Residents of Mississauga are bracing for a potential 9.3% increase in property taxes in 2025 as city and regional officials debate big-ticket items and rising costs. The proposed hike includes a 3.3% increase from Mississauga’s municipal budget and a 6% increase stemming from Peel Region’s budget, driven primarily by a significant boost to Peel Regional Police funding.
City Budget: Windrow Clearing and New Initiatives
Mississauga’s budget committee approved several new measures this week, including a citywide windrow clearing program, a flood rebate program, free recreation passes for seniors, and enhancements to sidewalk and bike lane clearing. These initiatives come with significant costs, including $5 million for the windrow program’s annual operations and a one-time $9.2 million equipment cost.
Mayor Carolyn Parrish, a long-time proponent of the windrow clearing program, supported its inclusion, emphasizing its importance for seniors. “When it comes to people getting older in our city, windrow stuff is awful to clear,” Parrish said. “People who are clearing that themselves can have heart attacks, and they do.”
The citywide windrow clearing plan narrowly passed with a 6-5 vote. However, some councillors, including Ward 6’s Joe Horneck, opposed the program due to its limited coverage. Approximately 35,000 residences, including townhomes, cul-de-sacs, and condos, will not receive the service.
“We’re asking people to pay for this program when many won’t benefit from it,” Horneck said, advocating for financial relief from the province as Mississauga prepares for potential changes in Peel Region’s responsibilities.
Peel Region Budget: Police Funding Sparks Debate
Peel Region’s proposed budget includes a $136-million increase for Peel Regional Police, accounting for over half of the region’s property tax hike. The funds will add 300 officers and 65 civilian roles to address rising service demands. Mayor Parrish criticized the steep regional tax increase, stating, “Our budget is quite reasonable. The budget that’s going to kill us is the stuff coming in from the region.”
Parrish announced her resignation from the Peel Police Service Board, citing her opposition to the proposed police budget. “This increase is not sustainable for Mississauga residents, and it doesn’t align with our city’s priorities,” she said.
Impact on Residents
At the proposed 9.3% blended rate, the owner of a home assessed at $730,000 would pay approximately $500 more in property taxes next year, excluding stormwater charges. Residents and community groups are voicing concerns about affordability.
Sue Klein-Shanly, chair of the Mississauga Residents’ Associations Network, called the increase “very high” and urged the city to find cost savings. “The city has to balance maintaining quality services with the financial burden on taxpayers,” she said.
The city’s next budget committee meeting on November 25 will include discussions on reducing costs, including a motion to cut $6.8 million from the infrastructure and debt levy. Under Ontario’s strong-mayor rules, the council has until mid-December to amend the proposed budget, with Mayor Parrish holding veto power over changes.
As Mississauga awaits clarity on the reorganization of Peel Region, residents and officials alike are grappling with the financial implications of the 2025 budget. With new programs on the horizon and a growing need for services, the city faces the challenge of balancing innovation with fiscal responsibility.