Questions · 10 so far
We read Malahide's financial reports and meeting minutes, and compared its numbers with 94 similar Ontario towns. These are the things that stood out.
These are unusual enough that residents deserve a clear answer from council.
$3.4Mowed in unpaid property tax, end of 2024
At the end of 2024, $3.4M of property tax had been billed but not paid. That is 18% of everything billed. Only 2 of 94 similar towns had a higher share. A year earlier it was $1.6M.
Found automatically from the town's financial reports · 2 sources
$455per home on council, 2024
Malahide spent about $455 per home on council in 2024. The typical similar town spent $52. Only 1 of 94 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.
$251,610extra tax for capital in the draft 2026 budget (2.7% of the levy), to narrow a gap between $5.5 million of yearly need and $4.7 million of funding
A reserve is money set aside for a named purpose. Malahide's draft 2026 budget book says the Township plans to spend an average of $5.5 million a year on capital work (roads, bridges, vehicles and buildings) but has about $4.7 million a year to pay for it. To close that gap it asks for an extra $251,610 of tax, which it says is a 2.7% increase in the levy (the total tax the Township raises for its own use), and it says the plan was already to raise capital funding by 2.5% a year to 2030, now extended to 2031. The book says that without an increase the Township would use up its reserves by 2038. Part of the $4,700,400 it counts on each year is money the Township does not control: $497,000 from a provincial fund and $607,000 of investment income, which the book itself calls volatile. The Township has explained all of this in its own book, which is why this is a watch item, not a question it has not answered. We read the draft book and did not see the adopted one.
Found by reading the town's own documents · 5 sources
$1,410,859agriculture expenses in 2025, against a budget of $163,553
The 2025 statements show "Agriculture" expenses of $1,410,859, against a budget of $163,553 and $678,110 the year before. The statements do not say what it is made of. The Township's budget book says it relies on municipal drains (shared ditches and pipes built under the Drainage Act), that the Township builds them and pays to keep them up, and that the cost is shared with the landowners who benefit. It says the Township's own share is expected to be about $100,000 a year. Elsewhere in the statements, drainage debentures and grants owed to the Township rose to $604,706 from $282,897, and a fund for "benefiting land owners" shows ($969,774), down from ($433,627). A negative balance means the Township has paid more than it has recovered so far.
Found by reading the town's own documents · 4 sources
$232,190rise in gross wages in the draft 2026 budget, with a second half of the pay review still to come in 2027
The draft 2026 budget book says a pay market review in 2025 found a large gap between the Township's pay bands for non-union staff and the middle of comparable municipalities. To soften the effect, only half the recommended increase is in the 2026 budget and "the remaining 50% budgeted for 2027". Gross wages in the 2026 draft rise by $232,190, of which $203,020 comes from property tax. The book also says the council share of the increase "has been postponed one year, to be phased over two years starting in 2027". It gives no dollar figure for the 2027 part. Council pay is set by a by-law that follows a Council Remuneration Review Committee. The book also notes 2026 is the last year of the current term of council. Salaries, wages and employee benefits in the 2025 statements were $5,225,870, up from $4,840,681.
Found by reading the town's own documents · 3 sources
+62%water, sewers and garbage, 2019 to 2024
Malahide spent $1.3M on water, sewers and garbage in 2019 and $2.1M in 2024. Prices only went up about 18% in that time.
Found automatically from the town's financial reports · 2 sources
Background that helps make sense of the rest.
$4,127,582forecast for 2025 capital spending, against a budget of $6,937,693
The draft 2026 budget book shows the 2025 capital budget at $6,937,693 and a year-end forecast of $4,127,582. The audited statements show $4,170,663 spent on capital assets in 2025. The book says only about $4.3 million of the $6.9 million planned would be completed, that about $2.1 million is deferred to 2026, and that a $460,000 surplus was "largely the result of roads construction and rehabilitation project over-planning" that has been corrected for 2026. Separately, the book's summary table shows the net cost funded by property tax in 2024 was $8,085,806 against a budget of $8,868,830. The Township explains that reserves are higher than expected because of operating and capital surpluses in 2023 and 2024, and deferred projects. This is context for the question of why the levy keeps rising for capital.
