Residents face a 14.4 per cent property tax hike without changes. Pictured: Councillor Wendy Cheropita. Photo Credit: Town of Niagara-on-the-Lake.
The Town of Niagara-on-the-Lake is world-renowned for its beautiful scenery, rich history and quaint tourist attractions. In spite of these strengths, residents of the municipality are struggling to keep up with its rising cost of living, especially its high taxes.
The Niagara-on-the-Lake Council is currently in the process of constructing its 2025 budget, and it is possible that residents could face a 14.4 per cent tax increase in the new year.
Wendy Cheropita currently serves as a Niagara-on-the-Lake Town Councillor. Cheropita believes that a 14.4 per cent hike is far beyond what residents should be expected to absorb.
On Dec. 10, Cheropita attempted to bring forward a motion to freeze the hiring of employees for new positions, approved in 2023 and 2024, until the next permanent Chief Administrative Officer has been selected, and the 2025 budget has been approved. Council deferred the motion to the next budget meeting, which is not scheduled to take place until after the Christmas holidays because Council procedure does not allow for referral motions to be debated.
Cheropita said that it was “unfair” that she was not able to discuss the motion with the Council. Lord Mayor Gary Zalepa, however, was adamant that it was “completely fair”.
The deferral was tabled by Councillor Andrew Niven. Niven argued that Council needed to consider the “business cases” before any jobs were frozen.
Cheropita argues that a hiring freeze would provide extra time so that the new CAO, working collaboratively with staff, would be able to ensure that the most pertinent needs are being addressed, both with regard to personnel, and operating programs.
In spite of the setbacks to her hiring freeze motion, Cheropita hopes that the debate she believes is warranted will take place in January, and that the desires of residents, namely, infrastructure improvements, the maintenance of existing services, and the lowering of taxes will be prioritized.
The 2025 capital budget, which has been approved in principle, includes a $17.2 million spending plan, representing a $7 million increase from last year.
If the 14.4 per cent tax increase on the 2025 operating budget is ultimately approved, the average owner of a home assessed to be worth $544,000 will face a town tax bill that is $203 greater than in 2024.
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
