Vaughan keeps property taxes low

Dec. 17, 2019 7:30 p.m.
​Council approves 2020 Budget and 2021-2022 Financial Plan

The 2020 Budget and 2021 Financial Plan are built on the City’s principles of integrity, accountability and responsibility. During tonight’s Special Council Meeting, Mayor Maurizio Bevilacqua and Members of Council unanimously approved this year’s budget which respect taxpayers’ hard-earned money, while at the same time supporting more than 200 programs and services in moving the City forward.

The property tax levy increase for 2020 is 2.85 per cent, an increase of approximately $48.71 annually or $4.08 per month for an average residential property assessed at $891,000. For the tenth consecutive year, the City has once again delivered a property tax rate that is at or below three per cent.

Hearing from the community is a vital part of the budget process. Through citizen engagement, the City plans and shapes the year ahead. Feedback was provided by online feedback forms, comments on social media, attending a public meeting and email and phone calls.

The City’s total operating budget is used to run City facilities, programs and services. Here are some highlights for 2020:
  • $195.2 million for water, wastewater and stormwater – funds the delivery and maintenance of water, wastewater and stormwater services
  • $56 million for public works – this includes services such as snow clearing, maintenance of parks and waste collection
  • $43.3 million for community services – this includes recreation programs, like swimming and fitness, and by-law and compliance services

The capital budget is used to build and repair City infrastructure and supports the achievement of the strategic priorities outlined in the 2018-2022 Term of Council Service Excellence Strategic Plan. The 2020 capital budget includes:
  • $62.4 million for Transportation and Mobility to undertake initiatives to improve the municipal road network, support the development of transit and increase cycling and pedestrian infrastructure
  • $27.6 million for City Building to build a world-class city – the City will continue its planning and development in support of key City-wide developments and initiatives that encompass good urban design and public spaces that foster community well-being
  • $26.9 million for Environmental Stewardship to protect the environment and foster a sustainable future – the City will act as a steward to preserve the natural environment encompassing principles of environmental protection into our social and economic initiatives
  • $27.1 million for Service Excellence Strategic Initiatives (including Citizen Experience, Operational Performance and Staff Engagement) to ensure citizens receive the best experience in person, by telephone or electronically; to continue to foster a culture of continuous improvement supported by competencies and practices in innovation and process efficiencies; and, to ensure an engaged workforce with a positive work environment, staff development, workplace health, safety and wellness with strengthened leadership, communication and staff engagement opportunities
  • $22.6 million for Active, Safe and Diverse Communities to ensure the safety and well-being of our citizens – the City commits to community engagement and cohesiveness by supporting and promoting community events, arts, culture, heritage, sports and fire prevention awareness
  • $4.2 million for Good Governance as the City effectively pursues service excellence in governance and fiscal responsibility, it will hold the public’s trust through inclusive, transparent and accountable decision-making, responsible financial management and superior service delivery and effective communication
  • $1.9 million for Economic Prosperity, Investment and Social Capital to ensure Vaughan continues to be the place to be – the City will undertake initiatives to ignite economic prosperity and social capital, and celebrate Vaughan as an entrepreneurial city and the gateway to economic activity in the Greater Toronto Area, Ontario and Canada

The City of Vaughan encouraged residents and local businesses to help shape Vaughan’s future by attending public meetings and joining the conversation on social media. Mayor Bevilacqua and Members of Council want to hear from residents year-round, not just during the budget process. Visit vaughan.ca/council or call Access Vaughan at 905-832-2281 to connect with local representatives.

For more information about the City’s 2020 budget, visit vaughan.ca/budget. For more information on York Region’s budget, visit york.ca/budget.

QUOTE
“The 2020 Budget and 2021-2022 Financial Plan is the manifestation of our collective efforts focused on making our city the best it can be. We continue to maintain one of the lowest and most competitive tax rates in the Greater Toronto Area. We are securing efficiencies and maximizing every dollar we are entrusted to manage. Since 2015, we have achieved more than $30 million in budget savings because of our commitment to continuous improvement. I want to further express my gratitude to Local and Regional Councillor and Deputy Mayor Mario Ferri as well as Ward 5 Councillor Alan Shefman, for chairing the Budget committee this year. As well, I want to thank my Council colleagues, members of our administration and the citizens of our community for their dedication, hard work and contributions to our budget process that will shape a promising future for Vaughan.”
-  Mayor Maurizio Bevilacqua

QUICK FACTS
  • The City’s operating and capital budget have two distinct components: property tax-supported budget, and water, wastewater rate and stormwater charge-supported budget.
  • The City’s 2020 Budget includes a combined tax and user rate operating budget of $515.5 million in gross expenditures and capital investments of $172.6 million to support and advance the Mayor and Members of Council’s long-term vision.
  • The property tax supported operating budget for 2020 is approximately $320.3 million in gross expenditures; this includes a proposed property tax levy increase of 2.85 per cent, which is an increase of approximately $48.71 a year for an average residential tax bill.
  • The water and wastewater rate and the stormwater charge supported operating program budget for 2020 is approximately $195.2 million in gross expenditures.
  • The stormwater charge has funded more than 300 initiatives.
  • The 2020 Capital Budget amounts to approximately $172.6 million and the 2021-2022 capital plan is forecasted at a total of approximately $467.2 million.
  • Residential property taxes are split between Vaughan (28 per cent), York Region (48 per cent), Local school boards (23 per cent), and the Hospital Precinct Levy (one per cent).
  • Budget Committee was chaired by Local and Regional Councillor and Deputy Mayor, Mario Ferri and Ward 5 Councillor Alan Shefman. 
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