Fees and charges help to recover costs for services or activities that the City provides, while keeping the tax burden low.
City services | October 3, 2024
Yesterday, as part of the City’s annual budget process, Budget Committee approved the 2025 schedule for fees and charges for City services and programs including MiWay fares and permits for people or businesses using services. The City charges these fees to help to recover costs for services or activities that it provides.
MiWay ridership has surpassed pre-pandemic levels. Ridership growth is projected at 14 per cent in 2024 and an additional 7 per cent in 2025, enabling Council to keep transit fares steady while also supporting continued growth.
The proposed fees are designed to ensure fee recovery that directly benefits those who hold permits, thereby maintaining the high quality and accessibility of our parks for all users. Highlights of new rates and fees include:
See the full details on fees and charges here.
Fees and charges are paid by anyone using fee-based programs and services offered by the City, regardless of their status as a taxpayer. User charges are generally charged when services offered by the City benefit specific individuals instead of the community as a whole. User charges include things like transit fares, attendance at recreation programs, dog licenses, and building permits.
Historically these payments have been used to offset tax increases. Fees and charges represent approximately 20 per cent of the City’s budget. While taxes fund general public services, fees and charges are directly tied to the use of particular services. The Budget Committee’s recommendations aim to ensure that those who benefit from use, contribute to covering the costs.
The Fees and Charges By-law, approved by Council, identifies the rates and fees proposed for specific City services, programs and activities. The 2025 Fees and Charges schedule is set to be implemented as of January 1, 2025 (with some exceptions to align with business areas). Final approval for all fees and charges will be made by Council.
The next Budget Committee meeting is scheduled for Monday, November 18, 2024, at 9:30 a.m., and is open for the public to attend. The full schedule of meetings is available online at Council and Committees Calendar Listings.
Learn more about the City’s 2025 Budget and the important role it plays in our City by:
For more information about the City’s budget, visiting mississauga.ca/budget.
“User fees and charges play a vital role in helping the City generate revenue to offset costs in other areas,” said Marisa Chiu, Director, Finance and Treasurer. “While most services are covered through the collection of property taxes, user fees and charges are charged to those who benefit directly from a program or service. When making recommendations for fees and charges, we consider many factors including service sustainability, access to affordable offerings and participation rates. This establishes a uniform, consistent, and transparent approach in this process.”
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