The City is committed to enhancing the vitality and quality of life for its residents. The 2024 budget gets the city back on track by investing more in vital City services that you rely on every day.
The City met its goal to install 95 per cent of CaféTO curb lane patios before May 17, allowing more than 290 restaurant operators to maximize revenues from their patios. Investments in small businesses and community organizations resulted in an increase in businesses being licensed by more than four per cent in 2024 and an increase in licences being renewed. Tracking economic indicators informs decisions.
The City added an additional 1,000 trees to its 2024 tree planting plan so that this year approximately 120,000 trees and shrubs will be planted. In addition, 268,000 trees will receive watering (an increase of 14,000 from 2023) and 1,000 more trees will be pruned. Growing the urban forest improves air quality, reduces storm water runoff, provides shade and increases property values.
The City opened 167 splash pads by May 17 for city residents to enjoy. Seasonal washrooms in parks across the city, along with drinking water fountains and bottle-filling stations connected to those buildings are also now open.
The City filled 115,454 potholes from January 1 to May 15, an increase of 28 per cent compared to the same period in 2023. Repairing potholes improves safety on our streets and is an affordable way to maintain our roads.