Not the full picture. Built from public records, which leave things out.Read by hand, Oct 2026DetailsThis is built from public records, which leave a lot out, and some of it may be wrong or out of date. Check the sources, and tell us if you spot a mistake. What this site can't tell you Read by hand. We read Centre Hastings's own documents for this site in October 2026; the Sources page lists which ones. The comparisons with other places still come from the Province's yearly reports.
Questions · 6 so far
Things worth asking about
We read Centre Hastings' financial reports and meeting minutes, and compared its numbers with 32 similar Ontario towns. These are the things that stood out.
What these are, and what they are not. A question here means a number or practice is unusual, or harder to see than it should be. It does not mean anyone did anything wrong. Most unusual numbers turn out to have ordinary explanations, and every question lists some. The only way to know is to ask.
Worth asking
Worth asking
There may well be a good reason. It is still worth asking what it is.
+45.4%forecast cost over the approved $6,573,100 budget for the Madoc standpipe (staff report, September 29, 2026)
A standpipe is a tall tank that stores drinking water and keeps pressure steady. Council approved a budget of $6,573,100 to replace Madoc's. After tenders came in, staff now forecast $9,560,511, which is $2,987,411 (45.4%) over. The province's grant is capped at $4,798,363, so the extra cost falls on the municipality. Staff say the municipality's share goes from $1,774,737 to $4,762,148, to be borrowed and paid back from water and sewer bills and development charges. The town has explained the main reasons in its own report.
Found by reading the town's own documents · 5 sources
$3,100,000long-term debt at December 31, 2025, up from $72,884 a year earlier, with more borrowing approved or planned
At the end of 2024 the municipality owed $72,884. At the end of 2025 it owed $3,100,000 for the St. Lawrence and Durham Streets work. On September 29, 2026 staff asked council to direct borrowing of $4,762,148 for the new standpipe instead of the $1,774,737 authorized earlier, and council authorized borrowing on May 20, 2026 for a $6,427,500 sewer project. The municipality also owes itself $2,672,451 for projects it paid for from cash before finding a funding source ("unfinanced capital"). Its financial assets, minus what it owes, fell from $4,824,579 to $2,131,922 in 2025. The town has published its debt limit calculation for the first project but we did not find one that includes the newer borrowing.
Found by reading the town's own documents · 7 sources
$2,973,300single-source award for the Madoc standpipe tank, March 18, 2026, the largest of four no-tender awards in 2026
In 2026 four contracts came to council without competitive bidding: the water tank ($2,973,300 plus HST, March 18), engineering for the St. Lawrence Street West bridge ($82,800, August 5), electrical and controls work at the sewage pumping stations (up to $167,500, plus about $32,500 already done after a failure, August 5), and the Well No. 3 controls ($550,000, September 29). The last two went to the same company. For each one staff explained why, and the policy requires council approval over $125,000. We read the staff recommendations; the September 29 minutes were not yet posted. What the public does not see in one place is how many such awards there are in a year.
Found by reading the town's own documents · 5 sources
+9.73%increase in the municipal tax levy for 2026 ($667,619), after +8.17% for 2025
The levy is the amount the municipality raises from property taxes. It was $6,342,241 for 2024, $6,860,555 for 2025 and $7,528,174 for 2026. For 2026 the municipal tax rate rises 8.06%. On a typical home assessed at $197,000, the total tax bill (including the county and schools) goes up about $230.83, or 6.68%. The municipality has published the reasons.
Found by reading the town's own documents · 5 sources
$176,518pool donations reserve at December 31, 2025, down from about $185,518 in September 2025
Council voted on February 19, 2025 to close the Madoc outdoor pool permanently. Community fundraising and the municipality had put $185,518 into a pool reserve fund. In a survey of 439 people, 77% said they want a pool in Centre Hastings, and only 30% supported using the fund for other recreation instead. In October 2025 council decided the municipality will not build, run or fund a new pool, and that the fund stays in place until December 31, 2030 for an outside group's pool project, after which any balance goes to other recreation. People who gave under their own names can ask for refunds.
Found by reading the town's own documents · 5 sources
~18%share of arena operating costs paid by Madoc Township in 2026, against 30% in the previous agreement
The Madoc and District Recreation Centre (the arena) is used by people from more than one municipality. The 2026 budget says the Township of Madoc, next door, now contributes about 18% of the arena's operating costs without a formal agreement. The previous formal agreement required 30%. Centre Hastings' own taxpayers cover the rest.
