Peel approves 2025 budget with 5.4 per cent property tax increase

Peel Regional Police account for majority of increase

By ZACHARY ROMAN

Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

The Region of Peel's 2025 Budget has been approved. 

Regional Council approved the budget in a January 23 meeting, and residents will see a 5.4 per cent property tax increase from it. 

Combined with Caledon's 2025 budget, which had a 3 per cent increase in property tax, Caledon residents will be hit with an 8.4 per cent property tax increase overall.

Of the 5.4 per cent increase coming from the Region's budget, Peel Regional Police account for 4.1 per cent of it. 

The Budget allows for the hiring of 300 uniformed officers and 65 civilian professionals, as well as capital investments for vehicles and equipment, infrastructure, and facilities. 

According to a Region of Peel news release, Peel's 2025 Budget includes investments of $6.3 billion to maintain current service levels for a growing population and address “priority community needs.”

The Region is investing over $1 billion dollars in its water and wastewater systems to meet the Province's housing targets. This includes $615 million for wastewater collection main replacement and construction; $558 million for water main replacement and construction; and $169 million for expansion of water resource recovery facilities. 

Peel will be hiring 22 new paramedics in response to increasing call volumes and system pressures. A total of $21.4 million will go to enhancements and repairs for ambulances and related equipment. The Region is also investing in mental health and wellness initiatives for its paramedics. 

Peel's 2025 Budget will see the Region expand public health inspection capacity to respond to an increased number of complaints and inspection requirements. The Region will also be working on completing a post-pandemic catch-up of school immunization. 

In 2025, Peel will distribute $4 million to community partners working to address demand for social services and food security. 

Peel will be investing $168 million in road construction, intersection improvements, and active transportation. It will be building infrastructure to support growth in key corridors such as Mississauga, Mayfield, Airport, and Dixie roads, and Highway 50.

Peel Regional Chair Nando Iannicca said the 2025 Budget ensures ongoing delivery of essential services, invests in critical infrastructure projects, and responds to pressing needs and challenges in the community.

“Council has approved a Budget that reflects priorities to maintain core public services, enhance community safety, and support vulnerable populations while fostering innovation and operational efficiency,” said Iannicca.

Gary Kent, Peel's Chief Administrative Officer, said “this budget prioritizes housing affordability, climate change, community safety, and critical infrastructure, all while maintaining fiscal accountability. It lays the foundation to meet current demands and ensures a future-ready Peel Region, enhancing services and programs that support our vision of community for life.”

Davinder Valeri, Peel's Chief Financial Officer, said Peel continues to face social, economic, and political uncertainties, especially with looming elections at other levels of government.

“This budget attempts to address these challenges by investing in a number of critical urgent community needs, including the housing affordability crisis and accelerated housing-enabling infrastructure, tackling affordability issues in the community, supporting community safety and well-being, confronting the climate change emergency, and promoting crucial diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives in Peel,” said Valeri. 

For more information on Peel's 2025 budget, interested parties can visit the following link: budget.peelregion.ca/2025.