Strategic objectives met as Bathurst records 2025 surplus
Bathurst completed its 2025 financial exercise with a surplus of just over $1 million dollars. The audited financial statements for 2025 were presented to City Council at its regular public meeting on Monday evening.
The 2025 General Fund (operational) presented a $706,418 surplus, while the Utility Fund (Water and Sewer services) also recorded a $ 343,562 surplus. Combined, this makes for an overall surplus of $1,049,981 for the 2025 fiscal year.
“The results show that the initial objectives identified during the 2025 budget were met, including having operations where we maximize efficiencies, optimize opportunities, while being sustainable. The results reflect judicious decisions on behalf of all departments”, said Treasurer Sonia Gauvin.
The city continued on its sound fiscal management efforts while accomplishing many strategic objectives:
- Housing Development: $1.6 M in incentives were invested, double the budgeted $780,000, generating $366,00 in building permit revenues and creating more accessible housing (Housing Accelerator Fund);
- Healthy Community: The city acquired the Bathurst Aquatic Center and now has fully consolidated its operations, enabling support from various departments. The Tourism Accommodation Levy collected $289k, with $133k disbursed as tourism grants and $154k invested in new initiatives;
- Transportation: The Flex Go transit services began their operations in January 2026, with preparations done in 2025. In addition, a grant of $332k was provided to the Bathurst Regional Airport in support of its revitalization efforts, securing continued air passenger services to Montreal with Propair;
- Corporate Branding: To reflect Bathurst’s new boundaries, a full branding exercise was budgeted. Most of the work was done in 2025, with the launch in March 2026;
- Capital Investments: Continued increase in investments where many new investments are paid cash ($3.13M) out of a total of $3.8M. $561k were also transferred to the reserve to enable additional capital cash investments within the 2026 budget;
- Stabilizing the Utility Fund: After incurring deficits for many years, the utility fund is in surplus position in 2025. The rates are also reflective of an operational breakeven. The surplus shown is related to unexpected additional revenues from Belle-Baie matched with accounting year end entries. This means the rates are reflective of the true operational cost for 2025 and is a starting point for a stable utility fund.
GENERAL FUND
Statements show expenses were below budgeted amounts in several areas, with savings in salaries ($218,779), snow and ice removal ($550,949), various fuels ($150,646), human resources ($190,765), insurance ($54,813), waste management ($56,403), travel ($52,469), training ($41,232), and other various savings of $ 165,066.
Revenue increases over budgeted amounts were recorded with the Housing Accelerator Fund ($831,597), the Aquatic Center ($578,858), the K.C. Irving Regional Centre ($250,003), 911 services ($182,419), building permits ($65,838), Worksafe refunds ($89,919), The Tourism Accommodation Levy ($39,432), police training and operations ($121,048).
UTILITY FUND
There were noted financial improvements in Utility operations in 2025, namely with $459,768 in additional revenues. With additional expenses of $115,830, the Utility Fund had a $343,830 surplus.
CONTINUED DEBT PAYMENT
The City reduced its net debt by another $ 2,041,691 in 2025. This makes for total debt reduction of $21.4 million or 57% since 2017, from $37,795,089 to $16,428,543.
“We commend all our personnel for their all-around performance, whether it be enhanced approaches in our day-to-day operations, constant efforts in efficiencies and budget mindfulness. There is a positive culture towards continued financial and operational improvement within the corporation, one that is strongly felt. Every contribution is a building block for the City’s positive standing, and we thank our staff for their outstanding efforts” said Mayor Kim Chamberlain.