York to raise property taxes at least 3.37%

Hike would go toward hiring new paramedics, York Regional Police staff

York Region residents should get ready to see the regional portion of their property tax bill climb by 3.37 per cent this year — and it could go up even more.

The hike would include pay- ing for 53 new York Regional Police staff, including 23 for cannabis-related costs, and hiring 12 new paramedics.

But council could also boost taxes by one additional percentage point to speed up road construction projects, a measure rejected for last year’s budget in advance of the municipal elections.

With the 3.37 per cent increase, the average homeowner with a house assessed at $687,000 would see the regional portion of their property tax go up $81. With the 4.37 per cent, the average increase would be $105. However, the average is different depending on the municipality in which you live.

Regional council will pass a four-year budget that sets out anticipated tax increases 2.96 per cent in each of 2020, 2021 and 2022. That would be 3.96 per cent in each of those years if the additional roads projects allocation is approved.

The region’s operating expenses this year are $2.3 billion, while its capital expenses are $1.1 billion. The region’s debt now stands at $2.7 billion, down from a high of $2.9 billion in 2017.

Council is expected to pass the budget on Feb. 28.