Build on Existing Work
Collingwood already has a strong foundation through its Long-Term Financial Plan, Asset Management Plan, annual budgets, Development Charges studies, reserves and audited statements. Build on that work — do not replace it.
Why This Matters
Financial sustainability is one of the foundations of good municipal government. Every road, park, recreation facility, library, sidewalk, watermain and municipal building represents an investment made by previous generations. Today’s Council has the same responsibility — to protect those assets while making prudent investments that benefit future residents. Good financial management is not about spending less. It is about spending wisely.
Our Vision
Collingwood should continue to be recognized as one of Ontario’s best-managed municipalities by making thoughtful, transparent and evidence-based financial decisions. Long-term planning should always take precedence over short-term political decisions.
Protect Our Infrastructure
Deferred maintenance rarely saves money. Preventative maintenance and lifecycle asset management should remain central to protecting roads, bridges, parks, buildings, water systems and other municipal assets.
Growth Must Help Pay for Growth
Future growth should contribute fairly toward the infrastructure and services it requires so existing taxpayers are not asked to subsidize growth unnecessarily.
Vision for Collingwood — Publication No. 4: Building a Financially Sustainable Collingwood.
Understanding the Issue
Investing Strategically
Council should evaluate major investments using lifecycle costs, operating impacts, community benefits, environmental performance and long-term value rather than simply the lowest initial cost. Strategic investments can achieve multiple community objectives at once.
Responsible Debt Management
Borrowing is an appropriate tool for long-lived infrastructure when used responsibly. Debt should remain affordable, transparent and aligned with the Town’s long-term financial plan.
Modernizing the Budget Process
In the first year of a new Council, work with Council and staff to improve transparency, accountability and long-term planning. Beginning with the 2028 operating budget, gradually introduce zero-based budgeting principles where practical — reviewing programs so spending continues to reflect Council priorities and best value for taxpayers.
Partnership & Funding Roles
Town of Collingwood
Sets local priorities, budgets, reserves, debt strategy and capital plans guided by the Asset Management Plan and Long-Term Financial Plan.
Simcoe County
Delivers important shared services. As a County Council member, the Mayor should advocate for responsible regional financial management and fair resource allocation.
Province & Federal
Partnership and grant programs can reduce pressure on local taxpayers when Collingwood pursues them strategically.
Growth Funding Tools
Development Charges and related mechanisms help ensure growth contributes fairly toward the infrastructure and services it requires.
Capital budgeting should continue to follow the Asset Management Plan, infrastructure condition, legislative requirements and planned growth.
The Plan
Use the Plans We Already Have
Prioritize, monitor and decide using the Long-Term Financial Plan, Asset Management Plan, budgets, reserves and audited statements already in place.
Make Maintenance a Priority
Keep preventative maintenance and lifecycle management central so deferred repairs do not become more expensive problems later.
Ensure Growth Contributes Fairly
Maintain Development Charges and other tools so growth helps fund the infrastructure and services it requires.
Judge Investments on Lifecycle Value
Weigh operating costs, community benefits, environmental performance and long-term value — not only the lowest upfront bid.
Borrow Responsibly
Use debt appropriately for long-lived assets when it remains affordable, transparent and aligned with the financial plan.
Improve the Budget Process
Strengthen transparency and gradually apply zero-based principles where practical so operating programs continue to match priorities and taxpayer value.
Decision Test for Major Financial Choices
Lifecycle
Are full lifecycle costs understood and affordable?
Operations
Are ongoing operating impacts clear to Council and the public?
Fairness
Does growth contribute fairly, without shifting undue burden to existing taxpayers?
Plan Fit
Does it align with the Long-Term Financial Plan and Asset Management Plan?
Transparency
Can residents clearly see the costs, trade-offs and expected benefits?
What This Means for Residents
- Taxes should remain as stable and predictable as responsible planning allows.
- Infrastructure should be maintained before deferred repairs become costlier.
- Growth should help fund the services and infrastructure it requires.
- Major spending decisions should be transparent and grounded in long-term plans.
Policy Position
Collingwood should protect municipal assets, implement the financial and asset plans already in place, modernize operating budget reviews, ensure growth contributes fairly to infrastructure costs and pursue strategic partnerships — so excellent services continue from a position of long-term financial strength.
What Success Looks Like
Measuring Success
- Stable and predictable taxes
- Healthy reserves and responsible debt
- Implementation of the Asset Management Plan
- Infrastructure kept in good condition
- Successful grant and partnership funding
- Transparent financial reporting and public confidence
First 100 Days
Review the Long-Term Financial Plan, Asset Management Plan, reserve strategies, debt capacity, Development Charges policies and grant opportunities. Confirm that major capital priorities align with Council’s Strategic Plan. Build upon existing work rather than commissioning unnecessary new studies.
Deliverable: A public Council briefing confirming fiscal baseline, capital priorities and practical improvements to budget transparency for the 2028 cycle.
Closing Message
Financial sustainability is achieved by making the right investments at the right time using the best available information. By protecting municipal assets, implementing existing financial plans, modernizing the operating budget process, ensuring growth contributes fairly to infrastructure costs and pursuing strategic partnerships, Collingwood can continue delivering outstanding municipal services while preserving its long-term financial strength.
— Norm
Continuous Improvement
Collingwood benefits from a highly professional municipal administration. Continuous improvement is not about questioning staff dedication. It is about Council and staff working together — using staff expertise, operational data, resident feedback and best practices — to improve efficiency, embrace innovation and deliver the best possible value for taxpayers.