Markham Recognized Again for Leadership on Low Property Tax Rates

MARKHAM, ON – October 6, 2017 – Markham has been recognized once again for outstanding municipal tax rate leadership by Novae Res Urbis (NRU), a Toronto-based publication reporting on the abilities and services of municipal governments. NRU recently released a comparison of the 2017 tax rates among the 27 municipalities across the Greater Toronto Area. 

Markham has the lowest commercial tax rate for the fifth consecutive year, the lowest industrial tax rate for the eighth consecutive year, and the lowest multi-residential tax rate for the ninth consecutive year. Markham's residential tax rate is also the third lowest of all the 27 GTA municipalities. 

Markham's nine-year average tax rate increase of 13.89 per cent is the lowest among all 27 municipalities in the GTA. This translates into an average annual tax rate increase of 1.54 per cent per year.

"Our commercial and industrial tax rates are the lowest in the GTA, something to be proud of,” said Mayor Frank Scarpitti, “and we have been able to keep it that way for many years, which is an outstanding achievement. A low tax rate, a diverse and highly educated workforce, superior and sustainable infrastructure make Markham an ideal place to invest.”

The City of Markham has continued to provide exceptional services to its residents, while actively keeping tax rates low. Some of the City's current initiatives are: 

· Property Tax eBilling, which allows Markham residents to sign up to access their property tax account electronically and receive emails when their tax bill is available online, including current and past billing information and bill payment options.

o   Currently 6,900 or (7.3%) of property owners in Markham enjoy the benefits which property tax eBilling service provides.

· Received $1.9M in external funding grants to support Markham's Canada 150 celebrations and legacy infrastructure investments .

· Markham’s commitment to flood protection and managing the impact of climate change in the community is reflected in the completion of Phases 1 & 2A and the groundbreaking of Phase 2B of the 4-Phase Flood Control Program in West Thornhill.

· Our new Aaniin Community Centre & Library is expected to open in late 2017.

· Completion of new multi-use pathways and trails across the City to promote good health, and provide new routes for cyclists and pedestrians to access.