This is the exact embedded text of the captured official document.
Snapshot 977bfa8cbf5d · verified 2026-10-18 ·
original document ·
archived snapshot ·
unofficial consolidation, the official version is held by the municipal clerk.
TOWN OF MASSEY DRIVE
85 MASSEY DRIVE, MASSEY DRIVE NL, A2H 7A2
2025 BUDGET SUMMARY
The past couple of years have certainly presented challenges to Municipal Governments
trying to provide adequate services to residents in the face of increasing costs, and other
economic factors outside their control. Inflation and high interest rates throughout 2023 and
most of 2024 created an economic environment where home purchases and new
construction were more difficult and even impossible for many people. Massey Drive has not
been immune to the influences of such factors and we have experienced a reduction in new
housing starts in 2024. In spite of this Massey Drive still remains a very desirable community
for people to live and raise their families.
There were many positive initiatives that took place in our town in 2024:
The installation and completion of an emergency overflow tank at Sanitary Sewer Lift
Station #1 on Link Pond Drive on a 90/10 cost shared ratio with the province, at a total
project cost of $185,000.
Council was successful in negotiating the purchase of an adjoining vacant property
located at 83 Massey Drive. This property is a rather large tract of land directly
adjacent to the town's existing property and will make it possible for future expansion
of Public and Community space.
Council continued its commitment to providing quality emergency services by
upgrading fire protection equipment through the purchase of additional SCBA face
pieces, so the Massey Drive Volunteer Fire Department are able to adequately protect
the lives and property of residents.
New modern, up to date crosswalk lighting was added at the crosswalk directly in
front of the Fire Hall on the main road. This is an extremely busy area as it serves as
the entrance to the Town Hall, Fire Hall, and the Mama Dawe Recreation Complex
which contains the Skateboard Park, Basketball Court, Municipal Playground, and
Pumptrack.
Our commitment to recreation, health and wellness, and cultural programs as core services
continued in 2024 with the addition of new facilities and programs.
The Allan Gillespie Community Park saw the addition of ten youth garden beds and 2
accessible beds to the Community Garden as well as additions to the Sensory Play
area started in 2023.
The newly constructed Massey Drive Nature's Dog Park saw improvements as well
with the addition of seating areas and solar lighting.
Thanks to the hard work and dedication of the Massey Drive Recreation Committee
the Party On The Hill festival was once again an overwhelming success.
A Look Ahead To 2025
As mentioned previously, new construction of residential properties has slowed somewhat in
2024. However, even with anticipated increases in operating costs, we will still be able to
maintain residential property tax rates at their current levels. The residential property tax
rate will remain unchanged at 6.75 mils. Water and Sewer fees will increase from $655 to
$675 per unit as a result of a $20 per unit increase by the City of Corner Brook for the
provision of water and sewer services.
Waste management still continues to be an area of concern due to increasing costs. The
recent implementation of a "contamination surcharge" by Western Regional Waste
Management, which potentially doubles the tonnage fee on loads they consider
contaminated, has created significant uncertainty in trying to forecast costs. It is important to
note that since 2017 our waste management budget has increased from $79,000 per year to
$160,000 primarily due to increased tipping fees at the Wild Cove transfer site.
An application has been submitted to the Department of Transportation and Infrastructure
for Municipal Capital Works funding for a Town Hall accessibility upgrade and addition of a
heritage section. This project is intended to make the Town Hall fully accessible to all
residents and provide space to preserve the rich culture and history of the town. The project
is estimated to cost approximately $536,640 on a 60/40 cost shared basis between the town
and the province. $204,000 has been allocated in the 2025 municipal budget for the town's
share of the cost.
2025 will see several other programs and projects that we are very excited about. $22,000 of
Canada Community Building Fund (Federal Gas Tax) money has been allocated to install solar
lighting at the municipal basketball court and skateboard park area. Another $20,000 of CCBF
money has been allocated for an upgrade to the Tippings Pond Trail to make it more
accessible for more users. $14,300 has been allocated for the purchase of eight SCBA
cylinders for the Massey Drive Volunteer Fire Department to ensure their ability to
adequately and safely protect our community.
Recent changes to Provincial legislation, which saw the implementation of the new Towns
and Local Service Districts Act, will give local government more autonomy to enact and
enforce by-laws. As a result, and in order to meet the service requirements of residents, the
Town of Massey Drive is currently involved in discussions to implement regional animal
control and municipal enforcement officers in cooperation with several other municipalities
in the region. While this initiative is still in the early planning stages the town has allocated
$20,000 in its 2025 budget as a commitment to ensure these services are available to Massey
Drive residents.
In addition to new initiatives, council is committed to ongoing recreation and cultural
programs. We will be partnering with the Massey Drive Recreation Committee and the
Massey Drive Volunteer Fire Department to continue to bring you such programs as Party On
The Hill, Young at Heart, Volunteer Appreciation Night, Massey Drive Day, the Summer
Recreation Program, Summer Basketball Skills Camp, etc. and as such have allocated $20,000
toward these programs.
As we continue to move forward and look at adding new facilities and services as well as
expanding and improving on existing infrastructure, we will be seeking input from residents
to ensure the best use of resources and utilization of facilities. We would like to encourage all
residents to feel free to provide as much feedback as possible and help us to ensure that we
are providing the most effective services possible.