Bill 148: Markham’s hybrid response to added financial pressure

Bill 148: Markham’s hybrid response to added financial pressure

For immediate release
December 11, 2017

“As a city, we are proud to provide good jobs to hundreds of workers in our community,” says Mayor Frank Scarpitti. “We are on the frontlines of public service, we cannot operate in deficit and we don’t have the profit margins businesses do. Like other municipalities, we have to address this financial challenge head on.”

The City of Markham recognizes the Ontario Government’s decision to improve the lives of employees through better working conditions, more predictable income and access to needed personal time.

On November 22, 2017, Bill 148, the Fair Workplaces, Better Jobs Act, 2017 was passed by the Province of Ontario. This new legislation will have a financial impact of $2.5 million on the City of Markham’s annual operating budget.

City of Markham will be voting on the City’s 2018 budget on Tuesday December 12th. City Staff have proposed measures to offset costs; $0.68 million will be funded through a tax rate increase of 0.46%. The remaining annual shortfall of $1.82 million will be funded through user fee, permit and fine increases.

“We have managed to strike the right balance,” says Mayor Frank Scarpitti. “We are keeping taxes low and not cutting staff, while maintaining the exceptional service levels our residents have come to expect. The increase in user fees brings us in line with neighbouring municipalities. From community centres to sports fields, the caliber of our facilities is second to none.”

-30-

Media Contact:
Lama Nicolas, Senior Communications Advisor
Office of the Mayor of Markham
lnicolas@markham.ca or 416-671-2890