Milton Homeowners Face Potential Major Tax Increase in 2025

Final Budget Meeting Scheduled for December

Residents of Milton may encounter a significant tax hike in the upcoming year as the Town deals with budgetary pressures.

For 2025, the budget forecasts a need for a 7.31 percent increase in total property taxes, which translates to an additional $56.65 per $100,000 of property assessment. This would result in a 13.84 percent rise in the local tax rate. Glen Cowan, the Town’s chief financial officer and treasurer, highlighted these figures during the recent council meeting, noting that while the proposed budget isn’t final, current pressures align with a 13 percent increase based on last year’s forecast and recent updates.

Previously, the council had approved a multi-year financial plan aiming for a blended property tax rate increase of 4.5 percent to 7 percent, covering regional and school board taxes as well. Cowan emphasized that Milton’s total tax levy remains 18 percent lower than neighboring municipalities for a typical two-story home, and its property taxes, as a percentage of household income, are the lowest in the Greater Toronto Area and the second lowest in Ontario.

Mayor Gord Krantz expressed strong opposition to a 14 percent local tax increase, deeming it “unacceptable,” especially given the current inflation rate of about 3 percent. “I plan to address this responsibly and hope the majority of council will also act responsibly,” he stated.

Councillor Adil Khalqi urged his fellow council members to look beyond the immediate figures and focus on protecting key investments in the budget that align with the Town’s long-term vision for 2051. “This budget is about creating a community where people are proud to live, raise families, and thrive,” he said.

Town staff will finalize the budget documents for a council workshop in November, with the final budget discussion scheduled for December 2.