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Whitby, Ontario – Durham Regional Council has approved the 2024 Property Tax Supported Business Plans and Budget.
The Region is investing in critical frontline core service areas, balancing the need for taxpayer affordability and competitive property taxes, and accounting for the future growth of our community through investments our community depend on like:
- Housing and homelessness support programs to advance the goals of At Home in Durham, the Durham Housing Plan 2014-2024, to end homelessness in Durham and ensure affordable rent and greater housing choices for everyone through a total investment of $137.2 million towards:
- Increased funding for the At Home Incentive program to support the development of new affordable housing units.
- Establishing the new Regionally-led Affordable Housing Development and Renewal Office Division, to lead the work on affordable housing developments at 300 Ritson Rd. South in Oshawa and 650 Rossland Rd. East in Whitby and revitalization projects at Durham Regional Local Housing Corporation sites.
- Continued innovative approaches to new affordable housing development that responds to local needs.
- Expanded housing and homelessness support programs including community supports, outreach services, warming centres, rent supplements, supportive housing and shelters.
- Regional transit through increases in transit service levels, transitioning the DRT fleet to zero emission technologies, and investing in new transit facilities and infrastructure, innovations, and passenger amenities, including:
- 59,665 additional transit service hours.
- 34 electric buses and supporting electrification infrastructure.
- A more streamlined and efficient service delivery model.
- Strategic planning activities to support DRT’s long-term planning and continuous improvement efforts.
- The Region of Durham Paramedic Services to support the growing community and improve current paramedic response times including:
- 36 hours of additional paramedic response daily by putting two additional ambulances on the road and hiring 16 new paramedics.
- Enhancements to the Community Paramedicine Program to provide equitable access to additional services in the home.
- Advanced Care Paramedic training.
- Capital investments for the Bowmanville Paramedic Station and a new station in South Whitby.
- The Durham Regional Police Services to safeguard and protect our communities including:
- 25 additional Front Line Officers to respond to growth and an increase in frontline work.
- 29 additional officers and 22 new civilian positions supporting investigative and operational support units.
- Capital investments in facilities, fleet and equipment.
Other major priority investments include implementation of the Region’s Corporate Climate Action Plan; investing in Regional infrastructure to support projected growth and provincial housing targets; expanding available child care spaces, supporting the provincial Lakeshore East GO Extension to Bowmanville project; plus many other exciting opportunities.
The 2024 Property Tax Supported Business Plans and Budget totals $2.2 billion in gross expenditures, requiring a 2024 tax levy of approximately $899.5 million. This represents a proposed net property tax increase of 7.5 per cent, which means approximately 5.7 per cent increase in the overall property tax bill. This is a monthly increase of approximately $19.25 for an average residential property in Durham Region.
Durham Region continues to advocate for funding from other levels of government for shortfalls in development charge funding resulting from Ontario Bill 23, More Homes Built Faster Act, 2022, Ontario Bill 134, Affordable Homes and Goods Jobs Act, 2023 and related provincial legislation as well as for the unplanned and accelerated infrastructure needs to meet provincial housing targets.
Significant financial challenges, similar to those faced by other Ontario municipalities, and an ever-evolving economic landscape reinforce the need to review the funding model between the provincial, federal and municipal governments to ensure the highest quality programs and services continue within our community.
Through the 2024 Business Plans and Budget, the Region is investing to improve the lives of people and businesses in Durham through everyday services—ensuring a healthy, safe and happy community for all.
Residents are reminded that the Municipal Property Tax Assessment Corporation (MPAC) sets the assessed value for each individual property. Questions about property valuation should be directed to MPAC at 1-866-296-6722 or mpac.ca.
For more information about the Budget, visit durham.ca/Budget.
Quotes:
“The approved 2024 Property Tax Supported Business Plans and Budget upholds our commitment to support key priorities and deliver high-quality programs and services to the community. It reflects Regional Council’s focus on enhancing and maintaining front-line service delivery while meeting the challenges we currently face.”
John Henry, Regional Chair and CEO, Region of Durham
“The Region's 2024 approved budget is the result of many Regional departments and agencies working together with the shared goals of remaining fiscally responsible and continuing to enhance frontline service delivery in our communities. The investments in programs and services will make a meaningful difference in the lives of Durham Region residents, while supporting the businesses that underpin our local economy.”
Kevin Ashe, Mayor, City of Pickering and Chair of the Finance and Administration Committee
“This year’s budget focuses on investing in Regional programs and services the community values and managing the impact of growth on front-line services. This focus positions the Region’s residents and businesses for success now and in the future.”
Nancy Taylor, Commissioner of Finance