The Voice of Ontario Property Taxpayers

“Advocating for the Efficient and Effective Use of Your Hard-Earned Property Tax Dollars”

The Ontario Municipal Affordability Pledge

A PLEDGE TO PUT AFFORDABILITY, RESPONSIBLE SPENDING AND VALUE FOR TAXPAYERS AT THE HEART OF MUNICIPAL DECISION-MAKING.

Municipal government can’t control everything that affects the cost of living, but it can control how it spends your tax dollars. That is why I am asking every candidate in Ontario’s municipal elections to make the following commitment to the residents and businesses in our community.

IF ELECTED, I PLEDGE TO:

  1. MAKE AFFORDABILITY A PRIORITY – I will consider the impact on residents and businesses when making decisions about taxes, spending, fees, debt and services.
  2. RESPECT TAXPAYERS – I will treat every tax dollar with care and ask: Is it necessary? Is it affordable? Is it sustainable? Is there a better way?
  3. KEEP TAX INCREASES RESPONSIBLE – I will work to keep tax increases as low as possible while protecting essential services and our community’s long-term financial health.
  4. DEMAND VALUE FOR MONEY – I will regularly review programs, services, staffing, contracts and spending to ensure we get good value for every dollar.
  5. BE TRANSPARENT – I will support clear, accessible reporting on how tax dollars are spent, including budgets, spending, staffing, contracts, debt and the long-term impact of major decisions.
  6. PUT NEEDS BEFORE WANTS – I will prioritize essential services and core infrastructure before discretionary spending.
  7. MAKE GROWTH PAY ITS FAIR SHARE – I will support responsible growth that is planned and paid for fairly, so existing taxpayers are not left carrying the cost.
  8. SUPPORT A STRONG LOCAL ECONOMY – I will support local businesses and jobs and remove unnecessary barriers to investment and innovation.
  9. SUPPORT AFFORDABLE HOUSING – I will support a range of housing options that meet local needs and are supported by the right infrastructure and services.
  10. BE ACCOUNTABLE – I will explain my decisions, be transparent about how I vote, and listen to residents every day—not just during elections.

This pledge is non-partisan. It belongs to the people we serve. Residents deserve to know where every candidate stands.

Ontario councillor and mayoral candidates wishing to sign the pledge may do so by emailing the PTA a link to their campaign website. 
Please email the link to info@propertytaxpayer.ca

See who has signed the pledge

This pledge was created by Jeremy Gaetan. Jeremy is campaigning to be the Ward 2 councillor in Burlington, Ontario.