Found by reading the town's own documents · 4 sources
$2,647,917recreation and cultural services expenses in 2025, against a budget of $1,972,316
Recreation and cultural services expenses were $2,647,917 in 2025. The statements' budget was $1,972,316, and 2024's actual was $1,685,249. Inside that, materials for recreation rose to $1,571,698 from $699,538, and government transfers to recreation rose to $1,083,917 from $205,948, so a grant may have paid for much of it. The statements do not say which project. The draft budget book lists the Township's share of East Elgin Community Complex capital at $1,157,953 for 2025 with a forecast of $869,220, and carries $288,734 into 2026.
Found by reading the town's own documents · 4 sources
$1,037,563investment income in 2025, against a budget of $106,100
The 2025 statements show an annual surplus (revenue less spending) of $2,664,920 against a budgeted $1,451,650. Investment income was $1,037,563 against $106,100, and provincial transfers were $2,006,459 against $628,900. The Township's budget book shows $0 of operating investment earnings in 2025 and says general interest earnings "are allocated to reserves" to support capital financing, which explains part of the gap. For 2026 the draft counts $607,000 of unrestricted investment income as capital funding. So the money is not hidden, but the audited gap to the budget is large.
Found by reading the town's own documents · 4 sources
$137,714planned draw from the Building Stabilization Reserve Fund in the draft 2026 budget
Building permit fees can only be spent on the building service. The statements show that deferred revenue for the "building department funds" fell to $504,861 from $576,068 in 2025, a fall of $71,207 (worked out by us). The draft 2026 budget book forecasts a draw of $137,714 from its Building Stabilization Reserve Fund and contributions of $28,500, from an opening balance of $492,634 to a closing balance of $383,420. The book says this reserve exists to cover the building service when fees are less than costs. The building and by-law line is budgeted at $42,000 of tax in 2026. The Township has explained the reason for the reserve, so this is context.
Found by reading the town's own documents · 4 sources
$3.4Mowed in unpaid property tax, end of 2024
At the end of 2024, $3.4M of property tax had been billed but not paid. That is 18% of everything billed. Only 2 of 94 similar towns had a higher share. A year earlier it was $1.6M.
| Year | Unpaid property tax at year end |
|---|---|
| 2019 | $2.3M |
| 2020 | $1.5M |
| 2021 | $1.5M |
| 2022 | $1.2M |
| 2023 | $1.6M |
| 2024 | $3.4M |
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. Your town office can tell you how to reach council.
Speak for Malahide? Send us your answer and we will publish it with this question.
Taxes receivable: 2019 $2.3M, 2020 $1.5M, 2021 $1.5M, 2022 $1.2M, 2023 $1.6M, 2024 $3.4M. Of the 2024 total, $800K was from earlier years.
Ontario Financial Information Return (FIR), 2019 to 2024 · Schedule 70, lines 0610 to 0699 · archived copy
Typical among similar towns: 7.5% of taxes billed.
Ontario Financial Information Return (FIR), 2024, 94 similar municipalities · Schedules 26 and 70 · archived copy
$455per home on council, 2024
Malahide spent about $455 per home on council in 2024. The typical similar town spent $52. Only 1 of 94 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. Your town office can tell you how to reach council.
Speak for Malahide? Send us your answer and we will publish it with this question.
Council per home: Malahide $455; typical similar town $52; ranked 2nd highest of 95.
