During the municipal council meeting , Mayor Jean Comtois presented the financial highlights of the City of Lorraine for the year 2023. The city ended the fiscal year with a surplus of $840,846. This positive financial outcome is attributed to careful and rigorous management of public finances, alongside effective fund management, which helped the city maintain a strong financial position despite fluctuating interest rates, a slowdown in the real estate market, and economic uncertainties.
Public awareness campaigns aimed at optimizing waste sorting and changing practices have proven beneficial for both the environment and public funds. The surplus in 2023 is the result of several factors, including savings from the purchase of potable water and a reduction in the volume of waste sent to landfills, leading to higher grant revenues. Additionally, higher-than-expected revenues were generated from high interest rates and property transfer duties.
“At all times, we strive for solid financial stability while continuing to invest in projects that benefit our community and maximize grant applications to finance these projects. Quality of life, safety, and service to our population remain at the heart of our concerns. Lorraine is attractive, and its quality of life is highly valued. We work diligently to maintain our enviable status and attract families to settle here,” stated Mayor Jean Comtois.
Investments for the Community
In 2023, several key projects were undertaken to improve the territory, access to services, and environmental preservation. These included the installation of signage and the securing of pedestrian paths near three primary schools, as well as snow removal from trails to promote safe and active transportation. Other achievements include the development of an outdoor space near the library, the renovation of tennis courts, and the construction of four pickleball courts at Lorraine Park, along with the organization of new family events.
Significant infrastructure work was also carried out, such as replacing water and sewer pipes on Avenue de Metz and developing street infrastructure in phase 2 of the Châteaux de Brisach estate. New horticultural arrangements were implemented in several public places, and environmental awareness activities were conducted to encourage citizen involvement and promote biodiversity.
Looking Towards a Promising Future
The municipal council focuses on quality of life, safety, and service to the population while ensuring healthy and sustainable public finances for the well-being of the entire community. In this context, the council plans to continue its efforts to secure funding for the polydome, a major sports and recreational infrastructure project at Lorraine Park, submitted under the Financial Assistance Program for Recreational, Sports, and Outdoor Infrastructure (PAFIRSPA).