The Region of Durham yesterday issued a clarification after Regional Councillor Chris Leahy said the new revolving entrance at the regional headquarter in Whitby is a “doorway to higher taxes” having cost up to $1 million.
“This information requires clarification,” said a region statement.
“We are required to ensure regional facilities are safe and in good working order for staff and visitors. The building’s existing sliding door system was reaching the end of its 20-year life expectancy. The doors were a constant source of energy loss during extreme temperatures and presented health and safety concerns in a high-traffic area,” the region said.
It said with $403,000 in funding from the federal Investing in Canada Infrastructure Program, the region reallocated $249,000 in funds from an existing capital maintenance project and matched with $249,000 in additional financing to replace the entire sliding door system using a transparent request for proposals process. The new system, including two accessible swing doors, HVAC and security features, was installed in 2024 to reduce operating costs and improve energy efficiency, traffic flow and security.
“We are committed to operating and maintaining regional facilities in an efficient and cost-effective manner—providing a safe building for staff and visitors,” the region concluded.
The Region of Durham statement did not clarify the source of the additional $249,000 financing nor stated whether it will come from the tax pool or not.
Doorway to Higher Taxes
Regional Councillor Chris Leahy said staff revealed the true cost of the new revolving door that was installed at Durham Regional Council Headquarters in Whitby. Leahy said he was told that the revolving door and two side doors came in just under $1 million dollars.
“The headquarters is a place for the administration of regional government. It’s a place for policy. It’s a place for politics. It should not be a palace paid for by taxpayers,” said Leahy in a statement. “This is a doorway to higher taxes.
“I believe my role as a councillor is to be a watchdog for the taxpayers of Whitby and Durham Region. Right now, I am barking loudly. I will be asking that a value-for-money audit be conducted,” added Leahy, a three-term councillor.
High Tax Rate
Leahy said this year council has embarked on a budget process which includes a property tax increase target of 6.5 per cent. After expenses like the revolving door, I can not in good conscious support any tax hikes.”
“If Durham Region Council passes a 6.5 per cent tax hike for 2026, that would mean a 21.5 per cent compounded hike over the last three years on the regional portion of the property tax bill. That’s too high. That’s too fast. And it will financially hurt too many people.”
Tax hikes by the Region of Durham have consistently been among the highest across all eight Durham municipalities over the past couple of years despite setting lower caps (see below).
Related Stories
You May Also Wish To Read
Passenger in life-threatening condition after left-turn crash
I wish my pension would rise 7.4%, to cover Durham Regions tax hike!