Protecting and maintaining essential service delivery through the pandemic.

Last night, Whitby continued its 2021 budget planning process with its budget target report. In recognition of the significant financial impact the pandemic has had on many residents and local businesses, Whitby Town Council approved a budget target of 0.55 per cent increase (or $2.57 per month for the average residential property*) on the total residential bill for Town services. This is a one-time measure that prioritizes minimizing financial impact on the community, while protecting and maintaining the delivery of the essential services Whitby residents and businesses rely on.

The budget target also takes into consideration and incorporates the feedback collected to date through the Town's 2020 Community Survey and new Citizen Budget Tool, which saw more than 2,000 participants this fall. Through both engagements, the majority of residents indicated comfort with the current levels of Town services and taxation. More than 80 per cent also reported they felt they are getting “good” or “very good” value for their tax dollars and enjoy a “good” or “excellent” quality of life in Whitby.

Next steps in the 2021 budget planning process are:

• January 19: budget target report posted to connectwhitby.ca/2021budget and continues to be available for public review
• January 25: Release of proposed budget for 2021 online at whitby.ca/budget
• January 25 to February 14: virtual 2021 Budget forum at connectwhitby.ca/2021budget for community input on proposed 2021 Budget
• February 8: virtual public meeting for community input on proposed budget for 2021
• February 25: Special Council Meeting for final approval of the Town’s 2021 budget

To learn more about participating in the process and speaking at Council meetings, visit whitby.ca/delegation. For comments or questions about the budget, contact the Financial Services Department at treasury@whitby.ca or by phone at 905.430.4300 x1952.

Quotes

"The COVID-19 pandemic has impacted every single person who lives, works or does business in Whitby. That’s why, this year, through a budget target of 0.55 per cent, we are aiming to keep taxes low during this continued state of emergency, while at the same time protecting and continuing the delivery of the essential services our community relies on."

- Matthew Gaskell, Chief Administrative Officer, Town of Whitby

"The 2021 Budget Target Report is the result of an in-depth, line-by-line review of the Town’s budget with the goal to identify and minimize or defer discretionary spending. The target prioritizes and continues to invest in the areas that our residents said mattered most to them including roads, recreation and green spaces."

- Fuwing Wong, Treasurer and Commissioner of Financial Services, Town of Whitby

Quick Facts

• The Town’s overall tax impact equates to about 9 cents per day, $2.57 per month or $31 per year on the average residential tax bill*.
• Roads, recreational facilities and parks represent the highest capital investments in the 2021 budget target, aligned with the results of the 2020 Community Survey and Citizen Budget Tool.
• Only 9 per cent of all taxes the average household pays are property taxes and 3 per cent of the taxes you pay go to the Town of Whitby.
• The Town’s portion of the total property tax bill is 34 per cent. The Town is responsible for collecting property taxes on behalf of the Region of Durham and the School Boards.

More Information

The 2021 Budget Target Report is available online at connectwhitby.ca/2021budget. Full results of the 2020 Community Survey and Citizen Budget Tool can also be viewed on Connect Whitby.

* Based on the 2020 average residential assessment value of $503,000 as determined by the Municipal Property Assessment Corporation (MPAC)