Another big tax increase could potentially be on the way

“The likelihood of that (enhancements being implemented) is really up to the will of council. It will really depend on what individual councilors have heard, the feedback we’ve received, how each of us interprets the consultation results. It’s such a moving target right now. It’s really hard to say,” Ramsay said, on the likelihood of enhancements and tax increases being implemented.

Ramsay acknowledges that tax increases are never popular, saying she herself sees the impacts as a property owner, but she adds this is the City trying to play catchup from a 0% increase several years ago, and the potential tax increase would also go into upgrading several facilities.

“That 6.55 does include 1% set aside for our future infrastructure needs and our infrastructure reinvestment. So one of the pieces in the engagement session that did come out very clear, was that infrastructure needs are of a really high priority to the residents right now. I think we can see that we have a number of buildings that are reaching the end of their life where they need a significant amount of asset renewal. We’re seeing this with the aquatic center, for instance. So I think residents are really tuned in to that fact,” Ramsay said.

While there is a significant amount of discussion to come before a decision made, any tax change, should one be made, would come into effect in May, 2025.

Local news. Delivered. Free. Subscribe to our daily news wrap and get our top local stories delivered to your inbox every evening.

by Tommy Osborne

Another big tax increase could potentially be on the way

What's Trending