Questions · 8 so far
We read Edwardsburgh-Cardinal's financial reports and meeting minutes, and compared its numbers with 82 similar Ontario towns. These are the things that stood out.
These are unusual enough that residents deserve a clear answer from council.
$6.5Min savings at the end of 2024
Towns keep savings (called reserves) to pay for new trucks, roof repairs and surprises. Edwardsburgh-Cardinal had $6.5M saved at the end of 2024, down from $7.3M in 2019. That is 40% of one year's spending. Only 8 of 82 similar towns had less, compared with what they spend.
Found automatically from the town's financial reports · 2 sources
There may well be a good reason. It is still worth asking what it is.
$1,900,776annual surplus in 2025, against a budget of $5,882,162
A surplus is what is left when a year's revenue is more than its spending. The audited statements show a 2025 annual surplus of $1,900,776. The 2025 budget in the same statements planned $5,882,162, so the result was about $3.98 million lower (worked out by us). Three lines explain most of it. Amortization (the yearly charge for wear on roads, buildings and equipment, which is not a cash payment) was budgeted at $1,631,563 and came in at $3,839,452. The Port of Johnstown, which the Township owns and which is counted in these statements, spent $8,198,199 against a budget of $6,446,262. And investment income was budgeted at $1,871,043 and came in at $336,625. Property taxes, at $7,329,405 against $7,347,434, came in close to budget.
Found by reading the town's own documents · 4 sources
$8,198,199spent by the Port of Johnstown in 2025, up from $6,548,358 in 2024
The Township owns the Port of Johnstown, a river port that handles bulk cargo and grain, and its numbers are added into the Township's statements. In 2025 the Port brought in $10,278,758, more than the Township's $7,329,405 of property taxes. The Port's spending rose from $6,548,358 in 2024 to $8,198,199 in 2025, an increase of about $1.65 million (worked out by us). Its wages and benefits rose from $3,068,021 to $4,063,834. Its revenue fell from $11,791,912 to $10,278,758. The Port's own annual surplus fell from $4,770,719 to $1,646,451. The Port paid the Township $2,200,000 in 2025 (none was shown in 2024) and the Township charged the Port $1,000,000 in administration fees. The Township's budget notes say the amount it expects from the Port is going down.
Found by reading the town's own documents · 4 sources
$9,097,292wages and benefits in 2025, up from $7,551,708 in 2024
The statements show wages and benefits of $9,097,292 for 2025, against $7,551,708 in 2024. That is an increase of about $1.55 million, or about 20% (worked out by us). The 2025 budget in the statements was $8,983,658. Most of the rise, about $996,000 (worked out by us), is at the Port, whose wages and benefits went from $3,068,021 to $4,063,834. In the Township's own budget book, salaries and benefits came in at $4,297,088.71 against a council-approved budget of $4,082,181. The Township's contribution to the OMERS pension plan rose from $462,281 to $571,798. The Township has said one reason: its 2025 budget book noted that salaries and benefits included a "one-time increase of compensation review".
Found by reading the town's own documents · 5 sources
$11,953,173current liabilities of Rideau St. Lawrence Holdings at the end of 2025, up from $6,275,441
The Township owns 11.92% of Rideau St. Lawrence Holdings Inc., a company the statements call a government business enterprise (a publicly owned business). The statements show a long-term receivable of $225,000 owed by the company to the Township, at 3.72% interest. The statements say it "has no specific terms of repayment, and is unsecured". They also show that the company's long-term debt was $3,109,222 at the end of 2024 and nothing at the end of 2025, while its current liabilities (what it owes within a year) rose from $6,275,441 to $11,953,173. The Township's investment in it is $757,036.
Found by reading the town's own documents · 2 sources
Background that helps make sense of the rest.
$1,345,830swing in the Industrial Park reserve fund in 2025, from a deficit of $378,282 to $967,548 (worked out by us)
A reserve fund is money set aside for a purpose. The Township's schedule of accumulated surplus lists its funds at the end of 2025 and 2024. The Industrial Park reserve fund was in deficit by $378,282 at the end of 2024 and held $967,548 at the end of 2025. A fund called "GIC investment" held $1,320,727 at the end of 2024 and nothing at the end of 2025. The Cardinal Hydro reserve fund went from $214,564 to $9,409. Total reserves and reserve funds were almost unchanged, $6,371,260 against $6,486,941.
