Guelph mayor confirms city-controlled portion of property tax increases

Deadlines are approaching in budget season, and in Guelph, the mayor confirmed the city-controlled portion of the 2025 budget on Wednesday.

At a Special Council Meeting, Guelph Mayor Cam Guthrie said the city-controlled increase to property taxes will be 3.66 per cent, amounting to an average increase at just over $174 per year.

The complete finalized budget will be release on Jan. 22 when the City of Guelph will have all the increases from various, boards, like police, and public services, like libraries, included in the numbers.

Given that Guthrie explained the city-controlled portion makes up for about 65 per cent of the total increase, residents of Guelph could be looking at a just over 6 per cent increase in property taxes next year.

Some previously planned investments had to be cut or pushed further down the line, like subsidies provided for the rental of city facilities by youth groups, reduced public waste drop-off hours, and a reduction in solid waste outreach and education.

“This budget reflects our commitment to making meaningful long-term investments with a fully funded 10-year capital plan, while also maintaining fiscal responsibility,” said CAO Tara Baker in a press release. “This budget supports responsible growth, allows us to maintain service delivery and keeps affordability top of mind.” 

Back on Oct. 17, Guthrie released a video explaining an early draft of the budget, showing a 2.59 per cent increase to the city-controlled portion of the tax increase.

Then, two weeks ago, that number had jumped up to 3.21 per cent, with Guthrie explaining that the jump was prompted by his further conversations in the community.

The increase still comes in well under the 7.4 per cent increase forecasted in the multi-year budget.