Not the full picture. Built from public records, which leave things out.Read by hand, Oct 2026DetailsThis is built from public records, which leave a lot out, and some of it may be wrong or out of date. Check the sources, and tell us if you spot a mistake. What this site can't tell you Read by hand. We read Clarington's own documents for this site in October 2026; the Sources page lists which ones. The comparisons with other places still come from the Province's yearly reports.
Questions · 10 so far
Things worth asking about
We read Clarington's financial reports and meeting minutes, and compared its numbers with 9 similar Ontario towns. These are the things that stood out.
What these are, and what they are not. A question here means a number or practice is unusual, or harder to see than it should be. It does not mean anyone did anything wrong. Most unusual numbers turn out to have ordinary explanations, and every question lists some. The only way to know is to ask.
Worth asking
Worth asking
There may well be a good reason. It is still worth asking what it is.
$21,379,933surplus in 2025, against a budgeted $7,223,288
A surplus is what is left when a year's revenue is more than its spending. The 2025 budget planned for a surplus of $7,223,288. The audited statements show $21,379,933. The year before, the budget planned a deficit of $5,015,481 and the statements show a surplus of $13,029,678. Two lines explain much of it. Investment income (interest and gains on savings) was budgeted at $3,271,750 for 2025 and came in at $9,268,846. "Donations and contribution from others" was budgeted at $140,698 and came in at $15,621,289. The Municipality has explained the investment side: it says it does not count on large investment gains when it sets the budget.
Found by reading the town's own documents · 5 sources
$129,120,126owed on debentures at the end of 2025, up from $80,164,952
At the end of 2025 the Municipality owed $129,120,126 on debentures (long-term loans, issued for it by the Region of Durham), up from $80,164,952 a year before. In 2025 it raised $52,750,000, including a sinking fund debenture of $47,750,000. A sinking fund is a savings account that is built up to repay a loan at the end. The statements say no contributions had yet been made to it. Over the same year, investments rose to $226,108,263 and interest on the debt rose to $3,705,235 from $1,660,494. The 2026 budget book lists four more instalments of new debt totalling $142,305,000 (the first depot instalment of $47,750,000, issued in 2025, is part of that total).
Found by reading the town's own documents · 7 sources
$12,055,473estimated yearly payments on new debt, all planned to come from development charges
Development charges are fees the Municipality collects when new homes and buildings go up, to pay for the roads, parks and buildings that growth needs. The 2026 budget book says all the estimated $12,055,473 a year in payments on the new depot, training facility and aquatic centre debt will come from development charges, and none from the tax levy. In 2025 the Municipality collected $6,911,605 in development charges (against $4,975,087 in 2024). The development charge reserve fund held $67,010,618 at the end of 2025. The budget book says that in 2025 development charge revenue dropped sharply because fewer homes were started, and that staff are watching it.
Found by reading the town's own documents · 4 sources
$116,189,100held in principal protected notes at the end of 2025, up from $86,117,800
The Municipality's investments are $226,108,263. The note that lists them shows $116,189,100 in principal protected notes, up from $86,117,800, which is more than half of the $197,194,516 subtotal before the fair value adjustment. A principal protected note is a bank-issued investment that promises to return the money invested if it is held to the end of its term, with any extra return depending on how a market or index does. A new line, "Prudent Investments", holds $21,984,358. On top of the subtotal the statements add a fair value adjustment of $28,913,747, up from $12,164,793. The statements say the Municipality intends to hold the investments until they mature, and that they follow its investment policy.
Found by reading the town's own documents · 3 sources
$4,957,409left in the Rate Stabilization reserve fund at the end of 2025, down from $13,750,978
A reserve fund is money set aside for a named purpose. The Rate Stabilization reserve fund is meant to smooth out tax increases and cover bad years. The statements say building permit costs went over building permit revenue by $2,448,667 in 2024 and $1,691,711 in 2025, and that the total deficit of $4,140,378 was paid from the Rate Stabilization reserve fund. That fund fell from $13,750,978 to $4,957,409 in 2025. The 2026 budget book estimates it at $3,813,125 at the end of 2026, below the Municipality's own target of 5 to 10 per cent of the yearly tax levy ($4,417,690 to $8,835,381).
Found by reading the town's own documents · 3 sources
Clarington spent $20.2M on parks, arena and library in 2019 and $35M in 2025. Prices only went up about 21% in that time. Only 1 of 9 similar towns had faster growth here.
