• York Region’s $4.8 billion 2025 budget was unanimously approved by Regional Council on Thursday, Nov. 28.
  • Stouffville’s 2025 budget was also adopted, representing more than $118 million in planned operating and capital expenditures.
  • York Region will implement a 4.55% tax levy increase next year, while Stouffville’s budget will result in a 5.69% hike.
  • When combined with the Provincial education levy, Stouffville residents can expect a blended tax increase of 3.86% in 2025.
  • For a property assessed at $800,000, the Town of Whitchurch-Stouffville estimates a $248 total property tax increase.
  • Today also marks York Region Chairman and former Stouffville Mayor Wayne Emmerson’s final day in office, following his retirement announcement in October.

 

Through the Strong Mayor Powers system, Stouffville’s budget was automatically adopted Thursday as no amendments were proposed by Council members. The process began after Mayor Lovatt tabled the budget on Nov. 6.

Stouffville’s operating budget includes funding for 18 new full-time positions, enabling the Town “to enhance service levels across multiple service areas, including road maintenance, development services, emergency response, traffic management, and event and community engagement,” they stated in a recent press release.

The $31 million capital budget will support projects such as the new Ballantrae fire station, the expansion of Civic Square, and road reconstruction. No new debt was brought forward.

York Region’s 2025 budget allocates $3.5 billion to operating costs and $1.26 billion to its capital program. Approximately 81% of Regional tax levies will fund programming and services, with 20% directed to Community and Health Services, 30% to York Regional Police, and 31% to Public Works.

“Critical presentations from York Regional Police, Public Works, and Community and Health Services have underscored an urgent need for sustained investments in our core services,” Emmerson said during Thursday’s Regional Council meeting. “This budget is essential to navigating the complex challenges of today and positioning York Region for success now and in the future.”

The Region’s approved capital budget is part of a record $12.2 billion 10-year capital plan, according to a York Region press release. Adjustments to assessment estimates and additional provincial funding for operations, including Children’s and Paramedic Services, were the only changes made since the budget’s October tabling.

Thursday was also Emmerson’s final day as Regional Council Chair after 10 years in the role. Speaking on behalf of Regional Council members, Markham Mayor Frank Scarpitti reflected on Emmerson’s legacy.

“Chair Emmerson, your leadership, your vision, and your unwavering dedication to the residents of York Region has truly set a standard that all politicians should aspire to,” Scarpitti said. “Over the years, you’ve been a steady hand…fostering collaboration, championing innovation, and building trust among all partners.”

“You’ve made it look pretty easy, and honestly, it’s the mark of a seasoned pro,” he added.

Emmerson thanked his Regional colleagues, York Region Staff, and Provincial counterparts. “It’s been a great career for me, and 10 years being the Regional Chair is one of the best jobs I’ve ever been able to do,” Emmerson said. “To the local councillors…I hope we made a difference together, and I hope you…keep working in the best interests of your communities.”

His final day as York Region’s CEO and signing authority is today, Nov. 29. A York Region bylaw states that Newmarket Mayor John Taylor would assume the role on an interim basis at midnight. However, a provincial appointment by the Government of Ontario appears likely, as occurred in 2022.

If the province does not appoint a new Chair, Emmerson’s seat will be declared vacant at the Dec. 5 Regional Council meeting. Council would then have 60 days to identify and vote on a new Chair, with the ability to swear in the selected individual as early as their December 12 meeting.

 

*Cover image property of and used with permission from The Regional Municipality of York