Keeping Costs Down for Mississauga Families
For too long, the same politicians have been running City Hall while we have been left to pay the bill.
Taxes have gone up 30% in just the last 4 years.
And yet, fees remain high. Seniors are forced to re-apply for assistance that has not kept up with inflation. Families pay at the skating rink and the swimming pool, and still cannot find a kid’s camp that covers the workday. But if City Hall spends less than it planned, you never see it on your bill.
As Mayor, Alvin will freeze taxes for everyone, permanently freeze taxes for seniors, put money back in our pockets, and make City programs cheaper for the families who count on them.
A more affordable Mississauga for everyone
Alvin’s plan starts with what a mayor can actually change: the City portion of the bill, the fees that Council controls, and the programs families already pay for.
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City-Wide Property Tax Freeze
You deserve a break.
Alvin will freeze the City of Mississauga’s share of your residential property-tax bill. For two years, that portion of the bill won’t go up. Our families will have one less increase to worry about and be able to confidently budget for their household.
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An Affordable Future for Seniors and a Permanent Tax Freeze
If you are a senior on a low income, the property-tax rebate needs to do more. We’ll raise it from $571 to about $700 to catch up with inflation, then renew it automatically as long as you still qualify.
After the city-wide freeze, qualified seniors will never see another property tax increase for as long as you live in your home. Eligible seniors must be 65 or older, must own only one home, and must have lived there for at least 20 years.
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Pause the Penalties, Pocket the Surplus
In year one, Alvin will hit pause on interest: You get up to three months to pay your property taxes before any interest is charged. You still owe the tax, but the City stops piling extra charges on households that are already behind.
And when City Hall spends less than planned, the real savings don’t disappear. They come straight back to you as a credit on next year’s residential tax bill.
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Make City Programs Affordable and Accessible for Families
City programs should be easier to afford and easier to use.
ActiveAssist helps families pay for City programs, but its $275 benefit hasn’t changed in 10 years, even as fees have gone up. We’ll review the amount regularly and make sure more people know they can apply.
Kids 12 and under will be able to drop-in for a free swim or skate. Alvin will make ‘Play in the Park’ a full-day program in more parks, creating about 50 summer jobs for students.
Finding help will be easier, too. One account will show you what you qualify for, and a Seniors’ Passport will bring seniors’ programs and discounts together.
Finally, going to the hospital shouldn’t be another financial burden. Alvin plans to introduce free parking at Mississauga hospitals for all residents so that whether you’re going for your own treatment, or you’re accompanying a loved one, you aren’t paying the price for life-saving care.
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Supporting Small Businesses
Create a new property tax classification for local small businesses that will reduce their property tax burden by 15%
Mississauga Can’t Afford More of the Same
Mississauga’s establishment politicians have not put a clear, dated plan on the table for the cost of living. Alvin has: a two year tax freeze, an Interest holiday in year one, money back on the bill when City Hall comes in under budget, a real break for seniors, and cheaper recreation for kids.
The question shouldn’t be what works for City Hall. It should be what makes life better for the people who live here.