Found automatically from the town's financial reports · 3 sources
26.6%rise in each councillor's regular pay from 2023 to 2025 (worked out by us)
The Municipality's yearly statements of council pay show regular pay of $45,379.78 for each councillor in 2023, $53,325.32 in 2024 and $57,429.12 in 2025, a rise of 26.6% (worked out by us). The mayor's regular pay was $107,148.58 in 2023 (net of a donation to the Municipality), $133,313.17 in 2024 and $143,571.75 in 2025. The Municipality has explained part of this in its budget: it added a one-third tax-free allowance to the pay of the mayor and council in 2024 to reflect a change to the Income Tax Act, and the budget also mentions market and pay equity changes. The total paid to council, with expenses, barely moved: $571,426.82 in 2023, $571,340.61 in 2024 and $572,570.04 in 2025, because the 2023 total included $106,378.31 of municipal severance to members who left.
Found by reading the town's own documents · 4 sources
$28,084,486Clarington's investment in Elexicon at the end of 2025
Elexicon Corporation is an electricity company owned by Clarington together with Pickering, Ajax, Belleville and Whitby. Clarington's share is 9.6433% (9.248% in 2024). In August 2025 the Municipality's promissory notes (loans to Elexicon) of $8,321,000 were redeemed and converted into shares, and the stake is now $28,084,486. Elexicon's net income was $1,198,000 in 2025 against $5,542,000 in 2024. Clarington's statements show "dividends (returned)" of $61,579 in 2025, where 2024 had received $505,179. Clarington's representative on the Elexicon board was paid $36,685.00 in salary and $10,550.00 in expenses.
Found by reading the town's own documents · 5 sources
$21,379,933surplus in 2025, against a budgeted $7,223,288
A surplus is what is left when a year's revenue is more than its spending. The 2025 budget planned for a surplus of $7,223,288. The audited statements show $21,379,933. The year before, the budget planned a deficit of $5,015,481 and the statements show a surplus of $13,029,678. Two lines explain much of it. Investment income (interest and gains on savings) was budgeted at $3,271,750 for 2025 and came in at $9,268,846. "Donations and contribution from others" was budgeted at $140,698 and came in at $15,621,289. The Municipality has explained the investment side: it says it does not count on large investment gains when it sets the budget.
Why it matters
A budget is the promise made to taxpayers about what the year will cost. When the result is far better than the promise, residents may have paid more tax than was needed, or the budget may be set in a way that hides money that is really there. The Municipality used its 2024 surplus to lower later tax increases, which suggests the money was not lost. The open question is how much of each surplus was planned.
It could be because…
The budget Council adopts is prepared on a different basis (fund accounting) from the statements (full accrual), and the statements say the budget was adjusted to match. Some of the gap can be accounting, not cash.
The Municipality says it budgets investment income cautiously on purpose, because markets are unpredictable.
A large part of the donations and contributions may be one-time money for building projects. The budget book lists a $10 million grant for the South Bowmanville Recreation Centre, which would be received once and spent on the project over several years.
The 2024 surplus was used to lower the 2026 and 2027 tax increases, so a surplus does not have to mean unused money.
Questions you could ask
How much of the $15,621,289 in donations and contributions in 2025 was the South Bowmanville Recreation Centre grant, and how much was something else?
Why was 2025 investment income budgeted at $3,271,750 when 2024 had earned $8,912,578?
How much of the $21,379,933 surplus is cash that can be spent, and how much is already committed to building projects?
You can ask during the public part of a council meeting, by writing to the clerk, or by contacting your councillors. How to reach council.
Speak for Clarington?Send us your answer and we will publish it with this question.
The evidence
Statement of operations, 2025: "Annual surplus" budget 7,223,288, actual 21,379,933 (2024 actual 13,029,678). "Investment income" budget 3,271,750, actual 9,268,846 (2024 actual 8,912,578). "Donations and contribution from others" budget 140,698, actual 15,621,289 (2024 actual 4,342,432). "Deferred revenue earned" budget 24,838,801, actual 15,881,723.
Note 22, Budget amounts: "The 2025 budgeted adopted by Council was prepared using the traditional fund accounting basis, whereas the financial statements are prepared on a full accrual basis." Budget adopted by Council: total revenue 135,471,400, total expenses 135,471,400, annual surplus nil. Budget presented in the statements: annual surplus 7,223,288.