Ontario Financial Information Return (FIR), 2024, 94 similar municipalities · Schedule 40 and Schedule 2 · archived copy
$251,610extra tax for capital in the draft 2026 budget (2.7% of the levy), to narrow a gap between $5.5 million of yearly need and $4.7 million of funding
A reserve is money set aside for a named purpose. Malahide's draft 2026 budget book says the Township plans to spend an average of $5.5 million a year on capital work (roads, bridges, vehicles and buildings) but has about $4.7 million a year to pay for it. To close that gap it asks for an extra $251,610 of tax, which it says is a 2.7% increase in the levy (the total tax the Township raises for its own use), and it says the plan was already to raise capital funding by 2.5% a year to 2030, now extended to 2031. The book says that without an increase the Township would use up its reserves by 2038. Part of the $4,700,400 it counts on each year is money the Township does not control: $497,000 from a provincial fund and $607,000 of investment income, which the book itself calls volatile. The Township has explained all of this in its own book, which is why this is a watch item, not a question it has not answered. We read the draft book and did not see the adopted one.
Roads are the biggest part of what the Township builds, and a gap between what is needed and what is saved gets bigger each year it is left. Residents will pay for it through tax increases, borrowing or worse roads, so they can reasonably ask how sure the plan is.
You can ask during the public part of a council meeting, by writing to the clerk, or by contacting your councillors. Your town office can tell you how to reach council.
Speak for Malahide? Send us your answer and we will publish it with this question.
Annual capital funding: "the Township's average capital spending over the planning period is $5.5 million. This poses a problem to the Township as its current annual capital funding is estimated at $4.7 million based on 2025 levels of taxation." Table: Annual Capital Funding Increase $414,590; Debt Reinvestment (108,400); OCIF Increase (45,180); Effects of 2026 One-Time Grants (9,400); Net Funding $251,610, "a net 2.7% increase to the overall tax levy".
2026 Municipal Budget Book, Township of Malahide · Annual Capital Funding, PDF page 16
2026 Budget Capital Funding Levels: Property Taxes (subject to approval) $3,291,600; Canada Community Building Fund 304,800; OCIF Funding 497,000; Unrestricted Investment Income 607,000; Annual Capital Funding $4,700,400; 2026 - 2031 New Capital Projects (Avg.) $5,477,000. "Other sources of funding, which can be volatile year-to-year, include investment earnings on reserves and development charges for growth-related capital projects."
2026 Municipal Budget Book, Township of Malahide · Capital Financing Sources, PDF page 82
Recommended adjustments: "It is forecasted that by 2038 the Township will exhaust reserves without an increase to annual capital funding." The 2025 tax levy was $9,318,030, so 2.5% would be $233,000 and the draft recommends 2.7%, $251,600. At the end of the planning period "the reserve balance is only increased by approximately $857,500 by 2031". The 2026-2031 updates add "$1.9 million from previous forecasts".
2026 Municipal Budget Book, Township of Malahide · Long-Term Financial Plan, PDF pages 83 to 85
Reserve Continuity: "The Townships consolidated reserves, including water and sewer, are expected to decrease by $1,312,630 during 2026." Capital Reserve: opening $10,831,135, forecast contributions $4,160,372, uses ($5,118,044), closing $9,873,463.
2026 Municipal Budget Book, Township of Malahide · Reserve Continuity, PDF page 140
Note 9, Accumulated surplus, reserves: "Asset replacement purposes" 10,938,550 (2024 9,846,858); "Total reserves" 15,188,723 (2024 13,801,603). Statement of financial position: "Investments (Note 3)" 14,036,233 (2024 11,913,070).
Corporation of the Township of Malahide, Consolidated Financial Statements, December 31, 2025 (Graham Scott Enns LLP, August 20, 2026) · Note 9, PDF page 24 (printed page 22); Consolidated Statement of Financial Position, PDF page 6
$1,410,859agriculture expenses in 2025, against a budget of $163,553
The 2025 statements show "Agriculture" expenses of $1,410,859, against a budget of $163,553 and $678,110 the year before. The statements do not say what it is made of. The Township's budget book says it relies on municipal drains (shared ditches and pipes built under the Drainage Act), that the Township builds them and pays to keep them up, and that the cost is shared with the landowners who benefit. It says the Township's own share is expected to be about $100,000 a year. Elsewhere in the statements, drainage debentures and grants owed to the Township rose to $604,706 from $282,897, and a fund for "benefiting land owners" shows ($969,774), down from ($433,627). A negative balance means the Township has paid more than it has recovered so far.
