Regional Council approves 2022 Property Tax Supported Business Plans and Budget

Whitby, Ontario – Durham Regional Council has approved the 2022 Property Tax Supported Business Plans and Budget.

The 2022 Property Tax Supported Business Plans and Budget total $1.73 billion in gross expenditures, requiring a 2022 tax levy of $760.2 million. This represents a proposed net property tax increase of 2.6 per cent, or approximately $74 for the average residential home with an assessed value of $483,100.

This budget provides for increased demands on the Region’s front-line programs and services in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, positions the Region to advance its COVID-19 recovery plan, and invests in key priorities identified in the Region’s Strategic Plan, all while balancing taxpayer affordability and competitive property taxes for residents and businesses.

Highlights of the 2022 Property Tax Supported Business Plans and Budget include:

• Investing in Durham Regional Police Service (DRPS), including:
  • the addition of 20 new front-line officers.
  • three new mental health response officers (to support a 24/7 mobile crisis response team).
  • 9 additional communicators and one supervisor for 911 and police dispatch;
  • and the creation of a Cybercrime Unit within DRPS.
  • Creating a Crisis Call Diversion Program, which embeds mental health and addictions workers in 911 Communications.
  • Supporting the second year of the three-year DRPS’s Body Worn Camera Implementation Program.
• Investing in the Region’s four long-term care homes including increasing the nursing and personal care hours from an average of 3.4 hours/resident/day to 3.8 hours/resident/day and capital investments totalling $1.1 million to cover improvements and new equipment.
• Doubling the size of the Region’s Primary Care Outreach Program to provide social work outreach and paramedic services to vulnerable populations.
• Increasing Paramedic Services with one additional 24/7 ambulance to address the growing demand for services in the Seaton community when the station is open, as well as increasing existing paramedic services by four hours per day. 
• Enhancing the Community Paramedicine Program to provide additional supports and services to those living in the community who require additional home care supports.
• Investing $1.3 million in Regional funding for homelessness supports.
• Supporting local businesses through a refreshed Economic Development Strategy and Action Plan.
• Strengthening diversity, equity and inclusion across the Region including the implementation of the Region’s Community Safety and Wellbeing Plan.
• Advancing the Region’s Corporate Climate Change Action Plan and achievement of the Region’s target of net zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2045, including the installation of 63 new electrical vehicle chargers, charging infrastructure for Durham Region Transit’s (DRT) first battery electric buses and retrofitting Regional facilities to improve energy efficiency and accessibility.
• Implementing and finalizing the consultation process for the new Long-Term Waste Management Plan.
• Advancing the myDurham 311 project by enhancing the customer journey, while creating a consistent, convenient and customized experience.
• Enhancing government advocacy to benefit residents of Durham.
• Continuing to plan for the approval of the GO Lakeshore East Extension to Bowmanville and related Transit Oriented Development Strategy.
• Improving access to DRT’s fast, frequent and reliable service network.
• Developing and expanding the Region’s Broadband Network and establishing partnerships to enable the delivery of broadband services in unserved and underserved communities across the Region.
• Advancing recommendations within the Regional Cycling Plan Update including over 12 kilometres of new cycling routes; a signage and wayfinding strategy; assisting with school safety plans; and working with partners to facilitate a Durham cycling event.
• Investing in the renewal and maintenance of the Region’s infrastructure valued at $15.9 billion including roads, bridges, facilities, and Durham Regional Local Housing properties to maximize the value of the Region’s assets over their life cycle.
• Increasing the dedicated levy to support future healthcare investments in the Region including the Lakeridge Health Bowmanville site redevelopment, the redevelopment of the Oak Valley Health Uxbridge site and the Ontario Shores Centre for Mental Health Sciences redevelopment in Whitby.   

Residents are reminded that the Municipal Property Assessment Corporation (MPAC) sets the assessed value for each individual property. Questions about property valuation should be directed to MPAC at 1-866-296-6722 or mpac.ca.

For more information about the budget, visit durham.ca/budget.

Quotes

“Economic recovery from COVID-19 remains a focal point for the Region, and the 2022 Business Plans and Budget are proof of that commitment. Beyond COVID-19, this budget upholds our standard of high-quality programs and services, supports key priorities and maintains taxpayer affordability. Despite the fiscal pressures of the pandemic, the Region continues to evolve and adapt while supporting residents and businesses in the COVID-19 recovery. This budget is yet another important step in ensuring that Durham Region remains the best place to call home.”

-        John Henry, Regional Chair and CEO

“The 2022 Business Plans and Budget reflect our current economic climate; addressing the issues and priorities important to Durham Region residents—such as community safety, protecting the vulnerable, and climate change—while balancing the delivery of essential services to sustain our region’s high quality of life.”

-        Nancy Taylor, Commissioner of Finance

“We have approved a fiscally responsible financial plan for Durham Region focusing on post-pandemic recovery while prioritizing some key initiatives that will make a difference in the lives of our residents. For example, we have funding commitments that focus on adding mental health workers to our 911 communications centre to assist residents in crisis. We are also investing in long-term care, working to enhance community safety, and working to reduce our greenhouse gas emissions by retrofitting buildings and purchasing electric vehicles.”

-        Adrian Foster, Mayor of Clarington and Chair of the Finance and Administration Committee

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