Politics
Collingwood Council Approves New Infrastructure Tax Starting 2027
The new levy will appear as a separate line on property tax notices mailed in January 2027 and apply to all residential and commercial parcels within city limits.
How we reported this
Collingwood City Council passed the Infrastructure Funding Levy by an 8-3 vote during its July 7 regular meeting. The bylaw creates a dedicated annual charge on every property to cover road resurfacing and water main replacements. The first payments will be due with the January 2027 tax instalment.
The levy replaces a portion of general revenue previously used for capital projects. Council documents show that reserves for street and utility work fell below target levels after 2024 winter damage exceeded budgeted repairs by 420,000 dollars. Staff presented the measure as part of the 2027 capital budget cycle now under preparation.
Impacts on Household and Business Costs
Owners of single-family homes will see the charge calculated from assessed value and added to each quarterly bill. Renters can expect landlords to incorporate the amount into lease renewals scheduled after December 2026. Commercial properties along Hurontario Street will pay the same rate per square metre, with the finance department estimating total collections of 1.2 million dollars in the first year.
City records list the specific projects the levy will support, including resurfacing of three blocks on Elm Avenue and replacement of a 300-metre water main on River Road. These works are scheduled to begin bidding in spring 2027 once funds are confirmed.
Rollout Schedule and Notifications
The city clerk will mail explanatory letters to every address by October 2026. Two open-house sessions at the Collingwood Community Centre are set for September to review calculation examples drawn from the adopted bylaw. Collection starts automatically with the first 2027 tax notice, and the levy amount will remain fixed for that calendar year before any future adjustment requires another council vote.