Tax levy increase on the way for homeowners in Guelph

The City of Guelph has officially finalized its 2025 budget, with a 3.12 per cent tax levy increase on the way for homeowners in the city.

The final numbers are paired with the City Services budget, bringing the total tax levy impact for the year up to 6.78 per cent.

It comes after initial approvals for the multi-year budget came forward in November 2023, showing numbers nearly three times higher at 9.80 per cent. Guelph Mayor Cam Guthrie enacted his strong mayor powers to force a rate increase of no more than 4 per cent.

“Although Council has no direct oversight or decision making on these budgets, I appreciate that they took affordability for residents into consideration,” said Guthrie. “With the 2025 budget now complete, I am pleased that the impact is less than the nearly 10 per cent tax levy impact originally proposed in the multi-year budget.”

Ultimately, the city says it will equal an annual increase of approximately $322.72 for the average homeowner in Guelph.

The numbers are based off the 2024 median residential property assessment for a single detached home, along with the 2024 tax policy. The city says $174.21 will support city services, and $148.51 will go towards Guelph’s Local Boards and Shared Services (LBSS).

“I value the relationships the city has with our boards and agencies, understanding we all play a critical role in building a vibrant, inclusive, safe, and healthy city,” said Chief Administrative Officer with the City of Guelph, Tara Baker. “Like the city services, these budgets respond to the challenges our community is facing, while balancing growth, affordability, and maintaining the core programs residents and businesses rely on.”

The now finalized budget numbers show possible increases heading into 2026 at a forecasted rate of possibly 4.93 per cent, before falling in both 2027 at 4.22 per cent and in 2028 at 3.48 per cent.