Found by reading the town's own documents · 1 source
$1,218,385in the Water and sewer reserve fund at the end of 2025, down from $1,610,945
The statements say the water and wastewater operations had a net surplus of $141,629 in 2025, after a deficit of $299,351 in 2024. The Water and sewer reserve fund fell from $1,610,945 to $1,218,385, a drop of $392,560 (worked out by us). The Environmental segment, which includes water, sewer and waste, took in $2,053,014 in fees and service charges and recorded $500,757 of amortization (the yearly charge for wear on pipes and plants) in 2025.
Found by reading the town's own documents · 3 sources
Under section 284 of the Municipal Act, 2001, a municipality's treasurer prepares a yearly statement of what each member of council was paid and what expenses were paid for them. As of October 5, 2026, the Township's Council page lists reports for 2018 to 2024 and none for 2025. We did not look beyond that page, so a 2025 statement may exist elsewhere, for instance in a council agenda.
Found by reading the town's own documents · 1 source
$6.5Min savings at the end of 2024
Towns keep savings (called reserves) to pay for new trucks, roof repairs and surprises. Edwardsburgh-Cardinal had $6.5M saved at the end of 2024, down from $7.3M in 2019. That is 40% of one year's spending. Only 8 of 82 similar towns had less, compared with what they spend.
| Year | Savings (reserves) |
|---|---|
| 2019 | $7.3M |
| 2020 | $7.9M |
| 2021 | $9.2M |
| 2022 | $9.9M |
| 2023 | $9.0M |
| 2024 | $6.5M |
With little saved, a broken bridge or a storm has to be paid for with a sudden tax increase or a loan. Low savings can also mean past budgets were balanced by spending savings instead of facing the real cost.
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 Edwardsburgh-Cardinal? Send us your answer and we will publish it with this question.
Savings (reserves and reserve funds): 2019 $7.3M, 2020 $7.9M, 2021 $9.2M, 2022 $9.9M, 2023 $9.0M, 2024 $6.5M.
Ontario Financial Information Return (FIR), 2019 to 2024 · Schedule 70, line 6420 · archived copy
Typical among similar towns: savings equal to 92% of a year's spending. Edwardsburgh-Cardinal: 40%.
Ontario Financial Information Return (FIR), 2024, 82 similar municipalities · Schedules 40 and 70 · archived copy
$1,900,776annual surplus in 2025, against a budget of $5,882,162
A surplus is what is left when a year's revenue is more than its spending. The audited statements show a 2025 annual surplus of $1,900,776. The 2025 budget in the same statements planned $5,882,162, so the result was about $3.98 million lower (worked out by us). Three lines explain most of it. Amortization (the yearly charge for wear on roads, buildings and equipment, which is not a cash payment) was budgeted at $1,631,563 and came in at $3,839,452. The Port of Johnstown, which the Township owns and which is counted in these statements, spent $8,198,199 against a budget of $6,446,262. And investment income was budgeted at $1,871,043 and came in at $336,625. Property taxes, at $7,329,405 against $7,347,434, came in close to budget.
A budget is the promise made to residents about what a year will cost and bring in. When the result is this far from the promise, it is fair to ask whether the budget was built on assumptions that held up, and how much of the gap is real money and how much is an accounting charge. The statements do show an annual surplus, and the Township's net financial assets (cash and other assets, less what it owes) stayed positive at $8,467,943.
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 Edwardsburgh-Cardinal? Send us your answer and we will publish it with this question.
Consolidated Statement of Financial Activities, 2025: "Annual surplus" budget 5,882,162, actual 1,900,776 (2024 actual 5,953,364). "Property taxes" budget 7,347,434, actual 7,329,405. "Investment income" budget 1,871,043, actual 336,625 (2024 actual 628,609). Port of Johnstown program expenses budget 6,446,262, actual 8,198,199 (2024 actual 6,548,358).