Statement of operations, 2024: "Annual surplus" budget (5,015,481), actual 13,029,678. "Investment income" budget 2,469,000, actual 8,912,578 (2023 actual 5,868,924).
Amendment #2, 2024 Surplus to Reduce Tax Levy: "surplus of approximately $2.3 million" at the end of 2024, which it says "mainly came from better-than-expected income from investing reserve funds". It adds: "Because investment markets are unpredictable, Clarington does not rely on large gains when building its annual budget." The surplus is used to lower planned tax increases for 2026 and 2027 from 4.07% to 3.00%.
2025 Grant Highlights: "More than $10.5 million* has been secured so far this year" (as of September 2025). First on the list: "South Bowmanville Recreation Centre | $10 million", from the "Community Sport and Recreation Infrastructure Fund".
$129,120,126owed on debentures at the end of 2025, up from $80,164,952
At the end of 2025 the Municipality owed $129,120,126 on debentures (long-term loans, issued for it by the Region of Durham), up from $80,164,952 a year before. In 2025 it raised $52,750,000, including a sinking fund debenture of $47,750,000. A sinking fund is a savings account that is built up to repay a loan at the end. The statements say no contributions had yet been made to it. Over the same year, investments rose to $226,108,263 and interest on the debt rose to $3,705,235 from $1,660,494. The 2026 budget book lists four more instalments of new debt totalling $142,305,000 (the first depot instalment of $47,750,000, issued in 2025, is part of that total).
Why it matters
Borrowing costs interest. If the Municipality holds a large pile of savings at the same time, residents will want to know why the savings are not used first, and what the borrowing costs after the savings earn. Much of the savings are almost certainly set aside for named purposes, but the documents we read do not say how much.
It could be because…
Most of the $226,108,263 may be reserve funds set aside by law or by Council for named purposes (for example development charges of $67,010,618), and cannot be spent on these projects.
Money borrowed ahead of construction is spent as the buildings go up. Assets under construction rose from $26,983,361 to $48,764,483 in 2025, and $51,266,433 of signed contract value had not yet been spent at year end.
Investments can earn more than the debt costs. The statements show investment rates up to 8.45%, and the sinking fund debenture carries 3.75%.
Council approved the debenture financing in earlier reports and left the timing to the Treasurer, to be set with the Region of Durham.
Questions you could ask
How much of the $226,108,263 in investments is reserve money that cannot be used on the depot, training facility and aquatic centre, and how much could be?
What will the new debentures cost, compared with what the investments earn, once both are counted?
Has the first $23,402,500 aquatic centre instalment, planned for 2025, been issued? We did not find it in the 2025 debenture list in Note 11.
You can ask during the public part of a council meeting, by writing to the clerk, or by contacting your councillors. How to reach council.
Speak for Clarington?Send us your answer and we will publish it with this question.
The evidence
Statement of financial position: "Investments" $226,108,263 (2024 $170,166,029). "Debenture debt" 129,120,126 (2024 80,164,952). "Cash and cash equivalents" $100,443,293.
Note 11, Debenture Debt: "In 2025, the Municipality, through the Region of Durham, entered into a sinking fund debenture valued at $47,750,000. As at December 31, 2025, the Municipality and Region have not made any contributions towards the principal amount of this sinking fund debenture."
Note 11, Debenture Debt: "Total interest expense related to the debenture debt amounted to $3,705,235 (2024 - $1,660,494)". Yearly sinking fund deposits of 2,065,348 are scheduled for each of 2026 to 2030.
Note 16, Contractual commitments: "$51,266,433 (2024 - $3,000,121) relating to these contracts had not been expended." Schedule 1: assets under construction, net book value $48,764,483 (2024 $26,983,361).
Proposed New Debt: "Total principal to be debentured is $95.5 million split into two instalments of $47.75 million each. The first instalment is to be issued in late 2025 and the second in 2026." Table: SBRC Aquatic Centre first instalment $23,402,500 (2025), second instalment $23,402,500 (2026); Operations Depot / CEFS Training Facility $47,750,000 (2025) and $47,750,000 (2026). Total $142,305,000. Estimated annual debt servicing cost $12,055,473.
