Vaughan’s $333.2 million 2022 draft operating budget includes 2% property tax increase

Thestar.com
Dec. 6, 2021
Dina Al-Shibeeb

Backed by a two per cent increase in property tax, Vaughan’s draft budget for 2022 includes $333.2 million in operating costs, the city said in a news release on Dec. 1.

In 2021, Vaughan had a property tax-supported budget of $318 million, but saw no increases in taxes to reduce the COVID-19 financial impact on families.

Vaughan council and Mayor Maurizio Bevilacqua, meanwhile, continued reiterating their promise by keeping the city’s property tax low.

“With this proposed budget, Vaughan will maintain one of the lowest and most competitive tax rates in the Greater Toronto Area,” the city said.

The city also explained 28 cents of every property tax dollar goes to Vaughan to use and provide its services, but the lion’s share of 49 cents is going to York Region, while 22 cents are funneled into to the local school boards, and one cent is slated to the hospital precinct levy.

“In the context of the average $6,000 annual property tax bill, only $1,676 stays with the city,” it said.

There is also a proposed increase for the combined water and wastewater rate in 2022, and it’s $0.1551 per cubic metre, or 3.3 per cent. The proposed increase for the 2022 stormwater charge is an average of 4.5 per cent.

The city’s water, wastewater and stormwater budgets fund programs that ensure the city’s water is safe to drink, and help collect wastewater effectively, manage stormwater to mitigate flooding and save for future water, wastewater and stormwater infrastructure needs.

The release also said Vaughan’s capital budget was also presented with proposed projects for 2022 and a forecast capital plan up to 2026 with investments of $271.8 million in 2022 to help the city grow sustainably and build and repair infrastructure, including roads, pipes and buildings.

The city also tabled its 2026 Capital Plan.

Here are the figures to know about the budget and plan for a variety of major infrastructure projects from 2022 to 2026:

$325.8 million in capital projects related to transportation and mobility. Some major projects planned include the reconstruction of Huntington Road, the Kirby Road extension, and the Vaughan Super Trail development. This will also include rehabilitation projects throughout the municipality, and the construction of a number of road extensions within the Vaughan Metropolitan Centre (VMC) and extension of Bass Pro Mills Drive.

$291.2 million in capital projects related to environmental stewardship. The two largest projects are Black Creek Channel renewal and stormwater management improvements at various locations throughout the city, which represent 54 per cent of the capital plan.

$208.4 million for capital projects related to active, safe and diverse communities. This will include facilities and programs that help enrich Vaughan’s communities, including the new Vaughan Metropolitan Centre YMCA, library and recreation space, which is currently under construction and is expected to open in 2022; a city-wide pedestrian and cycling infrastructure implementation program; and a playground replacement and improvement program.

$190.8 million in capital projects related to city-building. This includes the design and construction of the new Carrville Community Centre, District Park and Library.

$127.3 million in capital projects related to operational performance. The city will use data-driven decision-making to promote innovation.

$78 million for capital projects related to citizen experience. This includes programs that demonstrate commitment to citizen service and transform services through technology.

$1.7 million in capital projects related to good governance by ensuring transparency and accountability.

$200,000 in capital projects for staff engagement and to improve their performance.

$400,000 in capital projects for economic prosperity, and investment and social capital in 2021. This aims to create new jobs and attract new investments.

Residents are encouraged to attend the upcoming two budget meetings scheduled on Tuesday, Dec. 7 and Thursday, Dec. 9, both happening at 7 p.m.