Found by reading the town's own documents · 1 source
+45.4%forecast cost over the approved $6,573,100 budget for the Madoc standpipe (staff report, September 29, 2026)
A standpipe is a tall tank that stores drinking water and keeps pressure steady. Council approved a budget of $6,573,100 to replace Madoc's. After tenders came in, staff now forecast $9,560,511, which is $2,987,411 (45.4%) over. The province's grant is capped at $4,798,363, so the extra cost falls on the municipality. Staff say the municipality's share goes from $1,774,737 to $4,762,148, to be borrowed and paid back from water and sewer bills and development charges. The town has explained the main reasons in its own report.
Why it matters
Water and sewer rates pay for this debt. Staff say the bill for two months would be about $262, instead of the $216.06 already approved for 2027. Residents should be able to see how a project grew 45% between approval and tender, and what else may change.
It could be because…
The $6,573,100 was an early estimate made before design and tendering, and construction prices have risen. Staff's forecast also adds a 10% contingency, engineering and the part of the HST the town cannot get back.
The forecast includes three separate purchases made on top of the main construction tender: the tank itself ($2,973,300 plus HST, bought in March 2026) and a $550,000 controls contract.
A deadline pushed the timing. Contracts for this provincial grant had to be awarded by September 30, 2026, so council met on September 29.
Only two bids came in, and one of them (the higher one) looks to have included the price of the tank that was supposed to be left out, which makes bids hard to compare.
Questions you could ask
Where is the $2,987,411 difference: how much is the tank, the controls contract, engineering, contingency and non-recoverable HST?
What was the original $6,573,100 based on, and when was it prepared?
Will the revised water and sewer rate study (about $262 every two months) come to a public meeting before the 2027 rates take effect?
If the contingency is not needed, does the borrowing shrink with it?
You can ask during the public part of a council meeting, by writing to the clerk, or by contacting your councillors. How to reach council.
Speak for Centre Hastings?Send us your answer and we will publish it with this question.
Staff report: the original approved budget was $6,573,100, with provincial funding of up to 73% of eligible costs, to a maximum of $4,798,363. The final cost estimate is $9,560,511, "an increase of $2,987,411 over the approved budget" (45.4%), including a 10% construction contingency. Because the grant is capped, the added cost "defaults to the municipal contribution", which rises from $1,774,737 to $4,762,148.
Staff report: the extra debt would come from Infrastructure Ontario. The water rate study had an annual debt payment of $110,110, which becomes about $360,000. Staff say to raise another $250,000 a year, the two-month water and wastewater charge already approved to rise from $200.23 to $216.06 in 2027 would instead be about $262.00. Staff will bring back a revised rate study.
Two tenders were received. Peak Construction Group Ltd.: $3,978,900 (96 points of 100). Strong Bros General Contracting Ltd.: $7,264,985 (63.3 points). Prices exclude HST. The consulting engineer's letter says Strong Bros' price "appears to have included" the pre-purchased bolted steel standpipe in Division 11, which was to be excluded. Division 11 (equipment) is $3,400,000 in Strong Bros' breakdown and $157,000 in Peak's.
On March 18, 2026 staff recommended a no-tender (single source) award of the tank to Greatario Engineered Storage Systems for "$2,973,300 plus HST", citing one point of responsibility for design, warranty and supply, and securing steel and fabrication early.
The Water Financial Plan in February 2026 listed the standpipe at $6,573,100 with $4,798,363 in provincial funding and $1,774,737 from the municipality.
$3,100,000long-term debt at December 31, 2025, up from $72,884 a year earlier, with more borrowing approved or planned
At the end of 2024 the municipality owed $72,884. At the end of 2025 it owed $3,100,000 for the St. Lawrence and Durham Streets work. On September 29, 2026 staff asked council to direct borrowing of $4,762,148 for the new standpipe instead of the $1,774,737 authorized earlier, and council authorized borrowing on May 20, 2026 for a $6,427,500 sewer project. The municipality also owes itself $2,672,451 for projects it paid for from cash before finding a funding source ("unfinanced capital"). Its financial assets, minus what it owes, fell from $4,824,579 to $2,131,922 in 2025. The town has published its debt limit calculation for the first project but we did not find one that includes the newer borrowing.
Why it matters
Debt is paid back from tax and water bills for years. Ontario sets a yearly limit on how much of its income a town may commit to debt payments. Residents can only tell whether the plan is safe if they can see the limit, with all planned loans counted.
