Brant County residents face average property tax hike of 6.3%

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County of Brant residents will be paying just over six per cent more on their tax bills after council approved its 2025 budget.  

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The tax hike includes a property tax increase of 5.3 per cent and a one-per-cent property tax surcharge as a local contribution toward the New Hospital Project. 

The tax bump amounts to $241 for the median home.  

“A great deal of discussion and thought went into this year’s budget,” said Mayor David Bailey. “While budget discussions can be challenging, our commitment remains to serving the community’s needs – both now and in the future – while balancing realistic expectations. Investing in our community today is essential to planning for what’s ahead.” 

The operating budget covers essential services, such as roads and infrastructure, parks and recreation, emergency services, and community development initiatives.  

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Budget highlights include: 

• A $12-million investment in asset management capital for the maintenance, repair and replacement of existing infrastructure throughout the county. 

• Revitalization of the downtown Paris core through completion of the Grand River Street North Reconstruction Project. 

• Investments in new business developments, including a Cainsville Secondary Plan and infrastructure in Southwest Paris. 

• Reinvestment of revenues from solar and renewable energy projects into future climate action initiatives. 

The community was invited to engage in the budget process through the Engage Brant website, which received 1,500 visits. 

For the first time a pre-budget engagement survey was conducted, which received 259 responses. Key themes from the survey were financial restraint, infrastructure improvements, and healthcare funding, all of which are reflected in the budget, said Bailey. 

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In 2023, County of Brant council established a reserve fund with the intention of making contributions to help offset the county’s eventual funding commitment to construction of a new hospital in Brantford. 

The total estimated capital construction cost for a new hospital is about $2.5 billion. 

The Ministry of Health will fund 90 per cent of the construction and ancillary costs for a new hospital, but it is expected that the local communities will contribute the remaining 10 per cent, along with 100 per cent of the furniture/equipment costs. 

Premier Doug Ford announced permission to move into the first stage of planning for a new hospital back in March 2022. 

“The timing and total local commitment for this project is currently uncertain, however, it’s important that this reserve fund begin to substantially grow to ensure the project isn’t delayed and doesn’t result in severe implications on the county’s financial status and debt repayment limits,” said Suzie Keczan, the county’s director of communications. 

Bailey thanked members of the public who “took the time to engage with us on the budget.” 

“Your input is invaluable in helping us understand community priorities, make informed decisions and ensure that our decisions align with the needs of residents.” 

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