Whitby Council has approved the town’s 2023 Budget, wrapping up the 2023 budget process.
The approved budget will result in a 5.8 per cent town increase or an estimated 2 per cent increase on the overall residential bill for town services, said a town statement.
In 2022, town saw a 2.2 per cent tax increase.
Oshawa has approved a 4.98 per cent increase, and Clarington 4.06 per cent while the Durham Region proposes a 5 per cent cap on property tax increase.
It said this represents an increase of just over 31 cents per day, per household. (Approximately 31 cents per day (or $115 per year) is based on the 2022 average Whitby residential assessment value of $503,000 as determined by the Municipal Property Assessment Corporation).
This budget focuses on maintaining the town’s essential service delivery and existing infrastructure, while planning for growth, the statement said.
It said the town’s $165 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 $185 million in capital investments like:
- playground and accessibility improvements at seven (7) locations, including Rotary and Powell Parks,
- park improvements (enhanced seating options, pathways, and gazebo) at Grass Park
- environmental sustainability investments that will reduce the Town’s net Greenhouse Gas emissions,
- new and improved multi-use path and cycling connections,
- 11 kilometres of road resurfacing, including on Burns Street West (from Annes to Brock Street), Bonacord Avenue (from MacKey Drive to McQuay Boulevard), and Hialeah Crescent, and
- continued implementation of Downtown Whitby and Downtown Brooklin Community Improvement Plan Grants to support local businesses.
“Economic pressures like rising inflation and continued growth, made this a challenging budget. Council listened to the feedback the community shared and we’re investing in what matters most to residents. Things like green spaces, facilities, safety on our streets and service essentials. This budget also plans for growth and builds a strong foundation for the coming years. I want to commend council for all the hard work they put into the first budget of this term. I’m grateful to work together with councillors and staff who care deeply about making the right investments, now and for the future,” said Mayor Elizabeth Roy.
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 property tax bill is 34 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 2023 Budget, staff identified $0.8 million of budget savings and $1.2 million in revenue adjustments and fee increases to mitigate the 2023 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 $472 this year. Learn more about how to apply.
- The approved budget considered community feedback of nearly 3,500 people 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.