It could be because…
Water and sewer pipes last 40 to 50 years, so borrowing and paying back over 15 to 30 years is a normal way to share the cost across the people who will use them.
Much of the cost is paid by grants and, for new housing, by development charges, not by existing taxpayers. Cash rose by $1,245,176 to $6,987,247 in 2025.
The town's own March 2025 calculation showed room under its debt target, and its debt policy (FIN-004) sets a limit of 65% of the legal ceiling.
Net financial assets fell mainly because the town spent $11,080,376 on roads, bridges, water and sewer in 2025, which are assets that will serve residents for decades.
Questions you could ask
What is the current annual repayment limit calculation with the standpipe, sewer trunk and Durham/St. Lawrence loans all counted?
How much of the 2027 capital total of $9,330,000 is expected to be borrowed?
When the unfinanced capital is paid back (the schedule runs to 2032 and beyond), does it compete with new borrowing for the same tax dollars?
Will staff publish a single table of all outstanding and approved loans, with their payments by year?
You can ask during the public part of a council meeting, by writing to the clerk, or by contacting your councillors. How to reach council.
Speak for Centre Hastings?Send us your answer and we will publish it with this question.
Note 8: new debenture from Ontario Infrastructure and Lands Corporation, $3,100,000 at 3.55% a year, due February 2, 2036, repaid in monthly instalments of $30,726. Payments in 2026 are $307,259 and about $368,710 a year from 2027.
Unfinanced capital at the end of 2025 was $2,672,451, including the Marmora Street well $1,126,667, garbage truck $431,842, roads vehicles $358,190 and Russel Street $355,726. The 2026 budget explains that this means the municipality "uses its own cash flow to temporarily cover the cost" and "loses potential interest or investment returns" on that cash.
Staff's financing plan for the St. Lawrence and Durham project (estimated total $9,866,462 against an early-2020 estimate of $4,554,000; four bids from $7,365,000 to $11,699,810) included debt of $3,021,054. The debt-limit table showed committed debt capacity of 7.90% before and 31.43% after adding this loan and other adjustments, against a policy target of 65%. Staff said the loan would be taken in late 2026 after the work was finished; the debenture by-law (2026-08) was on the January 21, 2026 agenda.
On May 20, 2026 staff reported that a debenture "will ultimately be required" for the Madoc trunk sanitary sewer project, and that the development charge reserve funds "are overdrawn already" so borrowing is needed for the growth-related share. On August 5, 2026 staff gave the total estimated cost of the sewer project as $6,427,500.
The 2026 budget's 10-year capital plan lists estimated spending of $3,852,245 for 2026, then $9,330,000 for 2027, $2,889,000 for 2028 and $4,832,000 for 2029, with water and sewer main replacement shown for several years.
Staff recommendation: "AND FURTHAT THAT Council direct staff to return to Infrastructure Ontario to secure additional debt financing in the amount of $4,762,148 instead of the previously authorized $1,774,737."
$2,973,300single-source award for the Madoc standpipe tank, March 18, 2026, the largest of four no-tender awards in 2026
In 2026 four contracts came to council without competitive bidding: the water tank ($2,973,300 plus HST, March 18), engineering for the St. Lawrence Street West bridge ($82,800, August 5), electrical and controls work at the sewage pumping stations (up to $167,500, plus about $32,500 already done after a failure, August 5), and the Well No. 3 controls ($550,000, September 29). The last two went to the same company. For each one staff explained why, and the policy requires council approval over $125,000. We read the staff recommendations; the September 29 minutes were not yet posted. What the public does not see in one place is how many such awards there are in a year.
Why it matters
Tenders let a town compare prices. Skipping them is allowed for special reasons, but the policy calls this "exceptional" and says it must not be used to avoid competition. A running list lets residents check that the exceptions stay rare.
It could be because…
The work needs one supplier for compatibility, for example controls that must match the town's existing SCADA system (the computer that watches pumps and wells), or a tank with one maker responsible for design, supply and warranty.
Grant deadlines left no time for a tender. The Well No. 3 report says contracts for this grant had to be awarded by September 30, 2026.
A critical failure at the Rollins Street pumping station in 2025 meant some work had to be done at once.
The competitive part is still tendered: the St. Lawrence Street West bridge construction and the standpipe construction were publicly tendered.
