City of Welland budget adopted with a 3.95 per cent tax levy increase

The City of Welland's 2025 budget has been finalized, following Council's review and adoption of amendments to the Mayor's proposed budget on December 4. The municipal tax levy increase is set at 3.95%, supported by the city’s steady growth, which was assessed at 2.91% for 2025.

The final budget included several Council-supported items from the original proposal, including:

• Part-time Seasonal Garbage Collector
• Facilities Working Foreperson
• Labourer Roads
• Installation of a drinking fountain at Empire Sportsplex
• Part-time Social Services Advisor
• Supervisor of By-law Enforcement

In addition, Council supported additional funding for the Museum, Library, and Municipal Emergency Management.

“We worked diligently as a council and corporation to create a budget that supports city services, programs, and sustainability while addressing the evolving needs of our community,” said Mayor Frank Campion. “This budget reflects an investment in the collective well-being of Welland, both now and in the future.”

The estimated municipal tax levy increase for a residential property with an average assessment of $232,000 is approximately $72.78. Residents will also see an approximate increase of $ $111 on their water and wastewater bills for the low residential user.

Budget highlights:

• Capital spend for roadways; approx. $7.8 M
• Capital spend for facilities; approx. $3.5 M
• Capital spend for parks/open spaces; approx. $2.2 M
• Capital spend for water; approx. $4.0 M
• Capital spend for wastewater; approx. $22.9 M

The 2025 operating budget totals just over $121 million. The budgets are comprised of the tax-supported operating budget of $80.6 million, the rate-supported operating budget for water and wastewater of $40.8 million, and the combined capital budget of $50.8 million.

A testament to the collaborative nature of governance, Council introduced 37 changes through amendment motions – during special council meetings on November 20, 27 and December 4 – with 12 impacting the tax supported budget being adopted, committing to address the community's needs effectively.

In Niagara, property tax bills include municipal, regional and school board levies. The total property tax increase for 2025 will be calculated by combining Welland's portion to the increases with the Region and School Boards once those rates are finalized.

On December 5, Mayor Campion shortened the 10-day veto period for amendment resolutions, officially adopting the budget as amended during the December 4 meeting.

Visit the Current Budget webpage for more on the budget.

For media inquiries, please contact:
Marc MacDonald
Chief Communications & Engagement Officer
905-735-1700 x2337
Marc.MacDonald@welland.ca