Canada/Budget 2025: 3.4% property tax increase in Shawinigan

Shawinigan adopted its 2025 budget on Tuesday evening, which totals $133.8 million. At the same time, some 40 demonstrators outside the town hall called for the resignation of mayor Michel Angers.

The 2025 financial year was an arduous one: "It was one of the most difficult we've ever had to do," admits Mr. Angers. The chief magistrate makes no secret of the fact: to limit the increase in the average residential tax bill to 3.39%, cuts had to be made.

To achieve this lower increase than last year (4.4%), the city had to lower its tax rate. For the year 2025, the rate will drop from $1.5 to $0.9 per $100.

Despite this reduction, the increase in property assessment (+64% on average at the time of the new roll for single-family homes) is so marked that taxes are still going up. Yes, that's acceptable," says the mayor.

On average, owners of single-family homes will have to pay $3426.20 in property taxes in 2025.

Shawinigan will receive less money from Quebec City this year. The city loses $1.7 million in equalization payments because property wealth increases significantly.

We have limited the increase in our budget and spending. We've made a lot of cuts.

A quote from Michel Angers, Mayor of Shawinigan

The city must also absorb approximately $10 million in expenses due to damage caused by storm Debby last August. Fees for Sûreté du Québec services on the territory are also increasing by more than $500,000.

An incentive to build

Tax rates for agriculture and forestry are decreasing. They are increasing for buildings with six to nine dwellings, and for commercial and industrial properties. The rate for vacant lots is increasing the most. The tax rate will be set at $3.74 per $100.

The idea is to encourage the owners of these lots to build housing at a time when the city is facing a shortage. The City of Shawinigan claims to have 340 vacant lots, often located in urban areas linked to municipal services, that are suitable for construction.

A price on snow

Shawinigan is also announcing the addition of a fee for property owners who live beside a road where snow is collected and not blown onto the land. The measure is expected to be adopted by council next week. It affects approximately 25% of the city's properties.

The fee is $85 for properties with one to three units. It can reach $255 for buildings with seven or more units.

For three years, citizens were invited to obtain a permit, but less than 50% of people did so. Last year, the city said it had taken the time to think about this solution, which was considered fair.

A special case

Residents of Lac-à-la-Tortue face a special situation. In this sector, the increase in the assessment roll has been even more marked since connection to the sewer and water systems.

To limit the impact, the city has reduced the local improvement tax. The latter is down $141.72. I have the impression that this may compensate, because Lac-à-la-Tortue is probably the most attractive place to live over the past three years," says the mayor.

Source: ici.radio-canada.ca/