Georgina Council has approved the 2025 budget, which includes a 2.99 per cent increase for operating expenditures and a 2 per cent increase for an infrastructure levy for a total tax levy increase of 4.99 per cent. The annual infrastructure levy for capital reserves is necessary to ensure the Town can continue to invest in the capital infrastructure that residents rely upon. The increase translates into an estimated property tax increase of $135 for an average home with an assessed value of $452,000.
“The 2025 budget presents a solid financial plan that ensures taxpayers are receiving value for their tax dollars. We have created a budget that is sustainable, transparent and accountable, and upholds the principles of financial integrity,” said Mayor Margaret Quirk. “This budget will ensure we are prepared for the future of our growing community with safe roads and bridges, that our emergency services is well equipped, staffed and adequately trained, and that our community has services and facilities for our youth, families, and seniors. We are not a small community anymore and the initiatives and capital projects approved in this budget showcase the growth Georgina is undergoing. It is never an easy task to find the balance of keeping service levels intact while recognizing inflationary pressures. I want to thank staff for their hard work and my Council colleagues – it is Council’s budget and there is something for every ward. This budget provides for services today and plans for the future in a responsible manner.”
The 2025 budget builds on the Town’s commitment to meeting the needs of a growing community while managing fiscal responsibility. The budget, which includes an operating budget and capital investments, continues to build on the priorities identified in the new 2023-2027 Strategic Plan. The 2025 budget addresses increasing costs while improving current service levels and allowing for sustainable future planning.
Highlights of the 2025 budget –
- $4.5 million for road repairs and reconstruction, funded by grants
- $3.9 million for Old Shiloh Bridge, funded by tax levy discretionary reserves
- $2.4 million for High Street streetscapes and infrastructure, funded by tax levy and water/wastewater discretionary reserves
- $2.4 million for various stormwater drainage improvements, funded by stormwater reserves
- $1.9 million for the design of the South Keswick Fire Station and York Region EMS, funded by development charges and York Region EMS recovery
- $1.7 million for the construction of a fire and rescue training facility, funded by development charges and a grant
- $580,000 for parking lot replacements at the Sutton Arena and the Georgina Arts Centre, funded by tax levy discretionary reserves
- $500,000 for the design of Willow Beach and various waterfront park upgrades, funded by tax levy discretionary reserves
- $355,000 for non-profit Community Organization grants, funded by tax levy
- $225,000 for the Georgina Ice Palace seating replacement, funded by tax levy discretionary reserves
- $150,000 for the High Castle playground replacement, funded by tax levy discretionary reserves
- $90,000 for the revitalization of Jackson’s Point Parkette, funded by cash in lieu of parkland
- $25,000 for a grant to the Georgina Food Pantry, funded by tax levy
Council also approved the 2025 water and wastewater budget, which will see an increase of 9.1 per cent for a typical household of 165m³/annum in consumption. This budget is funded by the water users and is not funded by the property tax levy. In addition, the stormwater rate is set to increase by two per cent over the 2024 annualized rate, addressing the need for improvements in stormwater management systems as the Town continues to experience growth and climate-related challenges.
“The 2025 budget emphasizes the Town’s investment in public services while ensuring taxpayers receive good value for their money,” said Deputy CAO and Treasurer, Rob Wheater. “Staff are always looking for efficiencies and ways to improve service, and this budget reflects their hard work and a budget that supports the goals and priorities in the Town’s Strategic Plan. The 2025 budget reaffirms the organization’s commitment to sound financial management and to working together to increase housing supply. Our efforts to expand housing must be balanced with the need to maintain and enhance the infrastructure that supports this growth. Rising inflation and increased costs of materials have significantly impacted our capital program, posing challenges to project budgets and timelines. We will continue to leverage available resources and work with all levels of government to overcome these challenges and achieve our housing targets. Our overall goal is to build a thriving, inclusive and affordable community for all Georgina residents.”
Georgina’s budgets were presented under strong mayor powers. In accordance with the responsibilities outlined in the Municipal Act, Mayor Quirk provided the budget to Council, the Town Clerk and the public on Nov. 5, 2024. The budget was deliberated on Dec. 3, 2024 and approved after Council passed a resolution to end the 30-day period for Council amendments, and Mayor Quirk signed a decision to end the 10-day Mayor’s veto period.
The Town promoted several opportunities to encourage public engagement and received resident input into the 2025 budget from a survey and dedicated email.
The total 2025 blended property tax levy increase for all levels of government is estimated to be 4 per cent. The final blended increase will be determined following the tax rate setting by York Region and the Ministry of Education for their portion of the property tax bill.
To learn more, visit georgina.ca/budget.