Tax relief for seniors in county extended to 2023

Peterborough County council has approved the three-year extension of the property tax relief program for low-income seniors and low-income persons with disabilities in the county. The program — which has been carried out by the county since 2004 — provides an application process for these specific individuals who are property tax ratepayers that experience an annual residential tax increase of $50 or more over the previous year, to apply for tax relief consideration.

The maximum relief they are eligible for is $200 per year.

According to county finance director Trena DeBruijn, the financial impact on the years 2021, 2022 and 2023, will depend upon how many applications are received. The impact on prior years has been minimal, she said.

During council’s virtual meeting on Wednesday morning, Laurie Burtt, deputy mayor of Asphodel-Norwood, asked DeBruijn, how many residents are currently taking advantage of the program.

“I did ask the lower-tier treasurers and they do not get many. So a handful of residents actually use the service, but it’s well-received by the ones who do use it,” DeBruijn said.

To make more people aware of the program, DeBruijn said it’s going to be promoted on social media.

A copy of the bylaw will be also be displayed on the county’s website and each of the county’s townships will also be asked to display a notice of the program on their respective websites.

A notice of the tax relief program is included in each county ratepayer’s annual tax bill in an attempt to make eligible residents aware of the program.

Bonnie Clark, deputy mayor of Otonabee-South Monaghan, said she was concerned that individuals in need of the program may not see the information provided online.

“I know our municipality has three different information boards, and I’m thinking that a lot of seniors don’t follow social media and it may be wise to use those boards or other options as well,” she said.

Trent Lakes Mayor Janet Clarkson agreed with Clark.

“I think the opportunity to reach people is much more difficult because the people we need to reach the most, are the people who have the least ability to look at the social media,” Clarkson said.

There needs to be a better method established in order to inform these individuals, she said.

Funded by the Government of Canada/Financé par le Gouvernement du Canada.