Durham Regional Council considers the 2025 Business Plans and Budget Guideline

Whitby, ON – On September 25, 2024, Durham Regional Council approved a 2025 Property Tax Supported Business Plans and Budget Guideline which provides an overall property tax increase cap of 4.9 per cent for 2025. This includes a budget increase of 9.25 per cent for the Durham Regional Police Services Board, 2.50 per cent for conservation authorities and 5.96 percent for all other Regional programs and services including transit, paramedics, housing, long-term care, social services, roads and bridges and public health programs.

As the Region accounts for 53 per cent of Durham residents’ total property tax bill on average, the approved guideline of 4.9 per cent translates to an approximate 2.5 per cent increase in the overall property tax bill. This is equal to an annual increase of approximately $163 for an average residential property owner in Durham Region.

This tax levy guideline supports increased investments in critical frontline core service areas including police, transit, paramedics, housing and homelessness support programs, and maintenance and renewal of the Region’s road and bridge infrastructure. The Region of Durham is facing significant financial challenges similar to those faced in other municipalities across the province, reinforcing the need to review the funding model between the provincial, federal and municipal governments. The guideline is an important first step in the annual budget process providing guidance to finalize the 2025 Business Plans and Budget submission for Regional Council’s consideration in December.

The next critical part of this process is to invite residents to help shape the 2025 Budget. Join us for our Budget Town Hall on October 10 at 6:30 p.m. Learn more about the Region’s budget and share your ideas and priorities for the upcoming budget, register for the Town Hall, watch the event live and subscribe for updates at yourvoice.durham.ca/DurhamBudget.

With this guideline, and ultimately the 2025 Business Plans and Budget, Durham Region identifies investments to serve the needs of our diverse and growing communities, within a framework of financial stability and transparency. Responsibly funding everyday programs and services helps to improve the lives of residents in communities across Durham Region, both now and in the future.

Additional information on the 2025 Property Tax Supported Business Plans and Budget Guideline and the Region’s budget process can be found at durham.ca/budget.

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“The Council approved 2025 Business Plans and Budget Guideline is proof of the Region’s commitment to deliver and maintain safe, reliable and financially sustainable services for our residents. We are proud to continue to invest in the Regional services that drive our community, and we will continue to work to ensure that Durham Region remains one of the best places to call home.”

– Nancy Taylor, Commissioner of Finance, Region of Durham

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For media requests, please contact CorporateCommunications@durham.ca.