Editor: On behalf of the Chatham-Kent Association of Realtors (CKAR), we support the call for increased provincial investment in municipal infrastructure, including the request to lift the $10-million Ontario Community Infrastructure Fund (OCIF) cap. Ensuring that Chatham-Kent receives equitable provincial funding is critical to maintaining essential infrastructure and supporting sustainable growth.
At the same time, as realtors, representing home buyers, sellers, and families across the municipality, we are increasingly concerned about the cumulative impact of local tax increases on overall housing affordability. Chatham-Kent remains one of Ontario’s most affordable housing markets, yet rising municipal costs and tax burdens are eroding that advantage.
Recent analysis notes the significant decline in new home construction permits and the financial pressures faced by residents – indicators that affordability is tightening even before future tax decisions are made.
Local employers and entrepreneurs are voicing similar concerns. In its recent survey callout, the Chatham-Kent Chamber of Commerce emphasized the importance of transparent, strategic budgeting, asking the business community to help “set the pace” for the municipality’s economic direction.
Property owners in Chatham-Kent face considerably higher tax rates than their counterparts in comparable communities across southwestern Ontario. This tax differential places our region at a competitive disadvantage when attracting new residents, businesses, and investment. For families considering relocation and entrepreneurs evaluating where to establish or expand their operations, property tax rates represent a critical factor in their decision-making process.
We therefore support the pursuit of additional provincial dollars while also encouraging council to demonstrate continued fiscal responsibility and prudent spending decisions at the local level. Chatham Kent’s long-term prosperity depends on balancing growth opportunities with careful stewardship of taxpayer contributions. Responsible budgeting, paired with fair provincial funding, will help protect affordability for families, maintain confidence in our housing market, and strengthen our community’s economic future.
We appreciate council’s attention to these important issues and welcome the opportunity to collaborate on solutions that support both residents and the business community. Our association brings valuable market insights and is eager to contribute constructively to policy discussions that will shape Chatham-Kent’s economic future.
The residents and businesses of our community deserve a property tax burden that reflects local service levels and decisions, not funding limitations that force local taxpayers to
compensate for provincial shortfalls.
Barbara McCaughrin
President
Chatham-Kent Association of Realtors