If the Township pays the drain contractors first and collects from landowners later, the whole township carries the risk until the owners pay. Residents may want to know how much of the $1,410,859 is repaid and how long it takes.
You can ask during the public part of a council meeting, by writing to the clerk, or by contacting your councillors. Your town office can tell you how to reach council.
Speak for Malahide? Send us your answer and we will publish it with this question.
Statement of operations: "Agriculture" budget 163,553, actual 1,410,859 (2024 678,110). "Total expenses (Note 15)" budget 15,628,058, actual 17,924,121 (2024 15,203,076).
Corporation of the Township of Malahide, Consolidated Financial Statements, December 31, 2025 (Graham Scott Enns LLP, August 20, 2026) · Consolidated Statement of Operations and Accumulated Surplus, PDF page 7 (printed page 5)
Segment disclosure, Planning and Development Services: "Contracted services, rents and financial" 1,365,031 in 2025 (2024 705,666). Total expenses of that segment 1,708,296.
Corporation of the Township of Malahide, Consolidated Financial Statements, December 31, 2025 (Graham Scott Enns LLP, August 20, 2026) · Consolidated Schedule of Segment Disclosure, PDF page 31 (printed page 29)
Note 5, Accounts receivable: "Drainage debentures, receivables and grants receivable" 604,706 (2024 282,897). Note 9, Accumulated surplus: "Benefiting land owners" (969,774) (2024 (433,627)).
Corporation of the Township of Malahide, Consolidated Financial Statements, December 31, 2025 (Graham Scott Enns LLP, August 20, 2026) · Note 5, PDF page 20 (printed page 18); Note 9, PDF page 24 (printed page 22)
Drainage projects: "The costs of municipal drainage projects are shared with benefitting landowners within the tributary watersheds, as outlined in the engineer's reports for these drains. The Township of Malahide portion of the total cost of all municipal drainage projects completed each year is estimated at $100,000."
2026 Municipal Budget Book, Township of Malahide · Capital project sheet, Drainage Projects: $100,000, PDF page 95
$232,190rise in gross wages in the draft 2026 budget, with a second half of the pay review still to come in 2027
The draft 2026 budget book says a pay market review in 2025 found a large gap between the Township's pay bands for non-union staff and the middle of comparable municipalities. To soften the effect, only half the recommended increase is in the 2026 budget and "the remaining 50% budgeted for 2027". Gross wages in the 2026 draft rise by $232,190, of which $203,020 comes from property tax. The book also says the council share of the increase "has been postponed one year, to be phased over two years starting in 2027". It gives no dollar figure for the 2027 part. Council pay is set by a by-law that follows a Council Remuneration Review Committee. The book also notes 2026 is the last year of the current term of council. Salaries, wages and employee benefits in the 2025 statements were $5,225,870, up from $4,840,681.
Council pay follows a by-law and a committee's recommendation, but a rise that starts in 2027, the first year after the current term ends (worked out by us from the book's note that 2026 is the last year of the term), is still worth knowing about before people vote. The size of the 2027 half is not in the book.
You can ask during the public part of a council meeting, by writing to the clerk, or by contacting your councillors. Your town office can tell you how to reach council.
Speak for Malahide? Send us your answer and we will publish it with this question.
Wages & Benefits: "The market review that occurred in 2025 identified a large gap between current rates and the median market rates." Only 50% of the recommended increases are in 2026, "with the remaining 50% budgeted for 2027. The council wage portion of the market check increase has been postponed one year, to be phased over two years starting in 2027, providing additional relief for the 2026 budget." Gross Wage Increase $232,190; County RMA Recovery (8,500); Building Permit Fee Recovery (20,670); Net Funding $203,020.
2026 Municipal Budget Book, Township of Malahide · Wages & Benefits, PDF page 17
Council budget: "As recommended by the Council Remuneration Review Committee, by-law 20-74 establishes Council remuneration." Footnote 3: "Less training is expected in 2026 as it is the last year of the current term of council." Council "Wages & Benefits" 2026 budget $130,020 (2025 budget $126,500).
