Heated discussions over proposed 22 per cent tax increase for Woolwich
Posted Nov 12, 2025 07:16:38 AM.
Last Updated Nov 12, 2025 10:04:49 AM.
Woolwich Township is looking to tackle the ongoing financial hardships it’s seen by weighing a possible 22 per cent tax increase for 2026.
It comes amidst some economic struggles across those local townships, as just last year, Wilmot Township eyed a tax increase of almost 50 per cent heading into 2025, citing similar concerns to Woolwich.
Ultimately, Wilmot settled for an over 18 per cent increase for 2025 after receiving pushback from residents across the community.
Mayor of Woolwich Township, Sandy Shantz, said that the 22 per cent figure comes after council asked staff to draw up various options, including those that would right the financial ship as quickly as possible.
“We asked them to tell us what it would take to get the organization in a good place,” Shantz stated. “That is what they did, and that is what they brought us.”
She said the tax increase would create some headaches in the interim, saying an additional 18 per cent increase would be needed for 2027 and 2028 to get the township’s finances in order.
Other options brought forward included an option where the tax increase would go up for 2026 instead. Shantz said, though, that the two options would mean two different directions for the future of the township.
“The 22 per cent was to get us on a good fiscal footing. The 13 per cent that they brought is for us to discuss and to say, ‘Where do we want to reduce our services,'” Shantz said.
During a recent council meeting, staff said the issues stem from a lack of proper attention in years past, stretching as far back as the mid-2000s, when councillors decided on tax increases that were too low for what was needed.
“When we look at the microscope over the last three years, the increases have been significant, but if you look at the last 10, 15 years, you have to take that in the historical context as well,” said David Brenneman, Chief Administrative Officer with Woolwich Township. “That’s part of the historical reason why we’re in the situation we’re in.”
Criticism, pushback against proposed 22 per cent tax increase
Similar to what was seen with Wilmot’s initial proposed tax increase for 2025, Woolwich is already hearing criticisms from residents against the potential 22 per cent increase, particularly around the lack of attention in previous years, leading to the current problems.
“There’s not a corporation that goes through a budget planning process where they say, ‘Just tell me how much you’d like this year.’ There’s always a CFO or somebody in charge who says, ‘This year’s budget plan is going to be 2.3 per cent. Stick to it,'” said John Dixon, a resident in Woolwich Township.
He stated that the issues created by the township’s council, both current and in past years, should not be an issue passed to the wallets of the local community.
“Shame on council for not giving direction, and shame on the staff who came to think that a 22 per cent plus tax increase budget in today’s economy or any economy, is even responsible. It’s ridiculous.”
“To use a somewhat crass analogy, it’s time to put your big girl and big boy pants on and make some of those decisions,” Dixon said.
Firm decisions need to be made, he said; a lack of clear, concise direction contributed to the listed financial concerns in the first place.
While the 22 per cent increase has been proposed, the numbers are still not fixed, with the budget process still remaining in its early stages for Woolwich Township and across much of Waterloo Region.
Mayor Shantz also previously stated that the heightened figure is one that she doesn’t see as the final number for the region’s potential tax increase.
With the clock beginning to tick down before those numbers need to be finalized, the days are slowly becoming numbered to decide on what the future has in store for Woolwich Township.