Consolidated Financial Statements, December 31, 2025 · Consolidated Statement of Financial Activities, statement page 2 (PDF page 7)
Note 10, Operating expenses by object: "Amortization" budget 1,631,563, actual 3,839,452 (2024 actual 3,614,513). Total expenses budget 20,215,903, actual 21,842,437.
Consolidated Financial Statements, December 31, 2025 · Note 10, Operating expenses by object, note page 20 (PDF page 25)
Consolidated Statement of Change in Net Financial Assets: "Decrease in net financial assets" budget (1,915,800), actual (1,216,348). "Net financial assets, end of year" 8,467,943 (2024: 9,684,291).
Consolidated Financial Statements, December 31, 2025 · Consolidated Statement of Change in Net Financial Assets, statement page 3 (PDF page 8)
Note 9, Budget information: "The disclosed budget information has been approved by the Council of the Corporation of the Township of Edwardsburgh/Cardinal at the meeting held on February 25, 2025."
Consolidated Financial Statements, December 31, 2025 · Note 9, Budget information, note page 19 (PDF page 24)
$8,198,199spent by the Port of Johnstown in 2025, up from $6,548,358 in 2024
The Township owns the Port of Johnstown, a river port that handles bulk cargo and grain, and its numbers are added into the Township's statements. In 2025 the Port brought in $10,278,758, more than the Township's $7,329,405 of property taxes. The Port's spending rose from $6,548,358 in 2024 to $8,198,199 in 2025, an increase of about $1.65 million (worked out by us). Its wages and benefits rose from $3,068,021 to $4,063,834. Its revenue fell from $11,791,912 to $10,278,758. The Port's own annual surplus fell from $4,770,719 to $1,646,451. The Port paid the Township $2,200,000 in 2025 (none was shown in 2024) and the Township charged the Port $1,000,000 in administration fees. The Township's budget notes say the amount it expects from the Port is going down.
When one business owned by the Township is larger than the property tax base, the Township's budget can rise and fall with that business. Residents are the owners. They may want to know what drove costs up, what the Port is expected to pay each year, and what the Township's services would lose if the Port had a weak 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 Edwardsburgh-Cardinal? Send us your answer and we will publish it with this question.
The records that would answer this can be requested: Port of Johnstown 2025 budget, actual results and staffing, with wording you can copy.
Schedule 5, Segmented Disclosure, Port of Johnstown column, 2025: revenue 10,278,758 (2024: 11,791,912); "Wages and benefits" 4,063,834 (2024: 3,068,021); total expenses 8,198,199 (2024: 6,548,358); "Amortization" 2,052,929 (2024: 1,757,918). The same schedule shows property taxes of 7,329,405 for all segments in 2025.
Consolidated Financial Statements, December 31, 2025 · Schedule 5, Consolidated Schedule of Segmented Disclosure, schedule pages 9 and 10 (PDF pages 14 and 15)
Note 3, summary information for the Port of Johnstown: "Total revenue" 10,847,705 (2024: 12,319,077); "Total expenses" 8,201,254 (2024: 6,548,358); "Municipality administration fees" (1,000,000) in both years; "Annual surplus" 1,646,451 (2024: 4,770,719). "The Port of Johnstown distributed income of $2,200,000 to the Township during the year, which was eliminated upon consolidation of these financial statements." The 2024 table in the same note shows dividends received from the Port as "-".
Consolidated Financial Statements, December 31, 2025 · Note 3, Investments in government units and government business enterprises, note pages 15 and 17 (PDF pages 20 and 22)
Note 7, Asset retirement obligations: the obligations include "the Port of Johnstown's future decommission of the salt retention pond and the removal of asbestos from its buildings". Total 1,353,673 (2024: 1,342,391).
Consolidated Financial Statements, December 31, 2025 · Note 7, Asset retirement obligations, note page 19 (PDF page 24)
The "Other Revenues" line (2025 council-approved budget (2,483,274), 2025 actual (2,465,088.76)) carries the Township's note "Decrease of anticipated Port Dividend". The "Transfer to Capital Reserves" line carries the note "Less tranfer from Port Dividend anticipated" (spelling as printed).
