Questions · 14 so far
We read Innisfil's financial reports and meeting minutes, and compared its numbers with 20 similar Ontario towns. These are the things that stood out.
These are unusual enough that residents deserve a clear answer from council.
$31.5Min savings at the end of 2024
Towns keep savings (called reserves) to pay for new trucks, roof repairs and surprises. Innisfil had $31.5M saved at the end of 2024, down from $36.2M in 2019. That is 41% of one year's spending. Only 1 of 20 similar towns had less, compared with what they spend.
Found automatically from the town's financial reports · 2 sources
$96per home on council, 2024
Innisfil spent about $96 per home on council in 2024. The typical similar town spent $50. Only 2 of 20 similar towns spent more.
Found automatically from the town's financial reports · 1 source
There may well be a good reason. It is still worth asking what it is.
$5,197,480from reserves and reserve funds in the revised 2026 budget, up from $3,055,000 in 2025
A reserve is money the Town sets aside in good years for later. The 2025-2026 budget planned a 5.5% tax increase for 2026. In December 2025 Council asked staff to bring it back at 4.2%. The January 14, 2026 staff report says the budget now relies on $5,197,480 from reserves and reserve funds, up from $3,055,000 in the 2025 budget. The same report says this is "not sustainable" and that it will push the Property Tax Rate Stabilization (PTRS) Reserve below the 5% minimum the Town's policy sets. The Town has been open about this, and Council chose the lower tax rate. The open question is what happens in 2027.
Found by reading the town's own documents · 5 sources
$269,136general government overspend in 2025 (budget $12,623,361, actual $12,892,497)
The 2025 statement analysis says general government spending was $12,892,497 against a budget of $12,623,361, and says the overspend was "due to contacted services related to external legal services and temporary contractor costs" (wording as printed). The 2025-2026 budget book planned $140,000 for the total spent on external legal costs in each of 2025 and 2026, down from $219,373 in 2021, and it described a cut in those costs as "based on historical trends". The Town's summary does not say how much outside legal work cost in 2025.
Found by reading the town's own documents · 3 sources
$167,395,213cash and investments at the end of 2025, against about $195M of committed capital projects
At the end of 2025 the Town held $167,395,213 in cash and investments: $15.0M in guaranteed investment certificates, $68.3M in bonds and equity funds, and $72.8M in a high-interest savings account (as the Town prints them). The Town says this money mostly reflects unspent capital projects, and that capital commitments of about $195M are expected to be spent in 2026 and 2027, to be funded from current and future reserves and reserve funds. The Town's own indicator puts its discretionary reserves at 140% of taxation, and says the ratio would be approximately 34% if committed money were taken out.
Found by reading the town's own documents · 2 sources
10.83%rise in the police part of the average 2026 tax bill ($700.61 to $776.51)
On a home assessed at $446,363, the police part of the tax bill goes from $700.61 to $776.51, a rise of $75.90 or 10.83%, while the part for Town services rises 1.31%. The Town's share of the South Simcoe Police Service budget is $16,869,846 in the revised 2026 budget, against $16,462,694 in the budget adopted in January 2025. The 2025-2026 budget book shows the police line growing 10.9% in 2025 and 9.5% in 2026. The Town says it has "very limited influence" over requests from partners such as police, and its Committees page says the Police Services Board approves the police budget before Council does.
Found by reading the town's own documents · 5 sources
$14,564,145worked out by us: the drop in the 2026 capital budget, from $55,333,149 to $40,769,004
The 2025-2026 budget adopted in January 2025 set the 2026 capital budget at $55,333,149. The January 14, 2026 staff report recommends $40,769,004. The report says Council "did not recommend any changes" to the staff-recommended figure, but the part of the process that made the $14,564,145 reduction (worked out by us) is not in the report we read. The December 10, 2025 staff report it refers to (DSR-162-25) is a separate document we did not read.
Found by reading the town's own documents · 4 sources
+48%parks, arena and library, 2019 to 2024
Innisfil spent $9.3M on parks, arena and library in 2019 and $13.8M in 2024. Prices only went up about 18% in that time. Only 3 of 20 similar towns had faster growth here.
