Lévis: a “conservative” and smaller PQI

The five-year capital expenditure program (PQI) 2025-2029 for the City of Lévis totals $662 million, or $123 million less than last year. The adoption of a financial framework in June partly explains this notable decline.

“We take into account the financial framework which establishes borrowing targets which are more prudent. This PQI is focused on caution,” explained the mayor of Lévis, Gilles Lehouillier, saying that the new PQI is “as conservative” as that of last year.

The drop in the total PQI is also explained by the fact that most of the amounts for the police headquarters have already been disbursed. Ditto for a good part of the investments in the renovation of Guillaume-Couture Boulevard. “We have less pressure on the PQI,” added the mayor.

For the new police headquarters, located at the intersection of Boulevard Guillaume-Couture and Chemin du Sault, in the Saint-Romuald sector, the Lehouillier administration maintained that the latest budget of $74.7 million, communicated in 2023, has been respected. However, delivery will take place in April 2025, instead of fall 2024, when all the equipment will be installed in this “state-of-the-art” equipment, in the words of the mayor.

In accordance with its financial framework, Lévis says it is continuing its cash payment efforts ($133 million over five years) with a minimum annual threshold of $13.5 million. On the debt side, the City ensures that it fully complies with its financial framework. It hopes to increase its debt-to-income ratio from 151% currently to 130% in 2029.

Infrastructures

More than half of the investments ($341 million) in this PQI are dedicated to the sustainability of municipal infrastructure. This is 52% of the PQI, a record percentage. Of this sum, significant amounts will go towards investments in water assets. Some $271 million is allocated to growth and improvement of services (41% of the PQI) compared to $33 million dedicated to the quality of life component.

“The investments planned for the next five years will give us the means to meet the growing needs of our community,” said Mayor Lehouillier.

Let’s rethink Lévis opposes

The two opposition elected officials from Repensons Lévis announced that they will vote against this PQI, during the municipal council late Monday morning, because it would not respect the financial framework, according to them.

“The financial framework speaks of a necessary investment of $18 million per year in repairing paving, curbs and sidewalks. However, we are going down to $6 million this year. This is a very clear reduction compared to 2024 when we invested $14 million. This indicates a catch-up to come. It doesn’t seem responsible to us,” lamented municipal councilor Serge Bonin.

Note, however, that the data communicated by Repensons Lévis was strongly contested by Mayor Lehouillier.

Furthermore, a public work session will take place on November 27 in Lévis to present the 2025 budget as proposed by the city administration. The 2025 budget of the City of Lévis will be formally tabled on Monday, December 9.

Highlights of the PQI 2025 -2029

• Sustainability of water assets: $162.5 million
• Increase in water asset capacity: $157.5 million
• Development of reserved lanes on Guillaume-Couture Boulevard: $65.1 million
• Repair of paving, sidewalks and curbs: $52 million
• Replacement of vehicles and machinery: $22.8 million
• Modernization of equipment and buildings dedicated to public safety: $17.3 million

Source: City of Lévis