2026 Final Approved Budget (budget book) · Page 1, Operating Revenues, "Other Revenues" row, and Capital Expenses, "Transfer to Capital Reserves" row, notes column
$9,097,292wages and benefits in 2025, up from $7,551,708 in 2024
The statements show wages and benefits of $9,097,292 for 2025, against $7,551,708 in 2024. That is an increase of about $1.55 million, or about 20% (worked out by us). The 2025 budget in the statements was $8,983,658. Most of the rise, about $996,000 (worked out by us), is at the Port, whose wages and benefits went from $3,068,021 to $4,063,834. In the Township's own budget book, salaries and benefits came in at $4,297,088.71 against a council-approved budget of $4,082,181. The Township's contribution to the OMERS pension plan rose from $462,281 to $571,798. The Township has said one reason: its 2025 budget book noted that salaries and benefits included a "one-time increase of compensation review".
Wages are the largest cost in the budget, and they repeat every year. A rise that is built into the base is paid for by taxpayers in every later year. Residents may want to know how much of the 2025 rise was one-time and how much is permanent.
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 Edwardsburgh-Cardinal? Send us your answer and we will publish it with this question.
Note 10, Operating expenses by object: "Wages and benefits" 2025 budget 8,983,658, actual 9,097,292, 2024 actual 7,551,708.
Consolidated Financial Statements, December 31, 2025 · Note 10, Operating expenses by object, note page 20 (PDF page 25)
Schedule 5, Port of Johnstown column: "Wages and benefits" 4,063,834 in 2025 and 3,068,021 in 2024.
Consolidated Financial Statements, December 31, 2025 · Schedule 5, Consolidated Schedule of Segmented Disclosure, schedule pages 9 and 10 (PDF pages 14 and 15)
Note 8, Pension agreements: "The employer's amount contributed to OMERS for 2025 was $571,798 (2024 - $462,281) for current service and is included as an expense".
Consolidated Financial Statements, December 31, 2025 · Note 8, Pension agreements, note page 19 (PDF page 24)
"Salaries & Benefits": 2025 actual 4,297,088.71, 2025 council-approved budget 4,082,181, 2024 actual 3,739,660.27.
2026 Final Approved Budget (budget book) · Page 1, Operating Expenses, "Salaries & Benefits" row
The note beside the "Salaries & Benefits" line in the 2025 budget book reads "Includes one-time increase of compensation review". Its 2024 council-approved budget for the line is 3,635,933.
2025 Final Approved Budget (budget book) · Page 1, Operating Expenses, "Salaries & Benefits" row, notes column
$11,953,173current liabilities of Rideau St. Lawrence Holdings at the end of 2025, up from $6,275,441
The Township owns 11.92% of Rideau St. Lawrence Holdings Inc., a company the statements call a government business enterprise (a publicly owned business). The statements show a long-term receivable of $225,000 owed by the company to the Township, at 3.72% interest. The statements say it "has no specific terms of repayment, and is unsecured". They also show that the company's long-term debt was $3,109,222 at the end of 2024 and nothing at the end of 2025, while its current liabilities (what it owes within a year) rose from $6,275,441 to $11,953,173. The Township's investment in it is $757,036.
A loan with no repayment schedule and no security is a risk if the company runs into trouble. A jump in what a company owes within a year is usually a sign that debt is coming due. The Township's share is small, but the loan to the company is the Township's money, and residents may want to know the plan for 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 Edwardsburgh-Cardinal? Send us your answer and we will publish it with this question.
The records that would answer this can be requested: Loan to Rideau St. Lawrence Holdings Inc., with wording you can copy.
Note 2, Long-term receivable: "The long-term receivable is due from Rideau St. Lawrence Holdings Inc., bears interest at 3.72% (2024 - 3.72%), paid quarterly, has no specific terms of repayment, and is unsecured." Statement of Financial Position: "Long-term receivable (Note 2)" 225,000 in both years; "Investment in Rideau St. Lawrence Holdings Inc." 757,036 (2024: 731,372).
Consolidated Financial Statements, December 31, 2025 · Note 2, note page 15 (PDF page 20); Consolidated Statement of Financial Position, statement page 1 (PDF page 6)
Note 3, summary information for RSL Holdings Inc.: "Current liabilities" 11,953,173 (2024: 6,275,441); "Long-term debt" - (2024: 3,109,222); "Total assets" 21,497,692; "Net income" 270,389 (2024: 474,920); "Dividends" (170,000). The Township's share is shown as 11.92%.
