Mayor Burton says pandemic should not create a heavy tax burden for Oakville

Oakville is on pace for a property tax increase at the rate of inflation.

That is the message delivered by Mayor Rob Burton as he gave his annual State of the Town last night (Oct. 20).

The mayor said the Town always strives to come in at the level of inflation which currently sits at 1.7 per cent.

“I don’t see that changing,” he said.

This comes after predictions early in the summer that residents could face a tax increase over seven per cent for 2021 due to shortfalls the Town has faced due to the COVID-19.

However, Burton said Oakville is in good financial shape because the Provincial government has covered the costs associated with the pandemic to a tune of $6 million.

“We have managed through the pandemic with no significant losses,” he said adding the Federal government has also stepped up to help with costs. “That has set us up pretty well for a good performance this year. I am optimistic and confident of not having tax increases greater than inflation.”

The mayor’s address also highlight the current successes achieved by the Town including the opening of several new facilities this year such as the Bronte Outer Harbour Acquisition, the Trafalgar Community Centre, and the downtown streetscape renewal.