Arial view of a small city overlooking a quiet street with several houses near a river showing landscape improvements.

A local improvement is an infrastructure project within our City that can include new construction or an upgrade to an existing area. These projects are paid for in whole or in part by property owners via a local improvement levy approved by Council through a by-law. Some examples of local improvements are water supply, treatment and distribution facilities, wastewater collection and treatment facilities, drainage systems, sidewalk reconstruction, facility upgrade/reconstruction, landscape improvements, etc.

Current City Local Improvements

  • By-law 5209 Storm Water Relief Phase II
  • By-law 5345 Fire Hall Expansion
  • By-law 5241 Water Treatment Plant Expansion and Rehabilitation
  • By-law 5242 Morris Avenue Sewer Relining

Local Improvement District Notices

Local Improvement District Notices are sent to property owners in a specific area to inform them about potential local improvement projects within the City. The notices are used to inform property owners about the projects, the costs associated with them, how they will be funded, and the date of the Public Hearing for said plan.

General Borrowing Notices

General Borrowing Notices are notices sent out to property owners regarding borrowing for a local improvement project.

Local Improvement FAQ

  • What is a local improvement levy? A local improvement levy is a tax paid by property owners to fund local improvement projects.
  • How are local improvement projects funded? Local improvement projects are paid for in whole or in part by property owners via a local improvement levy. 
  • How often do local improvement projects happen? The frequency of local improvement projects depends on the needs of the City.
  • How are local improvement projects prioritized? Local improvement projects are prioritized based on the needs of the City and the community.
  • Are local improvement projects always necessary? Local improvement projects are deemed necessary by the City based on the needs of the community.
  • Who can request a local improvement? By City Council or by a petition to Council signed by at least 2/3 of the potential taxpayers that are to benefit from the proposed local improvement.
  • How is a local improvement initiated? The City must prepare a local improvement plan. The local improvement can be proposed by Council, or from a signed petition to Council by at least 2/3 of the potential taxpayers under the plan and then the plan is to be enacted through the by-law process.
  • What are General Borrowing Notices? General Borrowing Notices are notices sent out to property owners regarding borrowing for a local improvement project.
  • Are property owners required to pay for local improvement projects? Yes, property owners are required to pay for local improvement projects through a local improvement levy. 
  • Can property owners opt out of paying for a local improvement project? No, property owners cannot opt out of paying for a local improvement project.
  • Who decides what local improvement projects are needed? Council decides what local improvement projects are needed.
  • How are property owners notified of a local improvement project? Property owners are notified of a local improvement project through Local Improvement District Notices.
  • Can property owners request a specific local improvement project? Property owners can request a specific local improvement project, however the final decision is up to Council.
  • How long does a local improvement project typically take? The length of a local improvement project depends on the size and complexity of the project. 
  • Who oversees the local improvement project? The City oversees the local improvement project.
  • How do you pay for the local improvement levy? The local improvement levy will be on a separate line on your annual property tax bill and is paid as part of the municipal taxes for the year.
  • What happens if a property owner does not pay the local improvement levy? Your property taxes will show an outstanding balance on your account and you will continue to pay a penalty of 1.25% per month until the balance is paid in full.
  • How is the amount of the local improvement levy determined? The amount of the local improvement levy is determined based on the cost of the local improvement project, the debenture if applicable, and the number of properties benefiting from the project.
  • Can property owners appeal the amount of the local improvement levy? No, you cannot appeal the amount of the local improvement levy once the annual tax levy by-law has been passed. A potential tax payer that has received a local improvement district notice may object to the plan by filing a notice of objection, by mail or in person, with the chief administrative office before the public hearing. You can also come to the Financial Plan Public Hearing to voice your concerns for Council’s consideration.
  • What information is required in the objection notice?
    • A notice of objection must include the following:
      • (a) state the name and address of the person making the objection;
      • (b) identify the local improvement plan in respect of which the objection is made;
      • (c) identify the business or property in respect of which the person is a potential taxpayer under the plan; and
      • (d) state the grounds for the objection.
  • Can local improvement projects be postponed? Local improvement projects can be postponed, but the City decides when the project will be completed.
  • Are all local improvement projects paid for by property owners? All local improvement projects are paid for in whole or in part by property owners via a local improvement levy.
  • What are the benefits of local improvement projects? The benefits of local improvement projects include upgrading existing areas, improving infrastructure, enhancing the overall appearance of the city, and potentially increasing property values. These projects can also contribute to the revitalization of downtown areas, attracting businesses and investments. Additionally, local improvement projects can create jobs and stimulate economic growth in the community.
  • Can property owners get a tax break for contributing to a local improvement project? Property owners cannot get a tax break for contributing to a local improvement project.
  • How can property owners get more information about local improvement projects? Property owners can get more information about local improvement projects by contacting CitizenSupport at 204-785-4900 or by email: [email protected].