Council considers infrastructure tax in 2017

On Wednesday, Sudbury city councillors will debate a proposal to add a 1.5 per cent capital levy on homeowners' tax bill, with the intention of raising $3.6 million for future infrastructure repairs.

In October, council received a report in October that showed the city's infrastructure maintenance backlog has ballooned to over $1 billion.

• Sudbury's $1.4 B infrastructure gap

Mayor Brian Bigger said one of the decisions council will have to make is whether this is a one time levy or a recurring tax that would contribute to larger municipal projects.

Taxpayers at 'tipping point' says councillor Kirwan

"As a council we've been talking about investing in the foundation of our community and this is our opportunity in 2017," Bigger said.

But councillor Robert Kirwan said it may be premature to add the levy.

"I think we're starting to get to that tipping point where we've been able to accept tax increases on our property taxes to a certain point," Kirwan said, "but it's now starting to get to that point where it may affect a lot of the low-income families and a lot of the seniors."

A new report to be presented to councilshows the city needs an infrastructure investment of $3.1 billion over the next ten years.

Some of the projects that could receive funding from the proposed levy are:

• Lionel E. Lalonde Centre. Various projects such as additional coverage for the building automation system, as well as review/repairs/cladding for the exterior walls. Estimated costs: $550,000
• NorthWest Depot. Investigate and repair structural issues at administrative/garage building. Estimated costs: $880,000
• Tom Davies Square and police tower exterior upgrades and phase 2 of courtyard improvements as well as interior finishes replacements. Estimated costs: $1,920,000
• Condition assessments for various facilities. Estimated costs: $250,000
• Total $3,600,000