Average Markham homeowners could see property taxes rise by $209.82 this year

Yorkregion.com
March 8, 2023

City of Markham is going to present to the public a 5 per cent tax hike for 2023, including a 2 per cent provision for the impacts of Bill 23. A public meeting for budget consultation will be held on Thursday, March 9 from 7 to 9 p.m.

According to the city, a 5 per cent property tax increase will add $73.95 to the bill of a homeowner whose house was valued at $947,457 in 2022. The owner of a condo valued at $421,000 in 2022 will see an addition of $64.75 on the 2023 bill. The city’s average residential property valued at $829,995 in 2002 and the property tax raise will be $64.75 on average.

The presentation also wraps up the impact to an average residential property with 5 per cent Markham tax increase, 3.9 per cent York Region tax hike and a raise of 3.8 per cent for water and wastewater fee, adding up to an addition of $209.82 to the homeowner’s bill.

In light of 30-year highs in inflation, a looming recession, and the legislative changes brought by Bill 23, a.k.a. More Home Built Faster Act, city staff initially tabled a 6.4 per cent tax increase for this year, followed by 93.3 per cent over the years of 2024 to 2026.

After a series of budget committee meetings examining the 2023 budget, the city brought down the tax hike to 5 per cent, including a 2 per cent provision for the impacts of Bill 23.

On the Jan. 23 meeting, the mayor described the two per cent tax hike as a “provincial surtax” and the city has been excluding the 2 per cent “Bill 23 impact” in the public meeting presentation.

In the presentation, city staff refers to a proposed tax hike of only 3 per cent which claimed to be the “city-controlled portion” and compare to other municipals including Richmond Hill (3.72%), Vaughan (2.9%), Mississauga (3%), Brampton (2.9%), Oshawa (3.63%), Burlington (5.9%), Oakville (6.07%) and Toronto (7%).

Since there has been much debate over the impact of Bill 23 on the city's budget, the council has also invited Markham's four members of provincial parliament to attend the upcoming public meeting.

Residents can attend the meeting in-person at the Markham Civic Centre -- Council Chambers or watch online.

Check out the city’s 2023 budget overview here.