With a new year comes a new round of budgets in Durham Region.
Here’s how discussions are shaping up across the region and its municipalities.
Durham Region
Regional councillors are set to start debating Durham’s 2023 budgets in March.
While the first town hall was already held in November, you can still submit questions about the budgeting process here.
Regional property taxes fund a number of public utilities, including policing and paramedicine, social care and roadwork.
Pickering
Pickering council is accepting feedback on the city’s budget until March 10.
Budget deliberations begin April 13. Council is expected to give final approval on April 24.
Some key infrastructure projects in 2022 included the off-leash dog area at Dunmoore Park, along with shoreline work at Rotary Frenchman’s Bay West Park.
Ajax
Ajax council is similarly encouraging questions and participation in the town’s budget.
A budget meeting is set for February 16, and you are invited to check it out.
Council is expected to give final approval on February 27.
To check out some capital projects planned for 2023, click here.
Whitby
Whitby council is nearing the end of the budgeting process, with councillors expected to give final approval on February 16.
There would be a six per cent increase to the town’s portion of the property tax bill (resulting in a two per cent increase to the total bill).
This would mean an increase of around $118 (or $9.83 per month) for the average Whitby home (valued at $503,000).
Some plans for 2023 include the groundbreaking of a new Whitby Sports Complex, along with natural outdoor ice rinks at Peel Park and Brooklin Memorial Park.
Oshawa
Oshawa council approved the city’s 2023 budget on January 19.
Officials note that it requires a 4.98 per cent increase to the overall city tax levy.
The increase on the Oshawa portion of the total tax bill will be 3.625 per cent.
This means an increase of around $101.53 (or $8.46 per month) for the average Oshawa home (valued at $356,000).
The funds will help the city hire 20 more firefighters and build a new recreation centre on Thornton Road North.
To check out some capital projects planned for 2023, click here.
Clarington
Clarington council is nearing the end of the budgeting process, with councillors expected to give final approval as early as February 13.
There would be a 2.48 per cent increase to the Municipality’s tax levy.
This represents an increase of roughly $39.29 for the average Clarington home (property value of $395,586).
Projects in the works include a new rescue truck for Fire and Emergency Services, as well as upgrades at Rhonda Park, Solina Park, Argent Park and Elephant Hill Park.
Uxbridge
Uxbridge is in the budgeting process. Township staff are working on a draft budget, which will eventually be presented to the finance committee.
Scugog
Much of Scugog’s capital budget was approved in late January, but the operating budget will not be ironed out until March.
Brock
Since mid-January, Brock has been deliberating its 2023 budget.
A public engagement session is set for February 13. Council is expected to give final approval on February 27.