Found automatically from the town's financial reports · 3 sources
+44%police, fire and safety, 2019 to 2024
Innisfil spent $20M on police, fire and safety in 2019 and $28.7M in 2024. Prices only went up about 18% in that time.
Found automatically from the town's financial reports · 2 sources
$14.9Mowed in unpaid property tax, end of 2024
At the end of 2024, $14.9M of property tax had been billed but not paid. That is 13% of everything billed. Only 1 of 20 similar towns had a higher share. A year earlier it was $10.6M.
Found automatically from the town's financial reports · 2 sources
Background that helps make sense of the rest.
$19,954,953less revenue than budgeted in 2025, mostly development charges
The 2025 income statement shows revenue of $133,854,193 against a budget of $153,809,146. Almost all of the gap is one line: development charges (fees that builders pay towards roads, water and parks for new homes). They were budgeted at $44,531,016 and recorded at $15,657,131. The Town explains why: development charge revenue is recognized only when the work is done, and many 2025 projects were carried into 2026 and 2027. Deferred revenue (money received but not yet counted as income) fell from $75,646,381 to $68,409,169 as development slowed.
Found by reading the town's own documents · 3 sources
13.24%of taxes billed were still unpaid at the end of 2025, against 8.7% in the survey average
Taxes receivable (property tax billed and not yet paid) were $15,899,640 at the end of 2025, or 13.24% of the year's taxes billed (13.21% in 2024). In the Town's own table that share was 8.1% in 2021 and 8.6% in 2022. The survey average the Town compares itself with is 8.7%. The Town explains it: it paused its usual collection steps during COVID, restarted them in January 2025, and Council approved a Property Tax Billing and Collection Policy on November 12, 2025.
Found by reading the town's own documents · 3 sources
MD 16-26the latest Mayoral decision listed, signed June 4, 2026
Innisfil's Mayor has strong mayor powers under Part VI.1 of the Municipal Act, in effect since October 31, 2023. They include proposing the budget, which Council can amend. The Town publishes every written decision on one page, and the list shows MD 16-26 signed on June 4, 2026. The 2026 budget update began with Mayoral Decision 23-25, which directed the CAO and treasurer to prepare a staff-recommended budget. The Town does a good job of posting these. One small question: the budget page says the Mayor declared the 2026 budget on January 14, 2026, while the decisions list gives January 15, 2026 as the date MD 01-26 was signed.
Found by reading the town's own documents · 3 sources
$127per home on snow ploughing, 2024
Innisfil spent about $127 per home on snow ploughing in 2024. The typical similar town spent $52. Only 3 of 20 similar towns spent more.
Found automatically from the town's financial reports · 1 source
$31.5Min savings at the end of 2024
Towns keep savings (called reserves) to pay for new trucks, roof repairs and surprises. Innisfil had $31.5M saved at the end of 2024, down from $36.2M in 2019. That is 41% of one year's spending. Only 1 of 20 similar towns had less, compared with what they spend.
| Year | Savings (reserves) |
|---|---|
| 2019 | $36.2M |
| 2020 | $32.3M |
| 2021 | $26.1M |
| 2022 | $28.5M |
| 2023 | $32.4M |
| 2024 | $31.5M |
With little saved, a broken bridge or a storm has to be paid for with a sudden tax increase or a loan. Low savings can also mean past budgets were balanced by spending savings instead of facing the real cost.
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 Innisfil? Send us your answer and we will publish it with this question.
Savings (reserves and reserve funds): 2019 $36.2M, 2020 $32.3M, 2021 $26.1M, 2022 $28.5M, 2023 $32.4M, 2024 $31.5M.
Ontario Financial Information Return (FIR), 2019 to 2024 · Schedule 70, line 6420 · archived copy
Typical among similar towns: savings equal to 102% of a year's spending. Innisfil: 41%.
Ontario Financial Information Return (FIR), 2024, 20 similar municipalities · Schedules 40 and 70 · archived copy
$96per home on council, 2024
Innisfil spent about $96 per home on council in 2024. The typical similar town spent $50. Only 2 of 20 similar towns spent more.
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.
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 Innisfil? Send us your answer and we will publish it with this question.
Council per home: Innisfil $96; typical similar town $50; ranked 3rd highest of 21.
