By Kezia Royer-Burkett, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

In a brief but important special meeting held on April 16, 2025, the Burlington City Council unanimously passed Bylaw Number 26-2025, the city’s official tax levy bylaw for the year. The meeting, which lasted only ten minutes, was called specifically to fulfill legislative requirements and meet critical billing timelines that could not wait for the next scheduled council session in May.

The bylaw authorizes the City of Burlington to levy and collect taxes on all rateable properties within the municipality based on the latest returned assessment roll, in compliance with provisions under the Municipal Act, 2001. The city’s total taxable property for 2025 has been assessed at approximately $47.7 billion, with $45.8 billion in the urban area and $1.87 billion in the rural area.

Mayor Marianne Meed Ward opened the special session with a clear explanation: without timely approval, the city would risk missing key tax billing deadlines. The council agreed, voting 7–0 in favour of passing the bylaw.

The legislation outlines the various tax rates to be collected for the City of Burlington, the Region of Halton, and both public and Catholic school boards, as mandated by Ontario Regulation 400/98. It also accounts for special levies for local Business Improvement Areas (BIAs) and the Downtown Parking Area.

For 2025, the city will raise $553,895,528 in total to cover its municipal, regional, and educational obligations. This includes:

  • $1,065,316 for the Burlington Downtown Business Improvement Area, based on a total rateable property value of over $381 million within that zone.
  • $284,058 for the Aldershot Village Business Improvement Area, applied to just over $190 million in assessable property.
  • $273,780 for the Downtown Parking Area Reserve Fund, drawn from commercial and industrial properties assessed at approximately $325 million.

In accordance with previous bylaws, the city will issue two tax instalments this year. Payments will be due on June 21 and September 21, 2025. Penalties of 1.25% will be applied to late payments, with compounded monthly interest charges on outstanding balances. However, the treasurer, in consultation with the city manager, retains discretion to waive interest or penalties under certain circumstances.

The bylaw also reaffirms administrative details, such as the mailing of tax notices, acceptance of partial payments, and the exemption of tax bills under $10 from issuance. Notably, the swift passage ensures that the City of Burlington remains compliant with regional and provincial mandates while keeping its financial schedule on track.

With all council members in agreement, the vote secured what Meed Ward described as a necessary and efficient step forward. The meeting adjourned shortly after the vote, having fulfilled its single purpose with clarity and expedience.