Innisfil council approves 2021-22 budget with 0 per cent tax rate increase

Innisfil council has unanimously approved a 2021-22 budget that includes a historic zero per cent tax increase.

Council approved the multi-year budget at its Dec. 9 meeting.

The 2021 budget comes with a zero per cent increase to the blended tax rate (including county and education) over 2020’s budget for the average assessed home, which is $446,363.

In 2022, owners of an average assessed home will see a one per cent blended tax rate increase, or an estimated extra $44.57 on their tax bill.

The town’s 2021 operating budget sits at $38,088,496, and the 2021 capital budget is $50,922,015.

In 2022, the operating budget will be $39,120,179, and the capital budget will be $25,493,482.

Council also approved the budget for the South Simcoe Police Service.

The police’s 2021 operating budget is $20,975,507. Innisfil and Bradford West Gwillimbury share the cost, with Innisfil’s estimated contribution at $11,263,847. The police’s 2021 capital budget is $610,622. Innisfil will fund 50 per cent, or $301,811, using money from the town’s police reserve ($185,811), and by adding $125,000 to the tax levy.

As part of the budget deliberation process, council inquired about a number of projects, which were addressed in the final report.

Of note, council requested that staff investigate ways to maintain current service levels for gravel road resurfacing. Staff will use the property tax rate stabilization reserve to fund that, to the tune of $159,000 in 2021 and 2022, and repairs to the washrooms at Innisfil Beach Park will happen in 2021 rather than 2022, at council’s request.

During the meeting, Coun. Donna Orsatti requested staff look into repairing or replacing the traffic islands on Innisfil Beach Road and report back to council.

“The islands have become in very poor state of repair; they need more than just a touch up,” she said.

Council approved the amendment.

Innisfil Mayor Lynn Dollin said the zero per cent blended tax increase is the first she has seen in her 26 years on council.

“Kudos to staff and council for, you know, making those tough decisions,” she said.

For more information and to view the budget, visit .