Ontario Financial Information Return (FIR), 2024, 20 similar municipalities · Schedule 40 and Schedule 2 · archived copy
$5,197,480from reserves and reserve funds in the revised 2026 budget, up from $3,055,000 in 2025
A reserve is money the Town sets aside in good years for later. The 2025-2026 budget planned a 5.5% tax increase for 2026. In December 2025 Council asked staff to bring it back at 4.2%. The January 14, 2026 staff report says the budget now relies on $5,197,480 from reserves and reserve funds, up from $3,055,000 in the 2025 budget. The same report says this is "not sustainable" and that it will push the Property Tax Rate Stabilization (PTRS) Reserve below the 5% minimum the Town's policy sets. The Town has been open about this, and Council chose the lower tax rate. The open question is what happens in 2027.
Using savings to keep a tax bill down helps residents this year. But the savings are spent once. If the reserves are not refilled, later budgets have to find the money from higher taxes, fees or cuts, and the PTRS Reserve is the Town's cushion for emergencies such as storms.
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 Innisfil? Send us your answer and we will publish it with this question.
The records that would answer this can be requested: Property Tax Rate Stabilization Reserve forecast 2026 to 2028, with wording you can copy.
"To achieve the 2026 blended tax rate of 4.2%, the budget relies on $5,197,480 in reserves and reserve funds; an increase of $2,142,480 from the $3,055,000 used in the 2025 approved budget." The report adds: "Continued use of reserves at this level is not sustainable and will limit the Town's financial flexibility".
Staff Report DSR-003-26: Revised 2026 Operating and Capital Budget Update (January 14, 2026) · Analysis/Consideration, Utilization of Reserves & Reserve Funds for Operating Budgets, PDF page 3
Table 3: PTRS reserve $2,000,000 (2025) and $1,864,000 (2026); ARS reserve fund $1,055,000 (2025) and $3,333,480 (2026); total reserves and reserve funds utilized $3,055,000 and $5,197,480. "Based on the Q3 forecast, the use of additional funds to support the 2026 budget is projected to reduce the PTRS Reserve balance below the established minimum threshold of 5%."
Staff Report DSR-003-26: Revised 2026 Operating and Capital Budget Update (January 14, 2026) · Table 3 and the text that follows it, PDF page 4
Corporate Finance, budgeted "Transfer from Reserve & Reserve Funds": ($100,000) in 2024, ($3,155,000) in 2025, ($3,433,480) in 2026. Note 6: "Budgeted transfer from the Tax Rate Stabilization Reserve in order to limit the tax rate increase to residents."
Town of Innisfil, 2025-2026 Budget (adopted January 29, 2025) · Corporate Finance, Our Operating Budget Overview and Note: Explanation of Change, PDF pages 151 and 152
Performance note: "The Property Tax Rate Stabilization (PTRS) Reserve balance at the end of each fiscal year is maintained between 5% and 10% of the budgeted expenditures net of transfers to other reserves (per policy CP.02-12-05)".
Town of Innisfil, 2025-2026 Budget (adopted January 29, 2025) · Corporate Finance, Measuring Work & Performance, PDF page 150
"The revised 2026 budget was adopted on January 14, 2026. It includes a 2026 blended property tax increase of 4.2%, reduced from the 5.5% increase included in the Town's 2025/2026 budget." Estimated annual increase for the average household: $222.99.
Town of Innisfil website, Budgets page · Revised 2026 budget impact
$269,136general government overspend in 2025 (budget $12,623,361, actual $12,892,497)
The 2025 statement analysis says general government spending was $12,892,497 against a budget of $12,623,361, and says the overspend was "due to contacted services related to external legal services and temporary contractor costs" (wording as printed). The 2025-2026 budget book planned $140,000 for the total spent on external legal costs in each of 2025 and 2026, down from $219,373 in 2021, and it described a cut in those costs as "based on historical trends". The Town's summary does not say how much outside legal work cost in 2025.
Legal bills can be one-off (a court case, a land deal) or a sign of a continuing dispute. Residents pay either way, and the budget is the Town's promise about what the year will cost.
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 Innisfil? Send us your answer and we will publish it with this question.
