Proposed Municipal Tax Increase of Approximately 3% for Windsor in 2025 Windsor appears poised to implement a municipal tax increase of approximately three percent for the year 2025. This figure marks a considerable decrease from the initial proposal presented to the council last year, which suggested a staggering rise of over twelve percent.
Mayor Drew Dilkens unveiled his final draft budget on Friday morning, proposing a tax hike of 2.99 percent, compared to the previous year’s increase of 3.91 percent. “In striving to keep Windsor among the most affordable cities in its population bracket within the province, this proposed budget aims to foster progress, enhance and streamline services, and ultimately forge a stronger and more resilient community for future generations,” stated Mayor Dilkens.
The council is expected to review and discuss potential amendments to the budget document, which requires a vote for official approval. Delegations are scheduled for January 13, with council deliberations taking place on January 27. It is noteworthy that the powers afforded to the city’s strong mayor could facilitate the passage of the budget regardless of council discourse. As part of the budget strategy, the Mayor indicated that the city would see staff reductions, although he emphasized the ongoing confidential discussions within the council regarding this process. “There’s a lot of in-camera work,” he noted. “We shouldn’t rush to conclusions until we have a comprehensive understanding of our direction.”
In an effort to mitigate the proposed tax increase, a hiring freeze was instituted at the city hall in 2024. Dilkens characterized the budget process as challenging but did clarify that it is not a case of a “slash and burn” approach, admitting that significant discussions were unavoidable. “Some of the difficulties we’ve faced stem from years of minimal investment,” he remarked.
The budgetary considerations have prompted conversations surrounding essential versus optional expenditures, with downtown Ward 3 Councillor Renaldo Agostino noting, “Sometimes you have to tighten the belt a bit, and other times you can loosen it.” According to a media release, the proposed budget prioritizes investment, growth, and sustainability while effectively managing reserves and debt levels. Key investments in the 2025 capital plan are set to support projects aligned with development around the NextStar Energy electric vehicle battery factory, the new Windsor-Essex Acute Care Hospital, and further developments in Sandwich South, particularly related to airport land servicing.
The detailed financial breakdown includes significant allocations such as: $169.3 million for Lauzon Parkway/Cabana Road East (County Road 42), $35.6 million for airport employment lands servicing, $15 million for the Lauzon Parkway Extension to Highway 401, $50 million for the Banwell Road/E.C. Row Expressway Interchange, $43.6 million for the Banwell Corridor, $6.2 million for the East Riverside Planning District on Wyandotte Street.
In addition, several notable infrastructure projects are slated for 2025, including: Improvements at the Howard Avenue/South Cameron intersection between Division Road and Kenilworth Road, Ongoing enhancements to Lauzon Parkway, north of the E.C. Row Expressway, Continued upgrades on University Avenue, Tendering for a new Peace Fountain, Establishment of a cricket pitch at Derwent Park, Initiation of Phase 1A of the South Cameron Trail.
Replacement of the Optimist playground with the budget discussions on the horizon, Windsor’s leadership remains focused on achieving a balanced approach that addresses both immediate community needs and long-term growth objectives.
