📣 Have Your Say in Shaping Your Community's Future!
Your voice matters, and now is the time to make it heard! Each year, Niagara Falls residents are encouraged to participate in the City's annual budgeting process. Your input is crucial as we work together to create a budget that reflects your priorities and values for our wonderful community.
2023 Budget Increase Explained
The City of Niagara Falls recognizes that the 2023 Tax Levy increase of 7.9% was one of the highest increases the City has had in many years. The City has historically had low tax increases. Even including this year's significant increase, the average tax increase over the last seven years has been 2.8%, right around the inflation rate. Taxpayers may have benefitted in the past from lower increases when their income or pension increase may have been higher. Unfortunately, this year, the City found itself in a position where a catch-up was needed, leading to a higher increase.
7-Year Historical Tax Rate Increases - City of Niagara Falls (approx. 38% of total tax bill) | ||||||||
2023* | 2022** | 2021 | 2020 | 2019 | 2018 | 2017 | Average | |
7.9% | 3.9% | 1.7% | 3.5% | 0.0% | 1.6% | 1.0% | 2.8% | |
* Includes a 0.5% increase to the Capital Levy - the operating increase was 7.4% | ||||||||
** Includes a new Capital Levy of 1% - the operating increase was 2.9% | ||||||||
Although the increase is much higher than in previous years, the City of Niagara Falls has a very low tax rate compared to other municipalities in the Niagara Region. It is the lowest of the three municipalities with professional Fire Service. Specifically, the City of Niagara Falls has the 8th lowest tax rate out of the 12 municipalities in the Niagara Region. View the Niagara Region tax comparison.
The City's final tax bill includes levies from the City, the Region, and the Province. The City controls 38% of the total tax bill, with the Region of Niagara controlling 52% and the Province controlling 10%.
Get Involved!
Each year, the City invites input into the budget process, and we encourage you to participate in the 2024 Budget Engagement Survey below so that your input can help shape the budget next year.
🌟 Why Your Participation Matters:
- Community-Centred Budget: The 2024 budget is focused on three key areas that directly impact your daily life, from essential services to infrastructure development and public spaces:
- Operating Budget
- Water & Sewer Budget
- Capital Budget
- Transparency and Accountability: We are committed to transparency in our budgeting process. Your feedback will help us allocate resources effectively and ensure your hard-earned tax dollars are spent wisely.
- Your Vision, Your Future: Your insights will guide our decision-making process. Your thoughts on priorities will shape the budget that sets the course for our community's future.
- Inclusivity: We want to hear from every resident, ensuring all voices are represented. Your unique perspective is invaluable in creating a budget that serves everyone.
📝 How to Participate:
Participating in the 2024 Budget Engagement Survey is easy:
- Visit our survey link: https://surveys.niagarafalls.ca/s3/Let-s-Talk-2024-Budget-Engagement-Survey
- Complete the survey at your convenience. It will take just a few minutes.
- Encourage your friends and neighbours to participate, too. The more input we receive, the better.
📅 Deadline for Participation:
We value your time and input. Please complete the survey by 11:59 pm on Tuesday, October 31, to ensure your feedback is included in our budget discussions.
Your voice is instrumental in shaping the future of our community. Don't miss this opportunity to directly impact the 2024 Budget. Let's work together to make our City an even better place to live, work, and thrive!
Do you have questions or comments about the 2024 Budget?
We want to hear from you! Please leave your questions or comments in the section below and the Finance team will be happy to reply.
Thank you!