2026 Capital Budget: "In 2026, Clarington is investing $33.2 million in assets and infrastructure that support growth, safety, and quality of life — all without adding new debt." Funding: $25.7 million reserve funds and grants, $7.5 million development charges, $0 debt (new).
$12,055,473estimated yearly payments on new debt, all planned to come from development charges
Development charges are fees the Municipality collects when new homes and buildings go up, to pay for the roads, parks and buildings that growth needs. The 2026 budget book says all the estimated $12,055,473 a year in payments on the new depot, training facility and aquatic centre debt will come from development charges, and none from the tax levy. In 2025 the Municipality collected $6,911,605 in development charges (against $4,975,087 in 2024). The development charge reserve fund held $67,010,618 at the end of 2025. The budget book says that in 2025 development charge revenue dropped sharply because fewer homes were started, and that staff are watching it.
Why it matters
If development slows and the charges do not cover the payments, the shortfall has to come from somewhere else: the reserve fund, other reserves or the tax levy. The budget says the levy will not pay, so residents will want to know the plan if growth is slower than hoped.
It could be because…
The $67,010,618 in the development charge reserve fund can cover slow years while collections recover.
The estimate is for the years after the debt is issued, and collections may be higher by then. The budget says it expects development to pick up, though it cannot say when.
The Province's repayment limit rules may treat development charge debt differently, which could explain why the limit room falls by less than the new payments. The budget does not say.
Questions you could ask
What is the plan if development charge collections stay near $6,911,605 a year?
The repayment limit room falls by $3,391,377 (worked out by us from $18,514,765 and $15,123,388) while the new payments are estimated at $12,055,473. How was the limit worked out?
How much of the depot, training facility and aquatic centre is growth-related and so eligible for development charges?
You can ask during the public part of a council meeting, by writing to the clerk, or by contacting your councillors. How to reach council.
Speak for Clarington?Send us your answer and we will publish it with this question.
Proposed New Debt, total row: principal $142,305,000; estimated annual debt servicing cost $12,055,473; tax levy funded $0; development charge funded $12,055,473. Note: "The above figures are estimates and can change significantly due to the prevailing terms at the time of issuance".
Annual Repayment Limit: "For 2026, the Municipality of Clarington's Annual Repayment Limit is approximately $25,672,867, with available space of roughly $18,514,765. If the proposed new debt is acquired, the available space is estimated to be $15,123,388."
Development Charges: "In 2025, Clarington, like many other Ontario municipalities, saw a sharp drop in development charge revenue because fewer new housing projects got started." It adds: "Staff are keeping a close eye on these revenues and will adjust future budgets as needed to respond to changes."
Note 14, Continuity of development charges reserve funds: balance at the beginning of the year 68,096,518 (2024 64,217,390); "Development charges collections" 6,911,605 (2024 4,975,087); "Investment income" 5,004,807; "Operating expenses (incl debenture payments)" (5,084,648) (2024 (2,099,450)); balance at the end of the year 67,010,618.
$116,189,100held in principal protected notes at the end of 2025, up from $86,117,800
The Municipality's investments are $226,108,263. The note that lists them shows $116,189,100 in principal protected notes, up from $86,117,800, which is more than half of the $197,194,516 subtotal before the fair value adjustment. A principal protected note is a bank-issued investment that promises to return the money invested if it is held to the end of its term, with any extra return depending on how a market or index does. A new line, "Prudent Investments", holds $21,984,358. On top of the subtotal the statements add a fair value adjustment of $28,913,747, up from $12,164,793. The statements say the Municipality intends to hold the investments until they mature, and that they follow its investment policy.
Why it matters
The Municipality uses investment income to hold down tax increases, and says it invests reserve funds carefully. These investments are now a large part of what the Municipality owns. Residents can reasonably ask what is held, who stands behind it, and how much of the reported gain is real money that will arrive.
It could be because…
The investment policy may allow these notes, and holding them to maturity means the principal comes back whatever the market does in between.
The fair value adjustment is a paper gain on investments that are still held. It is reported separately from the annual surplus and the statements do not call it cash.
The Municipality may have chosen the notes for a higher return than a plain GIC (guaranteed investment certificate), which paid less at the same time.
Questions you could ask
Who issues the $116,189,100 of principal protected notes, how long do they run, and what happens to the principal if an issuer fails?
How much of the $28,913,747 fair value gain is on the notes, and how much would be lost if markets fell before they mature?