The records that would answer this can be requested: External legal and temporary contractor spending, 2025, with wording you can copy.
Expenditures, General government: budget $12,623,361, 2025 actual $12,892,497, variance ($269,136) (2.13%). "General government expenses exceed budget due to contacted services related to external legal services and temporary contractor costs. This is partially offset by capital projects budgeted in 2025 that have been carried forward into 2026."
Town of Innisfil, 2025 Financial Statement Summary & Analysis (Attachment 1) · What the money was used for (Expenditures), PDF page 6
Corporate Legal Advice & Support performance measure, "Total amount spent on external legal costs": $219,373 (2021), $111,860 (2022), $47,967 (2023), $160,000 (2024), $140,000 (2025), $140,000 (2026), shown under the headings Actual and Projected.
Town of Innisfil, 2025-2026 Budget (adopted January 29, 2025) · Corporate Legal Advice & Support, Measuring Work & Performance, PDF page 154
Note 4: "Reduction in external legal costs based on historical trends." Contracted Services in this service: $161,344 (2024), $136,044 (2025), $136,044 (2026).
Town of Innisfil, 2025-2026 Budget (adopted January 29, 2025) · Corporate Legal Advice & Support, Operating Budget Overview and Note: Explanation of Change, PDF pages 155 and 156
$167,395,213cash and investments at the end of 2025, against about $195M of committed capital projects
At the end of 2025 the Town held $167,395,213 in cash and investments: $15.0M in guaranteed investment certificates, $68.3M in bonds and equity funds, and $72.8M in a high-interest savings account (as the Town prints them). The Town says this money mostly reflects unspent capital projects, and that capital commitments of about $195M are expected to be spent in 2026 and 2027, to be funded from current and future reserves and reserve funds. The Town's own indicator puts its discretionary reserves at 140% of taxation, and says the ratio would be approximately 34% if committed money were taken out.
A large balance can look like a cushion. The Town's own note says most of it is already spoken for. Residents can fairly ask how much is free, and how the roughly $195M of commitments will be paid if the money coming in is slower than planned.
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 Innisfil? Send us your answer and we will publish it with this question.
"Cash and investments primarily reflect funds committed to capital projects that remained unspent at year-end. Investments consist of $15.0M in guaranteed investment certificates (GICs), $68.3M in Prudent Investor bonds and equity funds, and $72.8M held in the ONE Investment High Interest Savings Account. Capital project commitments totaling approximately $195M are expected to be spent in 2026 and 2027 and will be funded from current and future reserves and reserve funds." Cash and investments: $167,395,213 (2025), $167,271,957 (2024).
Town of Innisfil, 2025 Financial Statement Summary & Analysis (Attachment 1) · What we own (Assets), PDF page 1
Financial indicator, Tax Discretionary Reserves as a % of Taxation: 140% (2025), 145% (2024), BMA survey average 98%. "If these committed funds are excluded, the Town's 2025 ratio would be approximately 34%."
Town of Innisfil, 2025 Financial Statement Summary & Analysis (Attachment 1) · Financial Indicators table and Flexibility paragraph, PDF page 8
10.83%rise in the police part of the average 2026 tax bill ($700.61 to $776.51)
On a home assessed at $446,363, the police part of the tax bill goes from $700.61 to $776.51, a rise of $75.90 or 10.83%, while the part for Town services rises 1.31%. The Town's share of the South Simcoe Police Service budget is $16,869,846 in the revised 2026 budget, against $16,462,694 in the budget adopted in January 2025. The 2025-2026 budget book shows the police line growing 10.9% in 2025 and 9.5% in 2026. The Town says it has "very limited influence" over requests from partners such as police, and its Committees page says the Police Services Board approves the police budget before Council does.
Council is asked to fund a police budget that another board sets, so residents can fairly ask what is driving the increase and who can change it.
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 Innisfil? Send us your answer and we will publish it with this question.
Table 6, Tax Impact on Average Residential Home: Avg. Residential Assessment $446,363; Town General Purposes $1,896.34 to $1,921.12 ($24.78, 1.31%); Police Purposes 700.61 to 776.51 (75.90, 10.83%).
