Ministry of Finance
Property taxes alone cannot sustain growing municipal responsibilities. Norfolk County is responsible for delivering essential services and maintaining significant infrastructure, yet its primary revenue source, which is property taxes has not kept pace with rising costs and service demands.
Where we're at
Over the last 8 years, wastewater and water rates have increased by approximately 60% since 2019. In 2025, that annual increase was 10.6% on the average residential billing (reduced from a projected 14% due to $16.5 million in provincial funding).
Norfolk faces one of the greatest financial pressures in Ontario. Without additional provincial funding tools, Norfolk County is projected to have the highest debt per capita among participating Ontario municipalities.
A dedicated 1% HST and 1% of personal income tax revenues would create a sustainable funding model. Stable revenue sharing would help municipalities address infrastructure deficits and reduce pressure on property tax increases.
Norfolk asks that the Province
- Redistribute 1% of HST to municipalities based on population; estimated value of $23 million for Norfolk County, which could offset levy costs, support significant infrastructure needs or be utilized on Provincial Priorities
- Redistribute 1% of Provincial income tax to municipalities, based on location or primary residence; value of $26 million for Norfolk County would help fund services and growth pressures
- Increase rebate on Provincial component of HST from 78% to 100%; value of $1 million for Norfolk County
Norfolk is ready.
We can grow Ontario, together.