Is the Municipality's investment policy, and a yearly report on what it holds, public? We did not find them on the pages we read.
You can ask during the public part of a council meeting, by writing to the clerk, or by contacting your councillors. How to reach council.
Speak for Clarington?Send us your answer and we will publish it with this question.
Note 5, Investments: "GICs" $10,722,953 (2024 $19,466,866); "Principal Protected Notes" 116,189,100 (2024 86,117,800); "Bonds" 48,298,105 (2024 52,416,570); "Prudent Investments" 21,984,358 (2024 nil); subtotal 197,194,516 (2024 158,001,236); "Adjustment to Fair Value" 28,913,747 (2024 12,164,793); total $226,108,263. The note says it is "the Municipality’s intention to hold these investments until maturity".
Note 2, Interest Rate Risk: investments "consist of guaranteed investment certificates (GICs), fixed income securities, principal protected notes and investments managed by Prudent Investor with varying maturities from January 2026 to November 2035", "bearing interest rates between 1.40% and 8.45%" (2024 0.95% to 12.0%). Note 2 table: investments at fair value 95,684,588; at cost or amortized cost 130,423,675.
Amendment #2: "These funds are invested carefully, and in 2024, market conditions delivered higher returns than anticipated." Continuous Improvement Highlights lists "$50K+" cost avoidance for "Internalization of Investment Strategy Work" in the Office of the CAO.
$4,957,409left in the Rate Stabilization reserve fund at the end of 2025, down from $13,750,978
A reserve fund is money set aside for a named purpose. The Rate Stabilization reserve fund is meant to smooth out tax increases and cover bad years. The statements say building permit costs went over building permit revenue by $2,448,667 in 2024 and $1,691,711 in 2025, and that the total deficit of $4,140,378 was paid from the Rate Stabilization reserve fund. That fund fell from $13,750,978 to $4,957,409 in 2025. The 2026 budget book estimates it at $3,813,125 at the end of 2026, below the Municipality's own target of 5 to 10 per cent of the yearly tax levy ($4,417,690 to $8,835,381).
Why it matters
A reserve is only useful if it is there when needed. The Municipality has said why the fund was used (building permits rise and fall) and that it will be refilled, which is why this is a watch item. The open question is how fast, since it is already below target.
It could be because…
Building permit revenue is cyclical. The Municipality says it will refill the fund when permit revenue is higher than costs.
The fall in the fund ($8,793,569, worked out by us) is larger than the building deficit, so other planned uses, such as holding down the tax levy, may explain the rest. The documents we read do not list them.
A target is a goal, not a rule, and the budget book says plainly that the fund is not yet on target.
Questions you could ask
What else was paid from the Rate Stabilization reserve fund in 2025, beyond the $4,140,378 building deficit, to bring it down by $8,793,569?
How many years does the Municipality expect it to take to refill the fund to its 5 to 10 per cent target?
Should building permit fees be set so that the Building Division pays for itself, so the reserve is not needed?
You can ask during the public part of a council meeting, by writing to the clerk, or by contacting your councillors. How to reach council.
Speak for Clarington?Send us your answer and we will publish it with this question.
The evidence
Note 13, footnote (1): "Building Division expenditures have exceeded revenues for fiscal 2025 ($1,691,711) and 2024 ($2,448,667), due to the cyclical nature of building permit activities. In 2025, the total deficit of $4,140,378 was offset by a transfer from the Rate Stabilization reserve fund. The Rate Stabilization reserve fund will be replenished in future years, when building permit revenues exceed expenditures."
Reserve Fund Target Balances: "The ending balance target for the Rate Stabilization reserve fund has been set at 5- to 10 per cent of the annual levy." Table: Rate Stabilization, 2026 ending balance (estimated) $3,813,125, target balance $4,417,690 - $8,835,381, on target: No.
Clarington spent $20.2M on parks, arena and library in 2019 and $35M in 2025. Prices only went up about 21% in that time. Only 1 of 9 similar towns had faster growth here.
Why did the cost of parks, arena and library grow 73% in 6 years?
Parks, arena and library
Prices (inflation)
−20%+0%+20%+40%+60%+80%
+73%
2019202020212022202320242025
Show as a table
Year
Parks, arena and library
Prices (inflation)
2019
+0%
+0%
2020
−10%
+1%
2021
−5%
+4%
2022
+10%
+11%
2023
+39%
+16%
2024
+48%
+18%
2025
+73%
+21%
Change since the first year shown. The grey line is how much prices rose overall, for comparison.