Staff Report DSR-003-26: Revised 2026 Operating and Capital Budget Update (January 14, 2026) · Table 6, PDF page 6
Table 7: "Town's share of South Simcoe Police Services Budget" $16,462,694 (2026 original, January 2025), $16,869,846 (revised, December 2025), $16,869,846 (revised, January 2026).
Staff Report DSR-003-26: Revised 2026 Operating and Capital Budget Update (January 14, 2026) · Table 7, PDF page 6
Approved Operating Budget by Service, Police Services: $13,552,370 (2024), $15,032,090 (2025), 10.9%; $16,462,694 (2026), 9.5%.
Town of Innisfil, 2025-2026 Budget (adopted January 29, 2025) · Financial Summary, Table 2, PDF page 8
"We have very limited influence over the spending requests we receive from these partners." The page names the County of Simcoe, South Simcoe Police Service and the Province of Ontario.
Town of Innisfil website, Budgets page · Breakdown of your tax dollar
The Police Services Board "performs many duties, including approving the budget presented by the Chief of Police prior to municipal Council approval".
Town of Innisfil website, Committees and Boards page · Police Services Board
$14,564,145worked out by us: the drop in the 2026 capital budget, from $55,333,149 to $40,769,004
The 2025-2026 budget adopted in January 2025 set the 2026 capital budget at $55,333,149. The January 14, 2026 staff report recommends $40,769,004. The report says Council "did not recommend any changes" to the staff-recommended figure, but the part of the process that made the $14,564,145 reduction (worked out by us) is not in the report we read. The December 10, 2025 staff report it refers to (DSR-162-25) is a separate document we did not read.
Capital budgets pay for roads, parks and buildings. A cut this size means projects were delayed or dropped, and the reasons matter to the neighbourhoods waiting for them.
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 Innisfil? Send us your answer and we will publish it with this question.
The records that would answer this can be requested: List of projects changed in the 2026 capital budget, with wording you can copy.
Table 7, Proposed 2026 Municipal Budget, Capital Budget: $55,333,149 (2026 Original, January 2025); $40,769,004 (revised, December 2025); $40,769,004 (revised, January 2026).
Staff Report DSR-003-26: Revised 2026 Operating and Capital Budget Update (January 14, 2026) · Table 7, PDF page 6
"Council did not recommend any changes to the Staff recommended 2026 Capital Budget of $40,769,004."
Staff Report DSR-003-26: Revised 2026 Operating and Capital Budget Update (January 14, 2026) · Capital Budget, PDF page 5
"After adjusting the capital budget for these changes, the final approved capital budget is $85,014,081 for 2025, and $55,333,149 for 2026."
Town of Innisfil, 2025-2026 Budget (adopted January 29, 2025) · Financial Summary, Capital Budget, PDF page 11
"On December 10, 2025, Staff Report DSR-162-25 regarding the 2026 Operating and Capital Budget Update was received by Council."
Staff Report DSR-003-26: Revised 2026 Operating and Capital Budget Update (January 14, 2026) · Background, PDF page 2
+48%parks, arena and library, 2019 to 2024
Innisfil spent $9.3M on parks, arena and library in 2019 and $13.8M in 2024. Prices only went up about 18% in that time. Only 3 of 20 similar towns had faster growth here.
| Year | Parks, arena and library | Prices (inflation) |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | +0% | +0% |
| 2020 | −4% | +1% |
| 2021 | −7% | +4% |
| 2022 | +33% | +11% |
| 2023 | +37% | +16% |
| 2024 | +48% | +18% |
Change since the first year shown. The grey line is how much prices rose overall, for comparison.
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.
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 Innisfil? Send us your answer and we will publish it with this question.
Parks, arena and library: 2019 $9.3M, 2020 $8.9M, 2021 $8.6M, 2022 $12.4M, 2023 $12.7M, 2024 $13.8M.
Ontario Financial Information Return (FIR), 2019 to 2024 · Schedule 40 · archived copy
Biggest driver: Parks, from $1.3M to $3.2M.
Ontario Financial Information Return (FIR), 2019 to 2024 · Schedule 40 · archived copy
Typical growth among similar towns: 34%. Innisfil ranks 4th of 21.