Questions you could ask
How many no-tender awards over $20,000 has the municipality made since the policy was adopted, and for how much in total?
Were other companies asked for a price on the Well No. 3 and pumping station controls before the awards to Clear Electric and Controls Ltd.?
Will the written justification form (Appendix C) for each award be put in the council package?
You can ask during the public part of a council meeting, by writing to the clerk, or by contacting your councillors. How to reach council.
Speak for Centre Hastings?Send us your answer and we will publish it with this question.
The procurement policy says non-competitive procurement "is exceptional and shall not be used to avoid competition", needs a written justification (Appendix C), and for a total cost over $125,000 requires the approval of Council.
Tank: staff recommended single-source award to Greatario Engineered Storage Systems of "$2,973,300 plus HST" for the standpipe tank, citing section 17.0 of the policy, single-source design and warranty responsibility, and schedule certainty.
Well No. 3 controls: staff recommended a direct award to Clear Electric and Controls Ltd. with an upset limit of $550,000 excluding HST, citing specialized experience and system compatibility, and the September 30, 2026 grant deadline.
Pumping station electrical work: staff recommended a direct award to Clear Electric and Controls Ltd. with an upset limit of $167,500 excluding HST and asked council to ratify the decision of the CAO and Director of Finance to have the same company do the Rollins Street station for about $32,500. The reasons given were specialized expertise and "a proven track record" with the municipality.
Bridge design: staff reported a direct award to Planmac Engineering Inc. for $82,800 excluding HST, saying engineering is a specialized service and Planmac had done a nearby project, and that the construction "will still be publicly tendered".
+9.73%increase in the municipal tax levy for 2026 ($667,619), after +8.17% for 2025
The levy is the amount the municipality raises from property taxes. It was $6,342,241 for 2024, $6,860,555 for 2025 and $7,528,174 for 2026. For 2026 the municipal tax rate rises 8.06%. On a typical home assessed at $197,000, the total tax bill (including the county and schools) goes up about $230.83, or 6.68%. The municipality has published the reasons.
Why it matters
Two big increases in a row add up for households. It helps to know how much is for ordinary running costs and how much is a deliberate decision to save and pay down debt for roads, bridges and water.
It could be because…
A deliberate plan: council set a goal of raising the tax dollars for capital work by $101,500 each year (in 2023 dollars), and the budget raised it by $204,380 in 2025 and $354,000 in 2026.
New debt payments of $377,500 for the St. Lawrence and Durham Streets project and $40,000 for the standpipe, partly offset by $74,575 saved when the medical centre loan ended.
The police (OPP) contract rose by 11%, the maximum increase the OPP advised, and wages rise 3.0% on the town's pay grid.
Questions you could ask
How much of the 2026 increase is for running costs, and how much is saved or used for debt payments on projects?
How will the new water tower and sewer loans affect the 2027 tax levy, as opposed to water rates?
Does council expect the capital part of the levy to keep rising faster than $101,500 a year?
You can ask during the public part of a council meeting, by writing to the clerk, or by contacting your councillors. How to reach council.
Speak for Centre Hastings?Send us your answer and we will publish it with this question.
The evidence
Net tax levy: operating $5,854,498 (+$313,619) and capital $1,673,676 (+$354,000), total $7,528,174 (+$667,619) for 2026, against $6,860,555 for 2025.
Tax Authority Report: municipal levy +9.73% ($6,860,555 to $7,528,174), +8.18% after growth in the number and value of properties; municipal tax rate 0.01249905 to 0.01350597 (+8.06%). For a home assessed at $197,000 the total tax bill goes from $3,457.83 to $3,688.66 (+$230.83, 6.68%), of which municipal $198.36, county $32.47, schools $0.
The budget lists what drives the change: 3.0% economic increase on the wage grid, the OPP contract (11%), a $377,500 debenture payment for PW-ENV-2025-01 Durham/St. Lawrence, debenture payments of $40,000 for the tractor and attachments and $40,000 for the standpipe (together $457,500 with the $377,500), removal of the medical-centre loan payment (-$74,575), and $6,697 more toward unfinanced capital. It also notes removal of the Madoc outdoor pool service.
Staff report: the goal from the 2023 Asset Management Plan is to increase the capital program tax dollars by $101,500 a year; the report's table marks 2024 ($138,941) as "Met" and shows 2025 ($204,380) and 2026 ($354,000). Council adopted the budget on January 21, 2026 (By-law 2026-09).