Why it matters
When one area grows much faster than prices, it is either doing more (which may be great) or paying more for the same thing. Residents deserve to know which.
It could be because…
The town added a service, a building or staff that residents asked for.
Costs were moved from another area, so the total did not really change.
Accounting rules changed how costs are sorted.
Large one-time costs, like a study, lawsuit or repair, landed in one year.
Questions you could ask
What did the extra $14.8M a year pay for?
Why did arena and buildings go from $9.5M to $15.5M?
Was each increase approved by council as a separate decision, or did it happen through the yearly budget?
You can ask during the public part of a council meeting, by writing to the clerk, or by contacting your councillors. How to reach council.
Speak for Clarington?Send us your answer and we will publish it with this question.
Clarington spent about $3,394 per home on long-term debt in 2025. The typical similar town spent $753. None of the 9 similar towns spent more.
Why it matters
Spending more than neighbours is not wrong by itself. It might buy better service. But it is the first place to look for costs that could be lower, such as contracts that were not competitively bid.
It could be because…
Geography: more roads, more snow, a bigger area or a landfill of its own.
Accounting: some towns record the same cost in a different category.
A one-time cost in this year.
Questions you could ask
What makes this cost higher here than in similar towns?
When were the main contracts in this area last put out to competitive tender?
You can ask during the public part of a council meeting, by writing to the clerk, or by contacting your councillors. How to reach council.
Speak for Clarington?Send us your answer and we will publish it with this question.
The evidence
Long-term debt per home: Clarington $3,394; typical similar town $753; ranked 1st highest of 10.
26.6%rise in each councillor's regular pay from 2023 to 2025 (worked out by us)
The Municipality's yearly statements of council pay show regular pay of $45,379.78 for each councillor in 2023, $53,325.32 in 2024 and $57,429.12 in 2025, a rise of 26.6% (worked out by us). The mayor's regular pay was $107,148.58 in 2023 (net of a donation to the Municipality), $133,313.17 in 2024 and $143,571.75 in 2025. The Municipality has explained part of this in its budget: it added a one-third tax-free allowance to the pay of the mayor and council in 2024 to reflect a change to the Income Tax Act, and the budget also mentions market and pay equity changes. The total paid to council, with expenses, barely moved: $571,426.82 in 2023, $571,340.61 in 2024 and $572,570.04 in 2025, because the 2023 total included $106,378.31 of municipal severance to members who left.
Why it matters
Councillors set their own pay, so residents expect a clear reason for any increase. Here the Municipality has given one, which is why this is a note and not a question. What is not clear is how much of the rise replaces a tax benefit councillors lost and how much is a real increase.
It could be because…
The tax-free allowance was ended by federal law, and the pay was raised so that councillors' take-home pay stayed about the same. The budget says the 2024 increase "includes the addition of 1/3 tax-free allowance".
The budget also says pay changed for market and pay equity reasons, and for cost of living adjustments.
The yearly total looks flat only because 2023 included one-time severance payments.
Questions you could ask
How much of the 2024 increase replaced the tax-free allowance, and how much was a real increase in take-home pay?
Was council pay compared with other municipalities before By-law 2023-056 was passed, and is that comparison public?
You can ask during the public part of a council meeting, by writing to the clerk, or by contacting your councillors. How to reach council.
Speak for Clarington?Send us your answer and we will publish it with this question.
The evidence
Attachment 1, Mayor and Councillors' Remuneration and Expenses, 2025: Mayor A. Foster regular pay 143,571.75, total 158,244.60 (after a "Donation to the Municipality" of 3,000.00). Councillors C. Traill, M. Zwart, G. Anderson, S. Elhajjeh, L. Rang and W. Woo each 57,429.12 regular pay. Total regular pay 488,146.47; total 572,570.04.
Attachment 1, 2024: Mayor A. Foster regular pay 133,313.17, total 169,469.77. Councillors C. Traill, M. Zwart, G. Anderson, S. Elhajjeh, L. Rang and W. Woo each 53,325.32 regular pay. Municipal severance 16,796.33. Total 571,340.61.
