Pickering Council recently passed what it says is the second-lowest budget levy increase in 20 years.
It did not provide a figure for the overall increase in a resident’s tax bill, but said the city portion of the tax has gone up by 1.79 per cent.
The city is the only one among Durham municipalities which has not specifically announced an overall tax increase so far.
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Announced 2022 Durham Tax Increases
3.89% – Uxbridge
2.6% – Durham Region
2.31% – Ajax
2% – Scugog
2.2% – Whitby
1.99% – Clarington
1.85% – Oshawa
1.79% – Pickering (own)
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This balanced approach keeps the budget lean while maintaining the service, program, and infrastructure needs of the community. View the 2022 Budget documents and user fees(External link), said a city statement.
- Pickering Council passed a capital budget of $46.6 million and a current budget of $74 million;
- Pickering had the lowest tax increase among Durham municipalities;
- Pickering residents will see a 1.79 per cent increase on the city portion of the tax bill; and
- The average Pickering homeowner can expect to pay an extra $31.32 this year in the city’s share of property taxes. This is based on a $530,000 home (the typical residential property assessment in Pickering, according to the Municipal Property Assessment Corporation).
Budget Highlights
- An increase for the Pickering Seniors Property Tax Grant to provide further financial relief to seniors who are challenged with the rising cost of living;
- Four additional firefighters to staff the new Seaton Fire Hall;
- The development of a new corporate-wide Digital Readiness Assessment and Service Modernization Strategy to prepare the city’s online services for enhanced eCommerce and integration with the City’s financial management software;
- The implementation of a new paid parking program at the city’s waterfront, with dedicated By-law enforcement, to address the parking demands;
- Accessible playground upgrades at Progress Frenchman’s Bay East, St. Mary Park, Forestbrook Park, and Southcott Park;
- The construction of three additional natural outdoor ice rinks in Pickering for families to enjoy in the winter months. This will bring Pickering’s total of natural ice surfaces to seven;
- The construction of the new Animal Shelter to replace the existing aging facility which has limited capacity to care for animals in need; and
- The construction of a shade structure, public art, and contemplation space in Esplanade Park – a beloved gathering place for residents of all ages.
Where Your Tax Dollars Go?
- 14.37% of your tax dollars goes to the Boards of Education
- 55.27% of your tax dollars goes to the Region of Durham
- 30.57% of your tax dollars goes to the City of Pickering
Exploring Funding Sources
While property taxes are the City of Pickering’s main source of revenue, it seeks out other funding opportunities to help relieve the residential tax load.
This includes:
- Actively seeking and applying for eligible funding and grant programs from both the Federal and Provincial governments;
- Naming rights partnerships; and
- Municipal Contribution Agreement with Ontario Lottery Gaming Corporation, in which it receives revenues for hosting the Pickering Casino Resort. Pickering has received about $5.4 million in non-tax gaming revenue to date.