The capital budget is being funded through a $472,800 contribution from the levy and a $2,144,400 contribution from reserves and reserve fund, tallying capital expenditures for 42 projects to $2,540,400.

The capital budget represents about $18.43 of a $333.40 tax bill based on a property assessed at $100,000 or about 1.78 per cent of the levy.

Despite the sizable capital investment, a number of projects were not recommended for consideration in 2008.

The reconstruction and resurfacing of James Street will not be completed in 2008 after a funding application was not successful. The reconstruction of Musquash Road, Talisman Drive, David Street from Third to Sixth streets, and the sidewalk extension at Muskoka Wharf have been postponed, as well as the construction of public washrooms in the downtown core.

The epoxy floor covering at Gravenhurst Fire Department’s Station 1, a reference desk for the library, replacement of the Centennial Centre scoreboard and cemetery columbarium have also been deferred.

Additionally, accessibility projects including the $10,000 accessibility reserve contribution and improvements at town office have been shelved, as well as the purchase of an aerial fire truck and new fire station.

On the schedule to be completed this year is nearly $300,000 in road work, including the reconstruction of Old Portage Road, Phillip Street from First Street to Bethune Drive, South Bay Road, Sparrow Lake Route D and South Kahshe Lake Road. Bridge repair is budgeted at $28,500, slurry seal at $265,000, and the reconstruction of the gateway arch at $234,000, while $22,000 will be spent on a uniform speed limit and traffic signage initiative and $45,000 will pay for stoplights at James Street and Muskoka Road South.

Several improvements are also slated for the Centennial Centre totalling $269,100, as well as an emergency generator for the arena at a cost of $130,000. An additional $100,000 has been set aside as a contribution to digital imaging equipment for Muskoka Algonquin Healthcare at the new medical centre.

Also budgeted in the capital program is a new fire tanker at $270,000, the replacement of two half-ton pickup trucks for $58,500, cab and chassis for $115,000, single axle truck for $185,000, as well as building department vehicle requirements at $32,000.

Another $30,000 has been earmarked for capital improvements to Gull Lake Park, $8,000 for the redevelopment of Franklin Park, $25,000 to complete the parks building, and $10,000 for repairs to the Barge in Gull Lake Park.

The development of a sign bylaw has been budgeted at $10,000, a development charges study at $15,000, new zoning bylaw at $60,000 and upgrades and improvements to the town’s GIS at $28,500.

Phase two of the Muskoka Road streetscape from James Street to Winewood Avenue will be completed only if grant funding is approved. The purchase of the Simcoe Muskoka District Health Unit building will be funded through issuing debentures.

In 2006, council approved a tax-supported capital budget of $120,774 and $1.6 million from reserves and reserve funds. In 2007 council passed a tax-supported capital budget of $325,900 and $1.95 million from reserves.