Attachment 1, 2023: Mayor A. Foster regular pay 107,148.58 (marked "Net of Donation to the Municipality"), total 133,800.75. Councillors C. Traill, M. Zwart, G. Anderson, S. El-Hajjeh, L. Rang and W. Woo each 45,379.78 regular pay. Municipal severance total 106,378.31. Total 571,426.82.
Mayor and Council budget: total $949,648 (2023 final budget), $1,183,151 (2024 final budget), variance $233,503. Budget Highlights: "The increase in salaries reflects the annual Cost of Living Adjustments (COLA)" and "changes to market and pay equity for the positions undertaken in 2022 and 2023"; "The 2024 increase includes the addition of 1/3 tax-free allowance applied to Mayor and Council to reflect the changes to the Income Tax Act, 1990, approved by Council, through By-law 2023-056."
$28,084,486Clarington's investment in Elexicon at the end of 2025
Elexicon Corporation is an electricity company owned by Clarington together with Pickering, Ajax, Belleville and Whitby. Clarington's share is 9.6433% (9.248% in 2024). In August 2025 the Municipality's promissory notes (loans to Elexicon) of $8,321,000 were redeemed and converted into shares, and the stake is now $28,084,486. Elexicon's net income was $1,198,000 in 2025 against $5,542,000 in 2024. Clarington's statements show "dividends (returned)" of $61,579 in 2025, where 2024 had received $505,179. Clarington's representative on the Elexicon board was paid $36,685.00 in salary and $10,550.00 in expenses.
Why it matters
Clarington's stake in Elexicon is one of its larger assets. Residents are owners of the company through the Municipality, so they can fairly ask what it pays them and why money went back the other way in 2025.
It could be because…
Turning loans into shares changes the form of the investment, not the amount put in. The notes of $8,321,000 were existing money.
A utility's yearly profit moves with weather, costs and regulator decisions. One lower year does not make the stake worse.
A returned dividend may be an accounting correction. The statements do not say.
Questions you could ask
The equity share of net income in the statement of operations is $466,722, but accumulated net income in Note 8 rose by $115,527 (worked out by us from $24,204,131 and $24,319,658). What explains the difference?
Why were dividends of $61,579 returned in 2025?
What yearly return does Clarington expect from its Elexicon shares, and does Council see Elexicon's own budget?
You can ask during the public part of a council meeting, by writing to the clerk, or by contacting your councillors. How to reach council.
Speak for Clarington?Send us your answer and we will publish it with this question.
The evidence
Note 1: "The Municipality of Clarington holds a 9.6433% (2024 - 9.248%) share of ownership. This share interest changed in 2025 with the redemption of promissory notes and subsequent conversion to newly issued common shares of Elexicon Corporation."
Note 7: promissory notes receivable from Elexicon $8,321,000 at the end of 2024, nil at the end of 2025. "Elexicon Corporation and Elexicon Energy Inc promissory notes were redeemed in August of 2025 and converted to common shares."
Note 8: Elexicon "Net income for the year" $1,198,000 (2024 $5,542,000). Municipality's equity: "Investment in additional common shares of the Corporation" 7,969,805; "Accumulated net income" 24,319,658 (2024 24,204,131); "Accumulated dividends received" (15,102,793) (2024 (15,164,371)); investment in the Corporation 28,084,486 (2024 19,586,381).
Attachment 2, Remuneration and Expenses of Clarington Directors of Elexicon Corporation, 2025: salary $36,685.00, miscellaneous expenses $10,550.00, total $47,235.00. Described as "director retainer & EC meetings education".
Clarington spent about $156 per home on snow ploughing in 2025. The typical similar town spent $92. Only 1 of 9 similar towns spent more.
Why it matters
Spending more than neighbours is not wrong by itself. It might buy better service. But it is the first place to look for costs that could be lower, such as contracts that were not competitively bid.
It could be because…
Geography: more roads, more snow, a bigger area or a landfill of its own.
Accounting: some towns record the same cost in a different category.
A one-time cost in this year.
Questions you could ask
What makes this cost higher here than in similar towns?
When were the main contracts in this area last put out to competitive tender?
You can ask during the public part of a council meeting, by writing to the clerk, or by contacting your councillors. How to reach council.
Speak for Clarington?Send us your answer and we will publish it with this question.
The evidence
Snow ploughing per home: Clarington $156; typical similar town $92; ranked 2nd highest of 10.
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