Ontario Financial Information Return (FIR), 2024, 20 similar municipalities · Schedule 40 · archived copy
+44%police, fire and safety, 2019 to 2024
Innisfil spent $20M on police, fire and safety in 2019 and $28.7M in 2024. Prices only went up about 18% in that time.
| Year | Police, fire and safety | Prices (inflation) |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | +0% | +0% |
| 2020 | +7% | +1% |
| 2021 | +16% | +4% |
| 2022 | +22% | +11% |
| 2023 | +31% | +16% |
| 2024 | +44% | +18% |
Change since the first year shown. The grey line is how much prices rose overall, for comparison.
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.
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 Innisfil? Send us your answer and we will publish it with this question.
Police, fire and safety: 2019 $20M, 2020 $21.5M, 2021 $23.2M, 2022 $24.3M, 2023 $26.2M, 2024 $28.7M.
Ontario Financial Information Return (FIR), 2019 to 2024 · Schedule 40 · archived copy
Biggest driver: Police (OPP contract), from $10.5M to $15.1M.
Ontario Financial Information Return (FIR), 2019 to 2024 · Schedule 40 · archived copy
$14.9Mowed in unpaid property tax, end of 2024
At the end of 2024, $14.9M of property tax had been billed but not paid. That is 13% of everything billed. Only 1 of 20 similar towns had a higher share. A year earlier it was $10.6M.
| Year | Unpaid property tax at year end |
|---|---|
| 2019 | $8.5M |
| 2020 | $8.4M |
| 2021 | $6.5M |
| 2022 | $7.6M |
| 2023 | $10.6M |
| 2024 | $14.9M |
When taxes go unpaid, everyone else carries the cost, and the town may borrow to cover the gap. The Province's financial indicators treat 10% to 15% as a moderate risk and more than 15% as a high risk. Collection is the town's job, so a rising number is worth asking about.
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 Innisfil? Send us your answer and we will publish it with this question.
Taxes receivable: 2019 $8.5M, 2020 $8.4M, 2021 $6.5M, 2022 $7.6M, 2023 $10.6M, 2024 $14.9M. Of the 2024 total, $4.4M was from earlier years.
Ontario Financial Information Return (FIR), 2019 to 2024 · Schedule 70, lines 0610 to 0699 · archived copy
Typical among similar towns: 9.6% of taxes billed.
Ontario Financial Information Return (FIR), 2024, 20 similar municipalities · Schedules 26 and 70 · archived copy
$19,954,953less revenue than budgeted in 2025, mostly development charges
The 2025 income statement shows revenue of $133,854,193 against a budget of $153,809,146. Almost all of the gap is one line: development charges (fees that builders pay towards roads, water and parks for new homes). They were budgeted at $44,531,016 and recorded at $15,657,131. The Town explains why: development charge revenue is recognized only when the work is done, and many 2025 projects were carried into 2026 and 2027. Deferred revenue (money received but not yet counted as income) fell from $75,646,381 to $68,409,169 as development slowed.
The Town's capital plan assumes this money will arrive. If building slows, projects either wait, are paid for out of taxes or reserves, or are paid for with debt.
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 Innisfil? Send us your answer and we will publish it with this question.
Revenue table, 2025: Development Charges budget 44,531,016, actual 15,657,131, variance (28,873,885) (64.84%). Total revenue budget $153,809,146, actual $133,854,193, variance ($19,954,953). Taxation budget $71,170,819, actual $70,732,836.
Town of Innisfil, 2025 Financial Statement Summary & Analysis (Attachment 1) · Consolidated Statement of Operations and Accumulated Surplus, Where the money came from (Revenue), PDF page 5
"The development charges budget reflects capital projects approved in 2025; however, revenue is recognized when the works are completed. While the 2025 approved capital projects are budgeted in 2025, many projects are planned to occur over a 2-3 year time frame."
Town of Innisfil, 2025 Financial Statement Summary & Analysis (Attachment 1) · Revenue explanations, PDF page 5
Liabilities: Deferred revenue $68,409,169 in 2025 and 75,646,381 in 2024, change (7,237,212). "Deferred revenue has decreased by $7.2M because of a reduction in development activity and related development charge revenues."
