By Dan Jones LJI
Northumberland 89.7 FM
Non-profit housing operators in Northumberland County are urging politicians to consider creating a bylaw to establish a new affordable housing property tax credit, which could result in their taxes decreasing by as much as 35 percent.
The non-profit housing operator’s request came before the Northumberland County Finance Committee at its meeting Tuesday in a staff report. It said while non-profits with multi-residential unit developments would benefit, only approximately 10 private developments would qualify for the tax credit.
The 2025 Ontario provincial budget allows for the establishment of a new tax carveout for affordable housing, new multi-residential or current multi-residential housing units.
The report also stated that this initiative would most likely not spur new affordable housing developments, but would instead increase taxes for homeowners.
Two mayors on that committee said they would not favour this suggestion. Cobourg Mayor Lucas Cleveland and Cramahe Township Mayor Mandy Martin questioned a new property tax subclass. Martin said it only favours a few developers, and the plan would shift money around, but it would not be a huge benefit.
Originally aired: September 2, 2025
About the Author
