A Special Whitby Council meeting on Thursday night approved the town’s 2024 budget, which shows a 4.4 per cent budget increase.
It reflects an estimated 1.5 per cent residential bill increase to support town services like waste collection, snow clearing and parks maintenance, said a town statement.
It said the town’s $175 million operating budget will support the continued delivery of the town’s programs and services including fire services, waste collection, parks and trails, maintenance of roads and community facilities, recreation, libraries, and many other important services. The budget also includes $84 million in capital investments like:
- Playground and accessibility improvements at three locations: Vipond, Sato, and College Downs Parks;
- Park improvements, including a new cricket pitch at Jeffery Park, renovated basketball court at Baycliffe Park, splashpad surface replacement at Cachet Park, and playground surface replacement at Oceanpearl Park;
- Continued construction of the Whitby Sports Complex;
- Waterfront Trail improvements around Corbett Creek, including pedestrian bridge and boardwalk replacement and trail widening;
- New and improved multi-use path and cycling connections; and,
- Environmental sustainability investments that will reduce the town’s net greenhouse gas emissions, including new electric vehicle charging stations.
“Economic pressures like rising inflation and continued growth, made this a challenging budget. Council listened to feedback from the community and we’re investing in what matters most to residents. Things like green spaces, facilities, safety on our streets and service essentials,” said Mayor Elizabeth Roy.
“This includes the acquisition of land for a new fire station and recruitment of new firefighters; improvements to parks, playgrounds, and trails; and continued work on the Mid-Arterial Roadway, which will open employment lands for development and create local jobs. The budget also plans for growth and builds a strong foundation for the coming years. I’m grateful to work together with councillors and staff who care deeply about making the right investments, now and for the future.”
Quick Facts
- Only 9 per cent of all taxes the average household pays are property taxes and 3 per cent of the taxes you pay go to the Town of Whitby.
- The town’s portion of the total residential property tax bill is 35 per cent. The town is also responsible for collecting property taxes on behalf of the Region of Durham and the School Boards.
- During the development of the 2024 budget, staff identified $0.6 million of budget savings and $0.2 million in user fee increases to mitigate the 2024 property tax impact.
- Whitby remains mid-range for the local taxes paid on a home assessed at $503,000 among Durham lakeshore municipalities.
- The town’s tax rebate program to support low-income seniors and low-income homeowners with disabilities will increase to $500 this year. Learn more about how to apply.
- The town’s 2024 budget engagement site saw over 11,000 visitors. The approved budget considered community feedback through the town’s Citizen Budget Tool. Top priorities included the continued revitalization of Whitby’s downtowns, more green spaces, and the enhancement of the town’s indoor and outdoor facilities.
You May Also Want To Read
Durham Opioid Crisis: 127 suspected overdose calls in 42 days
12-year old held with loaded gun after Snapchat threat video
Proposed changes to Hunt Street Extension now open to public