Regional councillor renewing calls for property tax reform

While considerably less than last year, rate-payers in Waterloo Region are looking at another fairly large tax increase on the regional portion of the tax bill.

Last year’s 9.48 per cent jump equated to around $241 for the average home. This year’s 5.1 per cent, or approximately $142 increase, is certainly less than 2025.

However, former Cambridge mayor and current regional councillor, Doug Craig believes that even a five pre cent increase is unsustainable.

Craig wants to see the province work out a new deal and take back some of the responsibilities it has downloaded onto municipalities.

“We know that municipal governments, the mayors and councillors, all have asked for sustainable funding from the province to lessen the burden on local taxpayers. And, that hasn’t happened,” said Craig. “So, we’re once again forced, at the regional level where I sit, to a five per cent increase which in my opinion is very unsustainable.”

Craig acknowledged that the regional property tax rate has increased 30 per cent over this current council term. He said the vast majority of that increase has come from one place: Queen’s Park.

“The homeless issue, with the addiction issue, with the housing issues, all of which are not municipal responsibilities, that have been downloaded onto the regional levy. The local taxpayer is paying for provincial programs. That’s what’s happening.”

Craig said the province has no respect for local governments.

“Look at what Premier Ford has done across this province, whether you agree or disagree, in terms of banning speed cameras, bike lanes, MZO’s, strong mayor powers. All of these are an erosion of local democracy. And, all of these put us in a very subservient roll as regional and city councillors.”

Craig likened the situation to a 14th century feudal system that saw vassals reporting to the nobility. He said the province has consistently ignored the wishes of municipalities.

He believes the province should come to the aid of the local taxpayer and retake some of those responsibilities.

But, he also says the tax system itself is broken.

“It’s outdated and it certainly hurts seniors and people on fixed incomes. You may be property rich but on a fixed income in that property and that’s the problem with the property tax. I think there needs to be a great reform across Ontario.”

Property taxes around the Region of Waterloo

• The regional portion of the tax bill for the average property owner will increase by 5.1 per cent. (approx. $142)
• City of Kitchener property taxes will increase by 2.2 per cent. (approx. $29 plus utility rate increases)
• City of Cambridge property taxes will increase by 2.4 per cent
• City of Waterloo property taxes will increase by 6.4 per cent. (approx. $107)