Yarmouth approves 2024-25 capital budget
The Town of Yarmouth has approved its 2024-2025 capital budget that sees spending of nearly $3.6 million.
The capital budget was approved unanimously by council on Feb. 8.
Items listed in the budget for the upcoming year include investments in the Mariners Centre expansion and projects; an investment in the region's track and field facility project in Argyle; and more upgrades at the Yarmouth International Ferry Terminal.
Other projects include the purchase of two new transit buses, new trucks for the Yarmouth Fire Department, and continued investments in multi-use trails.
"We are thrilled to have another capital budget passed,” said Mayor Pam Mood in a media release.
“Given the worldwide economic climate that definitely affects us here in Yarmouth, a tremendous amount of thought is put into every line of the budget with the lens focused on what will serve the community best,” she said. “We look forward to seeing what's encompassed in this budget come to fruition, making the community better for all."
CAPITAL BUDGET HIGHLIGHTS
• Mariners Centre expansion/recreation assets:
Since major funding was announced in October 2022, planning and design work has moved full-steam ahead on the expansion project at Mariners Centre.
The expansion centres around a new, contemporary aquatics centre, a fitness centre, an indoor walking track, and multi-purpose spaces.
This year will see a continuation of the town's contribution toward the project, as well as continued support for Mariners on Main as it acts as a bridge facility until the expansion is completed. It is scheduled for completion in the fall of 2026.
Other recreation projects will be funded that will benefit the region as a whole. Investments will be made in the new track and field facility in Argyle, another new project at Mariners Centre, and the Lake Milo Boat House.
The town's combined Mariners Centre expansion and recreation Investments for 2024-25 is $765,000.
People can learn more about the planned expansion at Mariners Centre by visiting: https://marinerscentre. com/expansion
• Investments in fire service:
The Yarmouth Fire Department will again be allotted funds for the purchase of new equipment. $790,000 will go towards the purchase of two new trucks costing $2.2 million in total, that will be funded over three years.
• Transit service upgrades:
Transit service will be upgraded with the addition of two new buses. Total Investment: $500,000.
• Active living/ multi-use trails:
Significant work has been completed in recent years to develop multi-use trails. This year's capital budget will set aside funds to allow the newly-developed Haley Road trail to be extended from Haley Road, to Jody Shelley Drive on Starrs Road. A trail will also be added on Starrs Roads between Pleasant Street and Clements Avenue. Total investments for 202425: $590,000.
• Ferry terminal upgrades:
New pontoons will be purchased as a continued investment in the International Ferry Terminal, and the
CAT Ferry, which the town calls a crucial tourism link that services the region and the province. Total Investment:
$300,000.
• Street paving:
This year's investment in paving comes in at $300,000
PROJECTS CONTINUED FROM 2023-24
The town says a number of projects from prior budgets are yet to be completed, and will receive attention in 2024-25.
Of note is the Vancouver Street/Main Street Underground Project previously budgeted at $2,331,945 in 2023-24.
Last summer the construction start date was moved and work will get underway this spring.
More details will be announced next month.
Also, renovations and upgrades were previously budgeted at town hall. Work still to be completed includes a renovation of the lower level, cooling tower replacement, rewiring and communications systems.