00 levy (2025–2028) for the city’s share of the Boundary Trails Health Centre and Menzies Medical Centre expansions.
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$11.35 levy (2025–2029) for the Discovery Trails track project.
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$165.91 levy for waste and disposal services, slightly up from last year.
Without the levies, the city’s base tax increase is just 1.04%—a number Penner says reflects prudent management and fiscal responsibility.
“We’ve kept our budget in line so that our ratepayers have an acceptable tax rate increase,” said Penner. “All department heads worked hard to keep costs down, and we’re still able to contribute $1 million to our reserves, bringing our total to over $6.5 million.”
Water and Sewer Rate Outlook
No immediate increase is expected for wastewater rates as the city awaits word from the Public Utilities Board on an application that would reflect projected operating costs for the proposed new wastewater treatment plant.
“This is a bit of a good news story,” said Penner, noting that any rate increases would only take effect once approval is granted.
“It’s a waiting game,” Penner said, referring to several federal and provincial grant applications still pending. “But we’re optimistic and ready to move forward when the pieces fall into place.”