Mayor Mat Siscoe waived his ability to veto Council’s changes to his budget. Pictured: St. Catharines Mayor Mat Siscoe. Photo Credit: Mat Siscoe/X.
St. Catharines Mayor Mat Siscoe has approved the alterations that city councillors made to his proposed multi-year budget for 2025 and 2026. City taxes will hike by 2.82 percent in the new year, which is marginally greater than the 2.71 per cent increase included in Siscoe’s draft budget.
The 2.82 per cent City tax increase will result in a property tax hike of approximately 1.13 per cent ($49.01) for the average homeowner, from the City of St. Catharines. When combined with an estimated five per cent ($217.07) hike from the Regional levy, the total property tax increase is projected to be roughly 6.13 per cent ($266.07). The education levy is not slated to observe an increase this year.
Following provincial strong mayor legislation, Siscoe released his updated multi-year 2025 and 2026 budget for readoption earlier this fall. Councillors were then able to debate and make changes to the draft budget during a 30-day amendment period. Upon completion of this step, Big City Mayors are provided with a 10-day veto period, which Siscoe has waived, allowing the budget to pass efficiently.
“This year’s budget process was different, but it has led to more transparent and accountable decisions,” Siscoe said while reflecting on the success of budgetary proceedings. “We’ve balanced maintaining services at their current levels and ensuring affordability for taxpayers.”
Some of the most notable investments in the readopted budget will include $1.24 million to update active transportation infrastructure, $1.8 million for renovations and new attractions at Port Dalhousie Aquatics, as well as $1.8 million for essential equipment upgrades at the Seymour-Hannah Sports and Entertainment Centre Renewal. There is also $2.6 million dedicated to road resurfacing and refurbishments across the city, and $7.5 million for the rebuilding of Fire Station No. 3, incorporating environmentally friendly net-zero construction guidelines.
Since the multi-year budget received initial approval earlier this year, additional key fiscal updates have also been made. These include $20,000 in funding for public space beautification through the Hanging Basket Program and $50,000 for the installation of permanent speed bumps in needed locations. $123,000 has been set aside to compensate a permanent full-time accessibility coordinator. In addition, there is $595,709 dedicated to ensuring improvements to forest service delivery, $900,000 for the construction of pickleball courts, and $1.1 million to revitalize the City’s George Taylor Field.
“This budget reflects the City’s commitment to investing in our future while listening to residents’ needs,” Siscoe said. “With these investments, we’re building a city that is accessible, sustainable and livable for everyone.”
Nick Redekop completed his Honours Bachelor of Arts Degree in Labour Studies at Brock University. He has previously served in municipal and federal politics. In his free time, Nick enjoys following sports, taking part in outdoor activities, and reading biographies. Nick resides in Niagara Falls
