It appears that the $50 million upgrade planned for Tribute Communities Centre (TTC) in Oshawa is not going to be without a tax burden on residents as has been regularly claimed by the city (see below).
The upgrade repayment costs, combined with the original construction cost debt, adds up to over $200 million in property taxes across half a century to fund the TTC, said a city councillor.
On 23 March, the City of Oshawa Council enacted a by-law for the issue of $20 million worth of debentures by the Regional Municipality of Durham for a term of 30 years on behalf of Oshawa.
“That the money required to repay the principal and interest obligations in respect of the debentures be raised by a tax levy in accordance to the act,” said the minutes of the council meeting.
Councillor Confirms Tax Levy
Derek Giberson, City Councillor, too, has confirmed the tax levy. He is also chair of the city’s corporate and finance services committee.
“To ensure absolute clarity, the majority of the upcoming $50 million cost of the upgrades to the TTC will be paid by property taxes – not private investors, not the partners in the extension agreement, and not anticipated increases in revenues,” he said.
“Once interest is factored into payments, we anticipate paying at least $90 million over 30 years,” he pointed out.
“The debt is carried by the city, and ultimately, all payments come directly from Oshawa’s tax base,” he added.
City’s No-Tax Claim
As previously – and as late as last week – the city, in an announcement, continued to say: “The modernization will not impact the city’s tax rate. Funding will be sourced through the new agreements with the Oshawa Generals and OVG, the Municipal Accommodation Tax, and additional seat revenue.”
The $20 million debenture issue is to finance the first phase of the Tribute Communities Centre upgrade, which is scheduled to start in spring of this year.
Paying Off Original 2006 Construction Debt
Councillor Giberson said he had raised concerns that “went largely unheeded” about the tax levy in 2025.
“We are on the cusp of paying off the original 2006 construction debt on the building. With these new upgrades, we will continue to pay about the same amount each year with a new 30-year repayment schedule, rather than finally freeing up those annual funds for other important needs.
“Combined, it adds up to over $200 million in property taxes across half a century to fund this arena,” the councillor pointed out.
“I believe in the utmost importance of transparency. As the chair of the city’s corporate and finance services committee, I do not take my responsibility to good fiscal stewardship lightly. People in Oshawa work hard for their money and deserve clear financial information on how their tax dollars are being spent,” Councillor Giberson added.
$50 Million Modernization
On 11 April 2025, city council approved the renovation project to modernize the Tribute Communities Centre at an approximate cost of $50 million.
The council also approved that the first phase of construction on the modernization project will commence in
2026 and required funding estimated at $20 million.
The meeting had also authorized staff staff to work with the Region of Durham to secure the required debt financing.
Earlier Story
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