Oost Referendum on Local Levy Sets City Alongside Regional Peers on Infrastructure

The September 10 referendum asks Oost voters to approve a new local levy on residential and commercial properties to fund road and bridge maintenance. The measure applies to every ratepayer within the municipal boundaries and would take effect with the 2027 fiscal year.

The vote follows adjustments to the regional infrastructure grant program announced by the provincial government in June. Those changes reduced the share of central funding available for routine maintenance, prompting several municipalities to seek local revenue tools through referendums.

How Oost Aligns With Neighboring Municipalities

Under the same provincial rules, Westburg approved an equivalent levy in 2024 and now directs those proceeds to resurfacing contracts let through the regional public works office. Noordstad and Zuidhaven passed parallel measures in 2025, each directing funds to bridge inspections scheduled on the provincial priority list. Oost officials have stated that adoption would place the city on the same funding schedule used by those three municipalities.

Local residents would see the levy appear as a separate line on annual property tax notices issued by the municipal finance department. The legislation states the rate would be calculated annually against assessed values recorded in the 2026 property roll, with proceeds transferred directly to the roads capital account rather than the general operating budget.

Next Steps for Voters and Implementation

Ballot materials will be mailed to all registered addresses by August 15. If approved, the first collections would begin with the January 2027 tax cycle and cover projects already listed in the municipal five-year capital plan. The city clerk has scheduled two public information sessions at the main library branch on July 22 and July 29 to review the exact wording and revenue projections contained in the enabling bylaw.