Stouffville passes 9% tax increase for 2023 budget

Homeowner with an assessment of $800,000, will see total estimated annual property tax bill increase by $272

Yorkregion.com
March 10, 2023
Simon Martin

The numbers are in and taxes are going up in Stouffville. Council approved a 9.04 per cent tax levy increase. The multi-year budget includes the approval of the 2023 operating budget, totalling $67,443,950 and the capital budget of $26,776,000. Additionally, the Town of Whitchurch-Stouffville’s Council approved a grant of $2,795,220 for the Whitchurch-Stouffville Public Library and Latcham Art Centre.

The 9.04 per cent tax levy increase is comprised of a 6.04 per cent levy increase for day-to-day operating expenses and a three per cent capital levy. When combined with the Region and Education portions of the tax bill, the estimated blended property tax increase is 4.56 per cent for a resident.

A property owner with an assessment of $800,000 will have a total estimated annual increase in their property taxes of $272, of which the town portion is $179.

For a house with an estimated value of $1.026 million, the total increase is estimated at $354. For a house with an estimated value of $1.8 million the total increase is estimated at $622.

“The 2023 Stouffville budget focuses on being fiscally responsible,” Mayor Iain Lovatt said. “Council recognizes that it has been a challenging year for citizens and families. However, we are determined to maintain and increase the service levels residents rely on every day.”

There are massive capital projects in the works, including Edward Street and Lloyd Street reconstruction totalling $11.5 million this year, followed by Main Street reconstruction in the coming years, which necessitated the three per cent capital levy.

Ward 6 Coun. Sue Sherban said that it's disappointing the town has to lean on residential increases to fund many of its infrastructure and service needs. "Economic development is real missing link," she said.

One issue that garnered extensive discussion during deliberations was Edward Street reconstruction which came in at roughly $7.5 million. Lovatt championed a solution where Edward Street would be opened up to Millard and resurfaced but there would not be a complete reconstruction of the road and sewer. The move would have been roughly $6 million cheaper. "My concern is spending money we don't have," he said.

The proposed half measure was shot down by council. "We have the budget. We have the EA. I'm saying we should move forward with it," Ward 4 Coun. Rick Upton said. "It amazes me that it has taken this long."

That sentiment was echoed by Sherban. "Edward Street has been a huge discussion for two decades. We need to move forward and have permanent solutions," she said.
“The hiring of four full-time fire suppression staff, and an additional deputy fire chief, shows our continuing commitment to enhancing our residents’ living and working experiences here in Town,” Lovatt said.

In addition to the new firefighter hires, highlights of the budget also include:

$4,000,000 for the reconstruction of Lloyd Street

$1,560,000 investment in road repair and rehabilitation

$1,555,300 for a new Baker Hill neighbourhood park

$1,080,000 for the design of a new Ballantrae Fire Station

$900,000 for the replacement of a new fire pumper truck

$575,000 for the rehabilitation of the historical downtown clock tower

$345,000 for various traffic calming initiatives, including roundabout improvements

$125,400 for the design and construction of a Main Street crosswalk between Freel Lane and Lloyd Street.

The 2023 operating and capital budget and other supporting documents are available online at townofws.ca/budgets