Fair and Responsible Property Taxes

Residents across Oshawa are feeling the pressure of rising costs. Groceries, housing, utilities, insurance, and everyday expenses have all increased significantly, and many people are worried about how much further they can stretch their budgets. Property taxes are part of that conversation.

People understand that city services need to be funded and maintained, but many residents also want to know that the money they are paying is being used effectively and that they are seeing real results in their neighbourhoods and communities.

In Ward 4 especially, many residents feel frustrated that property taxes continue to rise while long standing challenges remain unresolved. People want to see progress. They want cleaner and more welcoming public spaces, stronger support for local businesses, improvements to infrastructure, better coordination of services, and meaningful revitalization that strengthens the community as a whole.

I believe we need to approach city spending thoughtfully and responsibly. That means focusing on priorities, improving transparency around decisions, and making sure investments are connected to clear outcomes that residents can actually see and experience in their daily lives.

Responsible financial planning is not simply about cutting services. It is about making informed choices, looking for long term value, and ensuring that public dollars are being used in ways that strengthen the city and support residents. Investments in housing, downtown revitalization, infrastructure, community services, and local business all contribute to a healthier and more stable city over time.

Residents deserve clear communication about where money is being spent, why decisions are being made, and what outcomes are expected. Trust in local government grows when people feel informed, respected, and confident that their concerns are being heard.

Oshawa is growing and changing, and that growth needs to be managed carefully and responsibly. My approach is focused on balancing investment in the community with accountability to residents, while continuing to build a city that people feel proud to call home.

Industrial Development Charges: Oshawa's Lost Revenue

As I've been knocking on doors, development charges have been coming up more and more.
Oshawa gave up approximately $15.5 million in industrial development charges between 2014 and 2023. City staff estimated continuing the exemption could mean another $20.8 million in foregone revenue.

I support growth. I want new businesses, investment and good jobs in Oshawa.But here's the question: do we need to give up millions in revenue to attract it?
Other Durham municipalities charge local development charges and continue to see significant non-residential development. In 2024:
• Oshawa — $362.4M in non-residential building permits
• Pickering — $279.1M• Whitby — $216.3M
• Clarington — $169.2M

Unlike Oshawa, those municipalities collect local development charges on industrial development.Growth requires roads, fire services, stormwater infrastructure, parks, recreation and other services. When growth doesn't help pay for those costs, more of the burden falls on the taxpayers who are already here.

Growth should help pay for growth.Sources/Documents:• City of Oshawa — Report CNCL-24-34, 2024 Development Charges Background Study & By-law Review• City of Oshawa — 2024 Development Charges Background Study• Region of Durham — 2024 Annual Building Activity Review• Region of Durham — 2024 Realtor & Developer Tool-Kit, Development Charge Comparison

Industrial Development Charges

Industrial Development Charges Part 2