Niagara Falls City Council Approves 2025 Operating Budget

NIAGARA FALLS, ON- On January 21, 2025, Niagara Falls City Council approved the 2025 Tax Levy Supported Budget, which included an increase in operating revenues and expenses totalling $3,580,031, equaling a net tax levy increase of 3.9 percent. In addition Councill approved a 1.0% increase to the Capital Levy supporting further investment in road repairs.

Council was determined that the budget would remain affordable while ensuring the ability to maintain the essential services residents and businesses depend on every day. The rapid increase in cyber threats necessitated an increased investment in cyber security. Enhanced service levels in municipal enforcement and municipal works operations to address the issue of the city's overall appearance and cleanliness will be paid for by growth.

Council was able to reach a compromise that will allow the City to provide the services our citizens expect without sacrificing the future to do so.

64%, or almost 2/3 of the residential dwellings in Niagara Falls have an assessed value of $280,000 or less. Assessed value is the value assigned to a property by the Municipal Property Assessment Corporation (MPAC) in 2016, not the market value of the dwelling. Residents can find their assessed value on their property tax bill or by calling the City at 905-356-7521 ext. 4400. For more information on understanding your assessment, please visit the Municipal Property Assessment Corporation (MPAC) webpage.

The increase for a residential dwelling with an average assessment of $280,000 or less will increase by $81.22 per year or $6.77 per month. The actual tax bill for each property owner will depend on the property's assessed value.

For a Residence Assessed by MPAC graphic

The City’s tax increase represents only 30% of your overall tax increase. The remaining 70% of the increase goes to the Region of Niagara, while school board taxes did not increase. The City collects and distributes tax dollars on behalf of the Region of Niagara and the school boards; however, the city does not determine their rates.

Taxes in Niagara Falls compare favourably to other Niagara municipalities.

If we look at the tax level for the average residential dwelling in each municipality, Niagara Falls is near the bottom, 16.8% below the regional average.

When taking the average household value of each municipality in the Region and their 2024 approved tax rates, Niagara Falls ranks second lowest, even though the City provides a high level of service and enhanced amenities.

All final budget documents will be available at niagarafalls.ca/budget

For more information, contact:
Tiffany Clark
Director of Finance/Treasurer
City of Niagara Falls
finance@niagarafalls.ca