Are the tax increases that will kick in next June sustainable?

By Pepper Parr

December 29^th, 2025

BURLINGTON, ON

OPINION

During much of the debate and discussion on what the tax levy was going to be for 2026, a number of people, including the Gazette, maintained that the 40% + increases during the three years the current Council has been in office were not sustainable. This council will be up for re-election in October of 2026.

But what if, in the minds of the people who pay those taxes, is that the increases are worth the quality of life in Burlington?

Perhaps not all of them, certainly not the thousands who rely on the Food Bank to feed themselves, but a majority of the population is content.

Municipal elections in Burlington get a roughly 30% turnout.  The rest just don’t bother to vote.

Those opposed to the significant tax increases argue that the public can’t afford the lifestyle; it just may be that a majority of those who do vote are quite happy with the way things are.

Something to think about.