Consolidated Financial Statements, December 31, 2025 · Note 3, Investments in government units and government business enterprises, note pages 15 and 16 (PDF pages 20 and 21)
$1,345,830swing in the Industrial Park reserve fund in 2025, from a deficit of $378,282 to $967,548 (worked out by us)
A reserve fund is money set aside for a purpose. The Township's schedule of accumulated surplus lists its funds at the end of 2025 and 2024. The Industrial Park reserve fund was in deficit by $378,282 at the end of 2024 and held $967,548 at the end of 2025. A fund called "GIC investment" held $1,320,727 at the end of 2024 and nothing at the end of 2025. The Cardinal Hydro reserve fund went from $214,564 to $9,409. Total reserves and reserve funds were almost unchanged, $6,371,260 against $6,486,941.
A reserve fund in deficit means it spent money it did not yet have, which is a loan from another pot. Funds that empty out in one year without a note leave residents unable to tell what the money was for. The schedule does not explain these moves.
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 Edwardsburgh-Cardinal? Send us your answer and we will publish it with this question.
Schedule 3, Reserve funds: "Industrial park" 967,548 (2024: (378,282)); "GIC investment" - (2024: 1,320,727); "Cardinal Hydro" 9,409 (2024: 214,564). "Total reserves and reserve funds" 6,371,260 (2024: 6,486,941).
Consolidated Financial Statements, December 31, 2025 · Schedule 3, Consolidated Schedule of Accumulated Surplus, schedule page 7 (PDF page 12)
$1,218,385in the Water and sewer reserve fund at the end of 2025, down from $1,610,945
The statements say the water and wastewater operations had a net surplus of $141,629 in 2025, after a deficit of $299,351 in 2024. The Water and sewer reserve fund fell from $1,610,945 to $1,218,385, a drop of $392,560 (worked out by us). The Environmental segment, which includes water, sewer and waste, took in $2,053,014 in fees and service charges and recorded $500,757 of amortization (the yearly charge for wear on pipes and plants) in 2025.
Water and sewer systems are paid for by user charges, and pipes and plants wear out and must be replaced. If the reserve is shrinking, residents may want to know whether rates are set to cover replacement as well as day-to-day costs.
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 Edwardsburgh-Cardinal? Send us your answer and we will publish it with this question.
Note 11: "The water and wastewater operations' net surplus for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2025 was $141,629 (2024 - deficit of $299,351)".
Consolidated Financial Statements, December 31, 2025 · Note 11, Operating and water and wastewater operations surpluses and deficits, note page 20 (PDF page 25)
Schedule 3, Reserve funds: "Water and sewer" 1,218,385 (2024: 1,610,945).
Consolidated Financial Statements, December 31, 2025 · Schedule 3, Consolidated Schedule of Accumulated Surplus, schedule page 7 (PDF page 12)
Schedule 5, Environmental segment, 2025: "Fees and service charges" 2,053,014; "Amortization" 500,757; total expenses 3,068,826.
Consolidated Financial Statements, December 31, 2025 · Schedule 5, Consolidated Schedule of Segmented Disclosure, schedule page 9 (PDF page 14)
Under section 284 of the Municipal Act, 2001, a municipality's treasurer prepares a yearly statement of what each member of council was paid and what expenses were paid for them. As of October 5, 2026, the Township's Council page lists reports for 2018 to 2024 and none for 2025. We did not look beyond that page, so a 2025 statement may exist elsewhere, for instance in a council agenda.
Council pay is public money, and the statement is how residents can see it. Voters go to the polls on October 26, 2026, so a missing statement is most useful to have before then.
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 Edwardsburgh-Cardinal? Send us your answer and we will publish it with this question.
Council page: "You can view reports of Council remuneration and expenses, which we document in quarterly reports that are finalized on December 31 of that year", followed by links titled 2024, 2023, 2022, 2021, 2020, 2019 and 2018. No 2025 link is listed.
Council, Township of Edwardsburgh Cardinal · "Remuneration and expenses" section, page read October 5, 2026