Mayor Dilkens Tables 2025 City of Windsor Budget Focused on Investment, Growth and Sustainability

Mayor Drew Dilkens tabled the 2025 City of Windsor budget today as part of his legislated responsibilities under the Municipal Act.

Mayor Dilkens’ fiscally prudent and responsible proposed budget recommends a 2.99% municipal tax levy increase – below the average annual blended rate of inflation and below last year’s 3.93%* increase. Through this continued commitment to fiscal responsibility, the City has saved Windsor taxpayers a cumulative $1.47 billion from 2008 to 2024, which translates into $96.7 million savings in 2025 with anticipated and continued annual savings accruing to taxpayers well into the future. 

Earlier this year, in an effort to address significant budgetary pressures for 2025, Mayor Dilkens:

• Launched a budget consultation process that included establishing three Finance Committees of Councillors and City Administration to identify potential savings in operations and service levels;
• Instituted a hiring freeze at City Hall; and 
• Rolled out a public survey as part of the 2024 Ward Meetings in each area of the city. 

As a result of work at the Finance Committees, reductions of over $2 million were brought forward for Mayoral consideration. The proposed tax levy increase stood at approximately 5.5% before the Mayor’s final review with City Administration.

In addition to proposed changes to some City services, which will result in cost savings that will be deliberated by Council in the coming weeks, further reductions to the tax levy were supported by:

• Additional tax revenue of $4.85 million anticipated from new development and growth; and 
• Additional non-tax related revenue of $5 million from increased internal investment yields and the Ontario Municipal Partnership Fund.

The proposed budget continues to focus on investment, growth, and sustainability while continuing to strategically manage reserves, debt levels, and debt servicing primarily from non-tax revenue sources. When compared to the average tax levy increases reported by local municipalities and the province for cities of a similar size, the proposed tax levy is significantly lower. 

The 2025 recommended 10-Year Capital Budget is $2.24 billion to sustain the city’s continued sharp growth trajectory, with the increase primarily made up of increased growth and development in the Sandwich South lands and surrounding areas. This includes $312.7 million in capital investments for 2025. The City’s increase in average annual investment in roads and sewers infrastructure is 88% since 2019. 

Contemplated in the overall investments for 2025 are:

• $856.8 million for roads;
• $485.2 million for sewers; and
• $186.2 million for parks and recreation.

Notable 2025 investments through the capital plan include a number of projects that support development around the NextStar Energy EV battery factory, the site of the future Windsor-Essex Acute Care Hospital, and further development of Sandwich South, including the servicing of airport lands. These include:

• $169.3 million for Lauzon Parkway / Cabana Road East – County Road 42
• $35.6 million for airport employment lands servicing
• $15 million for the Lauzon Parkway Extension to the 401
• $50 million for the Banwell Road / E.C. Row Expressway Interchange
• $43.6 million for the Banwell Corridor
• $6.2 million for the East Riverside Planning District on Wyandotte

Other notable infrastructure projects for 2025 include:

• Howard Avenue / South Camera intersection work between Division Road and Kenilworth Road
• Ongoing work on Lauzon, north of the E.C. Row Expressway
• Continued work on University Avenue
• Project tender for the new Peace Fountain
• Installation of a cricket pitch for Derwent Park
• Phase 1A of the South Cameron Trail
• Replacement of the Optimist playground

Pursuant to provincial legislation, City Council has 30 days to propose amendments to the 2025 proposed budget. The public and City Council will have two weeks to review the budget. Council will then hear from delegations on January 13, 2025. At the conclusion of that meeting, Council will meet to deliberate the 2025 City Budget on January 27, 2025, with any additional rounds of deliberations scheduled, as required, between January 28 to February 3, 2025. 

As part of the overall process this year, including one-on-one meetings between Mayor Dilkens and all councillors, as well as participation in the three Finance Committees, each member of City Council was consulted and provided the opportunity to comment and make suggestions for amendments. As a result of those consultations and work undertaken to date, the proposed tax levy would see Windsor remain one of the most affordable cities of its size in Ontario. 

* In 2024 City Council also approved a budget amendment of 0.7% as relates to funding required for the Strengthen the Core initiative.

Quotes: 

“As Mayor, it has always been my commitment to deliver a fiscally responsible budget that supports Windsor’s evolution while ensuring the quality of life of its residents. This proposed 2025 municipal budget for the City of Windsor focuses on investment, growth, and sustainability, while delivering a modest tax levy increase to the residents and navigating the opportunities and challenges associated with the rapid and unprecedented growth of our city and the surrounding region. Windsor is the 15th largest metropolitan area in the country, and one of the most important communities in Ontario and Canada. While ensuring that Windsor remains one of the most affordable cities of its size in the province, this proposed budget is designed to empower progress, strategically bolster and streamline services, and build a stronger and more resilient city for future generations.”
- Windsor Mayor Drew Dilkens

“The proposed 2025 City Budget demonstrates a commitment to delivering quality services to our residents while maintaining a balanced and fiscally responsible property tax levy. In the face of unprecedented financial pressures and challenges, the joint efforts of the Mayor, City Council, and Administration have resulted in a proposed 2025 budget that serves as a strong foundation for fiscal accountability and sustainable growth for our City. Through dedication and careful strategic planning, the Corporation continues to efficiently allocate resources and prioritize essential investments to secure the ongoing provision of services, growth, and resiliency of our city and the Windsor community.”
- Joe Mancina, Chief Administrative Officer, City of Windsor

“Despite facing unique financial pressures that were driven largely by non-discretionary factors, legislated requirements and inflationary pressures, the proposed 2025 City Operating and Capital Budgets deliver on the commitment to maintain the property tax levy at an average blended rate of inflation while continuing to invest in our City’s infrastructure to capitalize on our future growth potential. Under the direction of Mayor Dilkens and the establishment of three Finance Committees, City Council and Administration worked collaboratively to undertake an in-depth review of all expenditures across the organization while also exploring all opportunities for non-tax revenue enhancements linked to strategic growth and development. The proposed 2025 property tax levy reflects the City’s commitment to fiscal responsibility while maintaining core services to our residents and community.”
- Janice Guthrie, City Treasurer, Commissioner of Finance, City of Windsor