Whitby’s 2025-2027 Budget Adopted

Last night (November 28), at a Special Council meeting, Town Council approved amendments to the 2025-2027 Strong Mayor's Budget, wrapping up this year’s budget process.

The final budget amendment, unanimously approved by Council, results in a 3.99 per cent budget tax levy increase for each of the following years: 2025, 2026, and 2027. On November 29, Mayor Roy provided a directive (Mayoral Decision #02-2024) that she will not veto the budget amendments, as allowed under Strong Mayor Powers, and that her veto period be shortened to just one (1) day, wrapping up this year’s budget process.

The final budget will result in a 3.99 per cent tax increase to the Town’s budget tax levy or an estimated 1.4 per cent increase on the total residential bill for Town services for 2025. This represents an increase of just over 24 cents* per day, per average household for the delivery of important services residents rely on, like waste collection, snow clearing, and parks maintenance. This budget also focuses on delivering on the key action items of Whitby’s Community Strategic Plan, investing in Council-approved initiatives like the Whitby Sports Complex, a new fire hall, and firefighters to support growth.

This is Whitby’s first multi-year budget, with projections included for 2026 and 2027. Tax increases of 3.99 per cent and 3.99 per cent have also been adopted or an estimated 1.4 per cent and 1.5 per cent increase on the total residential bill for Town services for 2026 and 2027 respectively. These numbers will be reviewed annually with continued efforts to find efficiencies and new revenue opportunities.

The Town’s $186.5 million operating budget will support the continued delivery of the Town’s programs and services including fire services, waste collection, parks and trails, maintenance of roads and community facilities, recreation, libraries, and many other important services. The budget also includes $50.8 million in capital investments like:

continued construction of the Whitby Sports Complex;
land purchase, design, and construction to support a new Fire Hall in West Whitby, as well as 20 new firefighters to staff it;
playground redevelopments at multiple park locations, including Vipond, Sato, Powell, and D’Hillier;
waterfront improvements, including around the Historic James Rowe House;
new and improved multi-use path and cycling connections;
new traffic safety and calming measures, including pedestrian crossings and traffic signal replacements/signage; and, road maintenance, resurfacing, and reconstruction.

Quotes

The 2025 Budget reflects the invaluable input of thousands of residents who shared their priorities with us. It positions us to continue advancing the action items in Whitby’s Community Strategic Plan, preparing for growth, addressing future asset management needs, and delivering the essential services our residents depend on. I'm proud of our efforts to secure grants and introduce new revenue sources to help offset challenges such as inflation, rapid growth, and provincial and federal downloading. I'm also pleased to have worked with Town staff and fellow members of Council to bring this year’s tax increase from a proposed 5.7 per cent, down to 3.99 per cent. Collaboration is important to me, which is why I issued Mayoral Decision #02-2024 on Nov. 29, confirming that I will not veto the budget amendment as permitted under Strong Mayor legislation, meaning the 2025 Budget is now finalized. The proposed increases for 2026 and 2027 will continue to evolve as we evaluate community needs and budget pressures. Thank you to Council, Town staff, and our engaged residents for your contributions.

- Elizabeth Roy, Mayor, Town of Whitby

Quick Facts

The adopted budget builds upon and amends the provincially legislated Strong Mayor’s Budget (presented November 18) and the Draft Budget (prepared by Staff and presented on November 4).
The 2025 to 2027 adopted budget will soon be made available on the Town’s website, whitby.ca/Budget. To learn more about the 2025 budget process, visit the Connect Whitby project page.
Mayor Roy is proposing that Staff review Town services and costs to provide services in 2025, with the assistance of external resources, to find further efficiencies for the 2026 and 2027 budgets.
For every residential property tax dollar collected, 35 per cent (or approximately one-third) stays with the Town of Whitby. The balance of property taxes collected by the Town is sent to the Region of Durham (52 per cent of the property tax bill) and the School Boards (13 per cent of the property tax bill).
Whitby is middle of the pack among the Durham lakeshore municipalities when it comes to property taxes. Learn more.
Recent changes to Bill 23 saw the loss of over $5 million to-date in developer payments to the Town for the future purchase of parkland.
The Town has implemented a Municipal Accommodation Tax (MAT) and is looking at other non-tax revenues to mitigate property tax increases. The MAT alone is projected to raise $175,000 to $263,000 in non-tax revenues annually.
The Town’s tax rebate program to support low-income seniors and low-income homeowners with disabilities will increase to $522 this year. Learn more about how to apply.

Learn More

For more information on the proposed budget, visit connectwhitby.ca/Budget.

For media inquiries, contact:

Corporate Communications
Erin Mikaluk, Manager, Communications and Creative Services, Town of Whitby
Phone: 289.314.6913; Email: mikaluke@whitby.ca

Office of the Mayor
Jillian Follert, Public Affairs Coordinator, Office of the Mayor
Phone: 289.387.9101; Email: follertj@whitby.ca