Dear Minister Bethlenfalvy,
Congratulations on your re-election as Member of Provincial Parliament for Pickering- Uxbridge. Thank you for your continued service to Ontarians as an MPP and Minister of Finance. I write to you today to highlight the Town of Whitchurch-Stouffville’s priorities for Ontario’s 2025 budget. I had been looking forward to appearing in front of the Standing Committee on Finance and Economic Affairs in January, but as you know, the consultation was cancelled. As my speaking notes were already prepared, I am pleased to share them with you now.
Sustainable Infrastructure Funding
One of the most pressing issues we face is the growing infrastructure gap, exacerbated by inflation and cost increases. The current funding sources are insufficient to meet the needs of our town, necessitating a potential 17% tax increase, an untenable burden for our residents. Due to these financial constraints, critical projects are delayed or cancelled, accelerating the decline of our assets and necessitating premature replacements. We were very disappointed to learn that our application to the Housing Enabling Core Servicing Stream for $3M was denied late last year. These funds would have helped the replacement of 100-year-old water and wastewater infrastructure that would have unlocked over 2,000 new housing units in our downtown. We urge the provincial government to prioritize municipalities like ours in the GTHA and address this infrastructure gap by providing sustainable funding solutions. This support is essential to ensure that our infrastructure remains robust and able to serve our community effectively. Stouffville has welcomed thousands of new residents, former city dwellers from Toronto and Markham and abroad who have been flocking here for a better quality of life for their families and frankly less gridlock. Continuing to fund big cities who have hundreds of millions in reserves and not investing in communities like Stouffville is really placing the wrong bet.
I know you have heard this many times and probably from every politician you’re speaking to, but I want to reiterate that municipalities handle a significant portion of infrastructure costs but receive the lowest share of taxes. This inequitable model needs reviewing to ensure fair distribution of tax revenues.
Our town’s assessment is approximately 88% residential, with over 90% of tax revenue coming from residential taxpayers. Without a significant increase in our commercial and industrial tax base, the financial burden will continue to fall disproportionately on our residents. In 2021, York Regional Council approved the York Region Official Plan which had policies to open the Highway 404 corridor in Stouffville which would provide critical access to commercial and industrial lands, significantly altering our tax composition and easing the pressure on our residential taxpayers. This one policy decision accounted for a potential $64M in new commercial tax revenue. Provincial MMAH staff redlined the policy out without explanation.
As Stouffville relies solely on tax revenues and user fees as our source of income, and the province won’t allow us to be in control of our own financial future, we have no other choice but to request the exploration of new revenue-sharing options as suggested by the Municipal Finance Officers’ Association. This would provide much-needed financial relief and allow us to better serve our community. Aurora Mayor Mrakas’ motion that has now been endorsed by over 107 municipalities asking for the province to provide 1% of land transfer tax should not be ignored. While it may not be the right model, it’s an idea to begin a discussion.
Community Services
Expanding funding for Ontario’s $10 per day daycare model is crucial for supporting working families and promoting early childhood development. In Whitchurch-Stouffville, the dire need for affordable daycare options is evident as many families struggle to balance work and childcare costs. Enhanced funding would alleviate financial pressures on parents, allowing them to participate more fully in the workforce and contribute to the local economy. It would also ensure that children receive quality care and education during their formative years, laying a strong foundation for their future success.
Corporate Services
To ensure efficient governance and service delivery, we need resources for updates to outdated legislation, such as the Municipal Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act (MFIPPA). Additionally, cyber-security support and funding for IT modernization are critical, as many of our software systems are nearing the end of their lifecycle and require significant investments to update or replace.
We also need additional resources for municipal law enforcement to address issues such as unlicensed event venues, fill, and animal control matters. Moreover, the ability to issue greater fines under the Provincial Offences Act would enhance our enforcement capabilities and ensure the timely resolution of issues.
Fire & Emergency Services
Finally, we request provincial funding for fire & emergency services, beyond what is collected through Development Charges. The cost of firefighting equipment has increased dramatically, with the cost of trucks doubling in the last five years and the cost of constructing a new station tripling in the last decade. This unprecedented increase necessitates additional funding to ensure the safety and security of our community.
In conclusion, the Town of Stouffville is committed to providing high-quality services and infrastructure to our residents. However, we cannot do this alone. We need the support of the provincial government to address the challenges we face and to build a sustainable and prosperous future for our community.
Thank you for your consideration of these items, and for your tireless dedication to Ontarians.
Regards,
Iain Lovatt, Mayor
