ABERFOYLE – The soon-to-launch asset management system is writ large throughout Puslinch Township’s 2026 proposed capital budget.
Staff presented the draft budget to council on Oct. 22.
Several times throughout the year, council directed staff to bolster the asset management reserve, “and to identify opportunities to defer, reduce or eliminate projects to better align with long-term asset management and financial planning objectives,” according to a proposed capital budget report presented by treasurer Mary Hasan.
The township has been preparing to launch its asset management system, which in simple terms is an accounting sort of way to list all of the township’s assets, measure and track their physical condition, and financially plan for eventual repairs and replacements. The system also helps prioritize capital projects.
Asset management and budgeting are closely integrated in the system, which is expected to streamline the budget process.
The asset management system is to be fully implemented next year. Staff have also been updating the plan and policy, and since 2024 council and staff have been building an asset management reserve fund.
“Asset management is important because it enables … the township to make informed, strategic decisions about … critical infrastructure – from acquisition to disposal,” Hasan stated in a follow-up email after the meeting.
“It helps maximize value and efficiency by optimizing asset replacement, maintenance and operations, reducing risk, and supporting long-term financial sustainability.”
In the report Hasan says it will cost another $40,000 in 2026 to get the asset management plan fully running. She recommends funding the cost from the asset management reserve and development charges.
She also recommends taxpayers fund $1.5 million of the capital budget – $7,000 to purchase radar speed signs and the rest for contributions to reserves for asset management, administrative studies, corporate information technology and gravel road improvements.
The asset management reserve currently sits at $4.4 million, which is within the recommended target range.
The asset management system wasn’t all that council talked about. Three roads are proposed to be repaved in 2026:
– Victoria Road South between Leslie Road West and Wellington Road 36;
– Victoria Road South between Leslie Road West and Flamborough-Puslinch Townline; and
– Concession 2 between Sideroad 10 South and Wellington Road 35.
Three gravel roads in the same vicinity are to be paved:
– Carter Road from Arkell Road (Wellington Road 37) to Cooks Mill Road;
– Farham Road from Arkell Road to Carter Road; and
– Cooks Mill Road from Carter Road to the bridge.
Several residents on Sideroad 10 wrote to council imploring it to pave the road due to heavy traffic, heavy dust and ruts they call dangerous.
Earlier in the year council decided the three roads in Arkell should be paved first. Sideroad 10 is on the list for 2028.
Sideroad 10 South will get more dust suppression treatments though, which will impact the operating budget by $30,000 and allay some resident concerns.
“We want residents to know this,” said Mayor James Seeley.
As well as road work, the capital budget includes administrative studies, a fire master plan, a recreation and parks master plan and a transportation master plan.
Council members will receive township-issued cell phones to improve security and privacy. And the Puslinch Community Centre will see the bar area revamped.
The total proposed capital budget is $5.3 million with $1.5 million to be covered by property taxes. The balance will be covered through grants, development charges and reserves.
Council did not approve the capital budget but made suggestions to tweak reserve contributions and asked staff for more information on some of the items.
The capital and operating budgets will both return to council at a future date.