$176,518pool donations reserve at December 31, 2025, down from about $185,518 in September 2025
Council voted on February 19, 2025 to close the Madoc outdoor pool permanently. Community fundraising and the municipality had put $185,518 into a pool reserve fund. In a survey of 439 people, 77% said they want a pool in Centre Hastings, and only 30% supported using the fund for other recreation instead. In October 2025 council decided the municipality will not build, run or fund a new pool, and that the fund stays in place until December 31, 2030 for an outside group's pool project, after which any balance goes to other recreation. People who gave under their own names can ask for refunds.
Why it matters
Residents gave money for a pool. The town has explained its reasons, but a closed pool and a fund with a deadline raises questions about whether donors, volunteers and users feel heard.
It could be because…
The cost to reopen was too high: the town says it would cost at least $150,000 in 2025 just to meet minimum operating standards, plus lifeguards and daily running costs, more than the $185,000 raised.
A one-season repair would not be a long-term fix, and other recreation buildings also need money. The town cites a $56,000 slide at the skatepark.
Council kept the money for five years so an outside, community-led group could try to find a partner.
Questions you could ask
How many donors have asked for refunds so far, how much has been refunded, and from which part of the fund?
What is the status of the $52,764.55 the municipality itself put into the fund?
Has the public engagement on recreation priorities promised in October 2025 taken place, and what did it find?
You can ask during the public part of a council meeting, by writing to the clerk, or by contacting your councillors. How to reach council.
Speak for Centre Hastings?Send us your answer and we will publish it with this question.
The task force report records that on February 19, 2025 council passed resolution RC/02/19-5-2025 to permanently close the pool, and on March 19, 2025 passed RC/05-19-3-2025 ratifying a March 5, 2025 closed-session decision that the municipality will not build, operate or accept new donations for a new pool. The fund held about $185,518.39: $132,753.84 in donations ($35,878.39 from identifiable donors, $96,875.45 from unidentifiable donors) and $52,764.55 from the municipality.
A public survey by Redbrick Communications had 439 respondents. "Just 30%" supported using the pool reserve fund for other existing parks and recreation projects instead of a pool, and 77% said they want a pool in Centre Hastings.
Staff recommended, and the town's web page says council decided on October 15, 2025, that the municipality "will not build, operate, or fund a new pool, and that this decision is final"; the reserve fund stays "to December 31, 2030" for an "externally led pool initiative requiring no municipal ownership, operation, or fiscal responsibility", after which it goes to other council-approved recreation. Approximately $35,878 in identifiable donations may be refunded, and staff said some refund requests had already been received and processed.
The town's explanation: staff reports said it would cost "a minimum of $150,000 in 2025 alone" to bring the facility up to minimum operating standards, plus lifeguards and day-to-day costs, and that even with the $185,000 raised the municipality could not cover reopening for one more season.
Reserves schedule: "Swimming Pool-Donations" $176,518.39 at December 31, 2025, after $185,318.39 a year earlier and a $9,000 transfer out. The audited 2025 statements show a "Pool donations" reserve of $176,518.
~18%share of arena operating costs paid by Madoc Township in 2026, against 30% in the previous agreement
The Madoc and District Recreation Centre (the arena) is used by people from more than one municipality. The 2026 budget says the Township of Madoc, next door, now contributes about 18% of the arena's operating costs without a formal agreement. The previous formal agreement required 30%. Centre Hastings' own taxpayers cover the rest.
Why it matters
When a neighbouring township pays less than an agreement said, Centre Hastings residents carry the difference in their tax bills. A written agreement lets both councils and taxpayers see what is expected.
It could be because…
The old agreement ended and the neighbouring township is paying what it can while a new deal is worked out.
The share depends on how many of the arena's users live in each place.
Both councils may be waiting until after the October 2026 election to negotiate.
Questions you could ask
Is a new arena funding agreement being negotiated with the township, and by when?
What was the township's contribution in dollars in 2024, 2025 and 2026?
You can ask during the public part of a council meeting, by writing to the clerk, or by contacting your councillors. How to reach council.
Speak for Centre Hastings?Send us your answer and we will publish it with this question.
The evidence
Arena, revenue note: "Contribution from Madoc Township (no formal agreement in place) Currently contributing ~18% toward total operating costs [previous formal agreement required 30%]". The arena's net budget is $224,645 for 2026, up from $198,800, and the funding line is $46,305.
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