The Durham Regional Council has approved 2025 Property Tax Supported Business Plans and Budget Guideline which provides an overall property tax increase cap of 4.9 per cent for 2025.
Durham Region’s property tax increase has been on the high side compared to the other municipalities in the region in recent years. It was raised by 5.2 per cent in 2023. The region hiked property tax by a whopping 7.5 per cent, and water and sewer charges by 7.4 per cent for 2024 (see below). It was the highest announced 2024 increase among any of the region’s municipalities. It had also raised waste facilities user fees.
The approval, on September 25, includes a budget increase of 9.25 per cent for the Durham Regional Police Services Board, 2.50 per cent for conservation authorities and 5.96 percent for all other regional programs and services including transit, paramedics, housing, long-term care, social services, roads and bridges and public health programs, said a region statement.
The DRPS is receiving a new police helicopter by way of a provincial grant.
As the region accounts for 53 per cent of Durham residents’ total property tax bill on average, the approved guideline of 4.9 per cent translates to an approximate 2.5 per cent increase in the overall property tax bill. This is equal to an annual increase of approximately $163 for an average residential property owner in Durham Region, said the statement.
This tax levy guideline supports increased investments in critical frontline core service areas including police, transit, paramedics, housing and homelessness support programs, and maintenance and renewal of the region’s road and bridge infrastructure.
Financial Challenges
“The Region of Durham is facing significant financial challenges similar to those faced in other municipalities across the province, reinforcing the need to review the funding model between the provincial, federal and municipal governments. The guideline is an important first step in the annual budget process providing guidance to finalize the 2025 Business Plans and Budget submission for Regional Council’s consideration in December,” the statement said.
The next critical part of this process is to invite residents to help shape the 2025 Budget. ABudget Town Hall isscheduled for October 10 at 6:30 pm. Register for the Town Hall, watch the event live and subscribe for updates at yourvoice.durham.ca/DurhamBudget.