The city is projecting it will spend more than three times what it did last year in travel costs.
In 2024, the municipality only spent about $6,000. This year, it projects to spend about $21,000.
The reason for the increase is that the city spent its accumulated travel credits last year, according to Abby Schelew, a communications advisor with the city. The municipality had backed up travel credits from trips that had been cancelled in previous years and it needed to be used up.
Travel credits are cash credits that come from various airlines, Schelew explained, due to cancelled business trips. During COVID, for example, the city had a number of conferences scheduled for council, but since travel was not always possible the city got credits to be used at a later date, said Schelew.
"In addition to using travel credits to cover 2024 travel expenses, other funding pots became available throughout last year, covering travel costs. Any unused travel funds from 2024 remain in the general fund," Schelew explained.
A council document from Jan. 27 indicates that the city has budgeted $30,000 — the same amount as the year prior — in travel costs. Costs per trip range between $350 and $6,400.
The most expensive trip on the city's list this year is happening in Ottawa. It's the Federation of Canadian Municipalities annual conference, a chance for municipal governments to network and give presentations about themselves and their challenges.
To register will cost $1,250. Accommodations are $250 a night, for five nights, and airfare is $1,500. Various other expenses drive up the cost to a total of approximately $6,400. Only one councillor is slated to go, according to the city's cost estimates.
The second most expensive trip is for the Canadian Alliance to End Homelessness, happening in Montreal. According to the city, only one councillor will be going to that event as well, and the total cost for that four-night trip is pencilled in at a little more than $5,000.
For the remaining $9,000, those funds will go towards any additional opportunities that arise this year, said Schelew.
