Midwestern

West Grey taxes going up 9.7%

West Grey has passed its 2024 budget, which includes a noticeable tax hike for residents.

To support the over $29 million operating and capital budget, there will be a 9.7 per cent tax increase for residents.

Over $11 million in capital expenditures will cover planning for the West Grey Police Services’ new headquarters and the municipality's portion of the engineering and construction needs for the new Rockwood Terrace long-term care facility.

The tax levy increase represents an additional $71.86 per $100,000 assessment.

“Throughout the process, West Grey council was focused on ensuring we meet the needs of West Grey today and into the future," said Mayor Kevin Eccles. "We are facing some milestone  projects this year and this budget enables us to keep these projects moving forward.”

Eccles noted that the increase is due, in part, to pressures beyond municipal control, including inflation, unavoidable increases in insurance and operating expenses, and the general increase in goods and services.

Other projects covered in the budget include Neustadt water tower refurbishment, accessible doors and ramps for the Ayton library and new camera equipment for council chamber webcasting.

Read More Local Stories

New military crosswalk rendering. (Image courtesy of the Sarnia Legion Branch 62)

New military crosswalk in Sarnia to be unveiled

As part of a partnership between the Sarnia Legion Branch 62 and City of Sarnia, an unveiling ceremony will be held at the corner of Christina Street and Wellington Street on Sunday, June 7, at 2 p.m.

Members of the Sarnia Police Service entering a Tashmoo Avenue residence on June 4, 2026. (Photo courtesy of the Sarnia Police Service)

Two men arrested in Tashmoo Ave. standoff

Sarnia police said the investigation began on May 29 after the victim was allegedly attacked by acquaintances at a residence near Tashmoo Avenue and Christopher Drive at Aamjiwnaang First Nation.