New Budget Brings Major Investments in Transit, Parks, and Safety

Milton homeowners will see a 6.43% property tax increase next year, translating to about $49.87 per $100,000 of property assessment.

The 2025 budget, unveiled under Ontario’s strong mayor framework, outlines a $110-million operating budget with a 9.89% increase in the local tax levy and a $140-million capital plan covering 138 projects.

Key Investments: What’s Coming to Milton

Transit: Sunday service and later weekday hours until 10:30 p.m.; new buses for Boyne and Derry Green areas.
Parks: Bowes Neighbourhood Park construction and new pickleball courts in Coates and Bristol parks.
Roads: Urbanizing Nipissing Road and rehabilitating Ontario Street, Appleby Line, and more.
Fire Services: Adding 14 full-time staff for enhanced urban coverage.
Chief Financial Officer Glen Cowan emphasized that the budget balances immediate needs with future planning while maintaining fiscal responsibility.

“The process is different under the strong mayor powers, and instead of being approved, it’s passively adopted after completing all necessary steps,” Cowan explained.

Council Divided on Growing Costs
While most council members supported the budget, some voiced concerns about rising taxes and the expanding municipal bureaucracy.

Mayor Gord Krantz warned that cumulative tax hikes since 2022 could reach 40%.
Coun. John Challinor urged innovative revenue solutions to ease the burden on taxpayers.
Others, like Coun. Colin Best, defended the spending, noting Milton’s rapid growth requires investment:
“We have the lowest tax rate in the region but the highest growth. If we want growth, we have to pay for it.”

Next Steps
The final tax impact will be confirmed after Halton Region’s budget approval. Despite differing views, Coun. Sarah Marshall praised the budget for addressing the community’s evolving needs amid inflation and rapid development:
“I’m proud our budget reflects thoughtful consideration of what Milton needs to grow and thrive.”