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Regional Taxes Up 9.6% Next Year

Friday, 13 December 2024 17:16

By Geoff Waterfield

This means about $191 more on the regional portion of property tax bills, Chair Bradley says he understands many are upset by this

Niagara Regional taxes are going up 9.6% next year, now that the 2025 budget is done.

That equates to $191 on the regional portion of the property tax bill.

The region says it's a balance of investments in social assistance supports, a new homeless shelter, housing, alongside ways to attract new business, and supporting ambulance services.

At the same time, there are realignments, resulting in a $4-million savings in the 2025 budget.

There's an increase of 5.13% for agencies, boards and commissions, which includes police, conservation authority, and housing and court services.

And, there's a 2.5% increase in what the region says are historically underfunded infrastructure, such as roads, facilities and equipment.

Regional Chairman Jim Bradley acknowledges many people are not happy with this, but council takes this role very seriously in delivering services.

General Levy Highlights

  • $5.4 million in development grants to support major industrial investments
  • $1.5 million to support additional ambulance services
  • $1.3 million to support a new homeless shelter in South Niagara Falls
  • $700,000 to support investments to stabilize our Niagara Region Housing stock
  • $1.8 million to support investments in social assistance for 21 new staff members to improve the ratio between case managers and clients

Capital Budget Highlights

  • $100 million for Infrastructure upgrades to support major industrial investments
    • Eastside Pumping Station Forcemain replacement in Port Colborne
    • New Barrick Road watermain in Port Colborne
  • $29 million for capacity improvements on RR98 Montrose Road – Lyons Creek to Chippawa Creek Road in Niagara Falls
  • $13 million for the Region-wide annual roads resurfacing program
  • $10 million for the rehabilitation of JR Stork Bridge in St. Catharines

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