Durham Regional Council approves 2024 Business Plans and Budget Guideline

Whitby, Ontario – On December 20, Durham Regional approved a 2024 Property Tax Supported Business Plans and Budget Guideline of a 2.5 per cent increase for the Durham Regional Police Services Board and a 5.0 per cent increase for all other Regional programs and services including a minimum of 0.5 per cent dedicated to fund anticipated property tax impacts resulting from Ontario Bill 23, More Homes Built Faster Act, 2022, Ontario Bill 134, Affordable Homes and Goods Jobs Act, 2023 and related provincial legislation.

The guideline is an important part of the annual process that provides an overall property tax cap for the 2024 Business Plans and Budget, providing guidance to finalize budget submissions to be considered by Regional Council in March 2024. It highlights the significant financial challenges, similar to those faced in other municipalities in the province, and reinforces the need to review the funding model between the provincial, federal and municipal governments.

As the Region accounts for 52 per cent of Durham residents’ total property tax bill on average, the approved guideline of 7.5 per cent translates to an approximate 3.9 per cent increase in the overall property tax bill, an annual budgetary increase of approximately $231 for an average assessment value residential property in Durham Region.

With this guideline, and ultimately the 2024 Business Plans and Budget, the Region is investing to improve the life of people and businesses in Durham through core front-line Regional services including paramedic services, transit, housing and homelessness and police.

Residents are invited to help shape the 2024 Budget. Join us for our Budget Town Hall on January 11 at 6:30 p.m. 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.

The 2024 Budget will be reviewed by the Finance and Administration Committee on March 19, 2024, and finally by Regional Council on March 27, 2024. To learn about how residents can get involved in the Budget process, or to submit your ideas, priorities and questions, visit yourvoice.durham.ca/DurhamBudget.

Quote:

“The approved 2024 Business Plans and Budget guideline shines a light on the challenges that not only Durham Region faces, but many municipalities in Ontario. While the guideline is proof of the Region’s commitment to deliver and maintain safe, reliable and financially sustainable critical front-line services for our residents, it also reinforces the need to review the funding model between the provincial, federal and municipal governments, to ensure more balanced responsibilities. We are proud to continue to invest in our community, and the Regional services that drive them, and we will continue to work to ensure that Durham Region is one of the best places to call home”.

– John Henry, Regional Chair and Chief Executive Officer, Region of Durham

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For media requests, please contact CorporateCommunications@durham.ca