Ontario's Municipal Elections: Taxpayers Deserve Better

Ontario's Municipal Elections: Taxpayers Deserve Better by Maj (ret’d) CORNELIU, CHISU, CD, PMSC FEC, CET, P.Eng. Former Member of Parliament Pickering-Scarborough East When Ontarians vote in the municipal elections on October 26, they will do much more than elect mayors and councillors. They will decide what kind of communities they want to live in and, equally important, whether they still have confidence that local government is delivering value for the taxes they pay. Municipal government is often described as the level of government closest to the people. It is also the one that has the greatest impact on everyday life. It is responsible for roads, bridges, drinking water, public transit, waste collection, policing, fire protection, parks, libraries, recreation facilities, planning, and economic development. When municipalities perform well, citizens notice. When they do not, the consequences are impossible to ignore. Across Ontario, municipalities face genuine challenges. Population growth has accelerated demand for housing, transportation, water systems, and community services. Inflation has driven up construction and labour costs. Aging infrastructure requires billions of dollars in renewal. These pressures are real, and no responsible observer should underestimate them. However, acknowledging these challenges does not excuse poor financial discipline or weak accountability. Over the past several years, property taxes have increased substantially in many Ontario municipalities. For countless homeowners, seniors on fixed incomes, and small businesses, these increases have become increasingly difficult to absorb. Yet many taxpayers look around their communities and ask a reasonable question: Why are we paying more but seeing so little improvement? Roads continue to deteriorate. Traffic congestion worsens. Infrastructure projects are delayed. Public confidence in local government has weakened. In some communities, concerns about homelessness, public disorder, and declining downtown business activity have become more visible despite steadily increasing municipal budgets. The issue is not whether municipalities require revenue. They do. The issue is whether taxpayers receive value for the money they contribute. Good government is measured not by the amount it spends but by the results it delivers. Every municipal budget should be judged according to measurable outcomes, clear priorities, and transparent reporting. Every major project should demonstrate value for money. Every department should be expected to pursue continuous improvement and operational efficiency. Municipal elections should therefore become elections about performance. Candidates should not simply promise additional spending or pledge to keep taxes low. They should explain how they intend to modernize municipal administration, eliminate duplication, improve procurement, use technology more effectively, and ensure that every tax dollar produces tangible benefits for residents. Housing affordability will understandably dominate the campaign. Yet approving thousands of new homes without ensuring adequate infrastructure merely postpones today's problems until tomorrow. Growth must be accompanied by investments in roads, transit, schools, water systems, and community facilities. Planning must be integrated rather than reactive. Infrastructure renewal also demands leadership. Ontario's municipalities face billions of dollars in deferred maintenance. Bridges, water mains, storm water systems, and public buildings cannot be ignored indefinitely. Strategic long-term planning is essential if future generations are not to inherit even larger financial burdens. Public safety is another defining issue. Residents expect neighbourhoods that are safe, clean, and welcoming. This requires effective policing, but also cooperation with healthcare providers, mental health professionals, and social service agencies. Complex problems demand comprehensive solutions rather than political slogans. Economic development must also return to the forefront. Municipal governments should become partners in attracting investment, supporting entrepreneurs, and creating employment opportunities. Excessive bureaucracy and lengthy approval processes discourage investment and ultimately reduce economic growth. Another challenge is the relationship between municipalities and Queen's Park. Ontario municipalities carry increasing responsibilities while relying primarily on property taxes for revenue. A modern discussion is needed about municipal finance, one that provides local governments with sustainable resources while demanding greater accountability for how those resources are spent. Perhaps the greatest concern of all is voter apathy. Municipal elections routinely attract disappointing voter turnout, despite affecting the services citizens use every day. Democracy cannot flourish when participation declines. Every eligible voter should recognize that decisions made at city hall influence daily life as much as, and often more than, decisions made in Ottawa or at Queen's Park. Ontario's municipalities do not simply need larger budgets; they need better management. Before asking taxpayers to contribute more, every municipality should demonstrate that it has examined every opportunity to improve productivity, eliminate duplication, modernize procurement, embrace digital technologies, and streamline administrative processes. Families and businesses are expected to do more with less every day. Municipal governments should be held to the same standard. The October 26 municipal elections should therefore be about more than electing new councils. They should mark the beginning of a renewed commitment to fiscal responsibility, measurable performance, transparency, and service excellence. Citizens deserve local governments that spend wisely, plan strategically, and deliver visible results. Ontario's future will not be shaped only in Ottawa or at Queen's Park. It will be shaped in city halls, regional councils, and township offices across the province. Strong municipalities build a strong Ontario. When voters consider who to vote for this October, they should ask every candidate one simple but fundamental question: If you are asking me to pay more in taxes, what specific improvements will I see, when will I see them, and how will you measure your success? Those who can answer that question with honesty, evidence, and a realistic plan deserve the public's trust. Those who cannot should not expect taxpayers to continue writing blank cheques. Candidates nomination date deadline is 21 August 2026. More to come on this subject as the municipal election approaches.