Markham’s Tax Rates Among Lowest in the GTA

Markham achieves lowest Industrial Tax Rate in GTA

MARKHAM — A comparison of municipal tax rates in the Greater Toronto Area (GTA) shows that Markham’s rates are among the lowest. “Markham’s goal is to provide value for tax dollars,” said Markham Budget Chief, Councillor Dan Horchik. “We are proud to have achieved a low tax rate, while maintaining the high quality of life and services our residents and businesses have come to expect.”

Compared to the other 25 municipalities in the GTA, Markham has the lowest industrial tax rate (2.592399 per cent), the second lowest commercial tax rate (2.299651 per cent), and the fourth lowest residential tax rate (1.009021 per cent).

The comparison takes into account the total tax rate, including the municipal, regional and school board rates. In Markham, the municipal tax rate accounts for 25 per cent of the total residential property tax collected, with the remainder divided between education (25 per cent) and the Region of York (50 per cent).

A key factor in Markham’s favourable rankings was its ability to produce a zero per cent increase in its 2009 operating budget, without reducing municipal services. Markham was the only urban municipality in the GTA to do so.

In 2008, Markham engaged employees in a program called E3 – Excellence through Efficiency and Effectiveness. E3 is an ongoing review of all activities to ensure Markham is conducting all aspects of its business in the most effective and efficient way, providing excellent value for every resident tax dollar. The initiative found $4.5 million in savings and additional opportunities to increase revenue in order to balance the budget.

“Our success was a combined effort from Council and all staff to respond to challenging economic conditions,” said Councillor Horchik. “The 2009 budget was set with a focus on today’s needs, and a program that does not sacrifice residents’ future needs.”