Caledon Council defers property taxes for local residents amid COVID-19 crisis

Written By ALYSSA PARKHILL

The Town of Caledon Council held an emergency town hall meeting over teleconference on March 24, allowing the public to call and listen in to the meeting. There was good news for residents, with the municipality deciding to provide local ratepayers with a property tax extension. 

Due to the global pandemic of the COVID-29 virus and the decision to close all non-essential businesses by the Ontario government, the Town felt obligated to make life a little bit easier for residents. 

“It's important that we do our best to help Caledon residents during this difficult time,” said Mayor Allan Thompson. 

All of council unanimously agreed to defer property taxes for two months. Payments originally due on May 7 have been pushed off until July 2, with Council also waiving all interest and late payment charges over that time period. 

Post-dated cheques and pre-authorized payments will be processed as normal, but if those who are a part of the pre-authorized program want to join the deferral program, they have the ability to withdraw from the pre-authorized program by April 15. 

Usual property tax installment payments take place on the first Thursday of March, May, July and September but due to the COVID-19 pandemic the second, third and fourth installments will all be deferred. 

May 7, deferred to July 2, July 2 installment now deferred to Sept 3 and the last installment on Sept 3 will be Nov 5. 

Though Town facilities are closed due to the pandemic, residents still have a variety of ways to make payments including online, pre-authorized payments, online banking, drop box outside Town hall, through mortgage company or by mail. 

“Deferring tax payments is something that all of Council felt strongly about, and we hope that this will help lighten some of the stress that taxpayers might be feeling at this time,” said Mayor Thompson.

For more information about property tax deferrals, please visit Caledon.ca/tax.