Town of Innisfil, 2025 Financial Statement Summary & Analysis (Attachment 1) · What we owe (Liabilities), PDF page 2
13.24%of taxes billed were still unpaid at the end of 2025, against 8.7% in the survey average
Taxes receivable (property tax billed and not yet paid) were $15,899,640 at the end of 2025, or 13.24% of the year's taxes billed (13.21% in 2024). In the Town's own table that share was 8.1% in 2021 and 8.6% in 2022. The survey average the Town compares itself with is 8.7%. The Town explains it: it paused its usual collection steps during COVID, restarted them in January 2025, and Council approved a Property Tax Billing and Collection Policy on November 12, 2025.
Money owed in unpaid tax is money the Town cannot spend while it waits. It can also be a sign that some households are struggling.
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 Innisfil? Send us your answer and we will publish it with this question.
Taxes receivables $15,899,640 (2025) and 14,866,612 (2024). "As a percentage of current year taxes billed, the year-end taxes receivable is 13.24% compared to 13.21% for 2024. In January 2025, staff resumed pre-COVID collection practices."
Town of Innisfil, 2025 Financial Statement Summary & Analysis (Attachment 1) · What we own (Assets), PDF page 1
Financial indicator, Taxes receivable as a % of Taxes Levied: BMA survey average 8.7%; 13.2% (2025), 13.2% (2024), 10.1% (2023), 8.6% (2022), 8.1% (2021).
Town of Innisfil, 2025 Financial Statement Summary & Analysis (Attachment 1) · Financial Indicators table, PDF page 8
"...enhanced collection efforts have produced positive results, with more property owners paying outstanding balances or entering into payment arrangements... Council approved a comprehensive Property Tax Billing and Collection Policy on November 12, 2025."
Town of Innisfil, 2025 Financial Statement Summary & Analysis (Attachment 1) · Vulnerability paragraph, PDF page 9
MD 16-26the latest Mayoral decision listed, signed June 4, 2026
Innisfil's Mayor has strong mayor powers under Part VI.1 of the Municipal Act, in effect since October 31, 2023. They include proposing the budget, which Council can amend. The Town publishes every written decision on one page, and the list shows MD 16-26 signed on June 4, 2026. The 2026 budget update began with Mayoral Decision 23-25, which directed the CAO and treasurer to prepare a staff-recommended budget. The Town does a good job of posting these. One small question: the budget page says the Mayor declared the 2026 budget on January 14, 2026, while the decisions list gives January 15, 2026 as the date MD 01-26 was signed.
Under these powers a single person proposes the budget. Posting the written decisions is how residents can see what was decided, by whom and when.
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 Innisfil? Send us your answer and we will publish it with this question.
"The Mayor of the Town of Innisfil has "strong mayor powers and duties" under Part VI.1 of the Municipal Act. These powers came into effect on October 31, 2023" and include the power to "Propose the Town's budget subject to Council amendments, Mayoral veto and a Council override process". The 2026 list shows MD 01-26, January 15, 2026, "Decision to provide the proposed 2026 Operating and Capital Budgets", through MD 16-26, June 4, 2026.
Town of Innisfil website, Mayoral Powers and Decisions page · page text and 2026 Mayoral decisions and directions
Mayoral Decision 23-25: "the Mayor hereby directs the Chief Administrative Officer and Town Treasurer to: a. prepare a staff-recommended 2026 Operating and Capital Budget Update"; Dated: October 8, 2025.
Mayoral Decision 23-25 (October 8, 2025) · Mayoral Decision 23-25, PDF page 1
2026 Budget Update Process: "January 14, 2026 Mayor declares budget". "The revised 2026 budget was adopted on January 14, 2026."
Town of Innisfil website, Budgets page · Revised 2026 budget impact and 2026 Budget Update Process
$127per home on snow ploughing, 2024
Innisfil spent about $127 per home on snow ploughing in 2024. The typical similar town spent $52. Only 3 of 20 similar towns spent more.
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.
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 Innisfil? Send us your answer and we will publish it with this question.
Snow ploughing per home: Innisfil $127; typical similar town $52; ranked 4th highest of 21.
Ontario Financial Information Return (FIR), 2024, 20 similar municipalities · Schedule 40 and Schedule 2 · archived copy