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New Revenue

 

Efficiency and investment will only get us so far.  To make Guelph more affordable over the long term, we also need to reduce the City's reliance on property taxes.       

Municipalities are limited in their ability to generate revenue from taxation, so we need to get creative and tap into sources of revenue that have long been overlooked.

 

 

 

 

 

1. Modernize the heads-and-beds levy

Work closely with Town and Gown Ontario and the Association of Municipalities of Ontario (AMO) to update the payment in lieu of taxes amount (also referred to as “heads and beds” levy) to adjust for cost of living increases since 1987.

Increase of $2.8 million in 2027, with adjusted annual increases in future years.
2. Fair taxation of large estate properties

In collaboration with AMO, advocate for an amendment to the Municipal Act to permit zoning regulations to differentiate “estate residential” for properties over ½ acre. Adjust mill rate to account for additional cost to service large property frontages.

Potential revenue of $360,000 annually.
3. Non-resident surcharges on subsidized services

Implement tiered Non-Resident surcharges for users of subsidized municipal services, such as recreation centres, libraries, and waste drop-off.

Potential revenue of $25,000 – $50,000 annually.
4. Strengthen development charge recovery

Expand development charge recovery through annual updates where permitted by regularly updating background studies.

Higher immediate compensation for growth-related expenses.
5. Regular municipal user-fee reviews

Implement a comprehensive municipal services user fee review every two years to ensure cost recovery where appropriate, and reduce unanticipated spikes for residents, businesses, and other users.

Stable non-tax revenue.
6. Charge utilities for use of City land

Monetize City-owned land being used by for-profit energy and utility providers. Continue advocacy and encourage other municipalities to support the “No More Free Ride for Fossil Fuel” bill to amend the Municipal Act to charge Enbridge for use of public land.

Potential revenue of $8.6 million annually. Use savings to accelerate transition to renewables to save homeowner utility bills.
7. Expand sponsorship and naming rights

Expand sponsorship and naming rights, and co-operative use of space, for recreation facilities, events, and public amenities. The new South End Community Centre and the Operations Centre offer new opportunities.

$100,000 – $1 million potential new revenue.
8. Launch a municipal green investment fund

Establish a municipal green investment fund that leverages private capital for energy and climate projects with bonds or shared savings dividends.

Reduced capital financing costs, and faster energy savings for residents, businesses, and the City.
9. Grow the commercial and industrial tax base

Grow the commercial and industrial tax base by accelerating employment land development and business attraction. Work directly with Chamber and Business Accelerator to target high-quality, low-impact employers with incentives.

Tax assessment and job growth potential $3 – 5 million on existing service lands.
10. Maximize grant funding

Maximize grant funding through a dedicated grant office responsible for identifying and securing external funding opportunities. Apply for every eligible grant stream tied to housing enablement, transit, and climate resilience — areas already flagged as budget priorities.

Higher external revenues for strategic projects.