2026 Municipal Budget Book, Township of Malahide · Council, Budget Details, PDF page 26
Note 15, Current fund expenditures by object: "Salaries, wages and employee benefits" 5,225,870 (2024 4,840,681).
Corporation of the Township of Malahide, Consolidated Financial Statements, December 31, 2025 (Graham Scott Enns LLP, August 20, 2026) · Note 15, Supplementary information, PDF page 28 (printed page 26)
+62%water, sewers and garbage, 2019 to 2024
Malahide spent $1.3M on water, sewers and garbage in 2019 and $2.1M in 2024. Prices only went up about 18% in that time.
| Year | Water, sewers and garbage | Prices (inflation) |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | +0% | +0% |
| 2020 | +2% | +1% |
| 2021 | +54% | +4% |
| 2022 | +61% | +11% |
| 2023 | +61% | +16% |
| 2024 | +62% | +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. Your town office can tell you how to reach council.
Speak for Malahide? Send us your answer and we will publish it with this question.
Water, sewers and garbage: 2019 $1.3M, 2020 $1.3M, 2021 $1.9M, 2022 $2.0M, 2023 $2.0M, 2024 $2.1M.
Ontario Financial Information Return (FIR), 2019 to 2024 · Schedule 40 · archived copy
Biggest driver: Garbage pickup, from $189K to $345K.
Ontario Financial Information Return (FIR), 2019 to 2024 · Schedule 40 · archived copy
$4,127,582forecast for 2025 capital spending, against a budget of $6,937,693
The draft 2026 budget book shows the 2025 capital budget at $6,937,693 and a year-end forecast of $4,127,582. The audited statements show $4,170,663 spent on capital assets in 2025. The book says only about $4.3 million of the $6.9 million planned would be completed, that about $2.1 million is deferred to 2026, and that a $460,000 surplus was "largely the result of roads construction and rehabilitation project over-planning" that has been corrected for 2026. Separately, the book's summary table shows the net cost funded by property tax in 2024 was $8,085,806 against a budget of $8,868,830. The Township explains that reserves are higher than expected because of operating and capital surpluses in 2023 and 2024, and deferred projects. This is context for the question of why the levy keeps rising for capital.
Spending less than planned is not a problem on its own. It matters because the Township is asking for tax increases for capital while its reserves are described as strong. Residents can reasonably ask how closely the plan matches what gets built.
You can ask during the public part of a council meeting, by writing to the clerk, or by contacting your councillors. Your town office can tell you how to reach council.
Speak for Malahide? Send us your answer and we will publish it with this question.
All Capital Projects: "TOTAL CAPITAL" 2025 budget $6,937,693, 2025 forecast $4,127,582, carry forward $2,258,128, new requests $4,364,200, 2026 budget $6,621,490. Tanker 3: 2025 budget $691,200, forecast $216,000, carry forward $475,200.
2026 Municipal Budget Book, Township of Malahide · Capital Project Carry Forward Summary, PDF pages 125 and 127
Higher Than Expected Reserve Balances: "Of the total $6.9 million worth of capital expenditures planned for 2025, only approximately $4.3 million will be completed." Deferred projects of "approximately $2.1 million" are expected in 2026, "while a surplus of $460,000 will further contribute to robust reserves. This surplus was largely the result of roads construction and rehabilitation project over-planning, which has been corrected for the 2026 budget and 2027-2031 capital plan."
2026 Municipal Budget Book, Township of Malahide · Long-Term Financial Plan, PDF page 84
Operational Budget, Net Summary, "Property Tax Levy" row: 2023 budget $8,331,001, 2023 actual $8,197,514; 2024 budget $8,868,830, 2024 actual $8,085,806; 2025 budget $9,318,030, 2025 forecast $9,193,303; 2026 budget $9,779,046.
2026 Municipal Budget Book, Township of Malahide · Operational Budget - Net Summary, PDF page 24
Statement of change in net financial assets: "Acquisition of tangible capital assets" (4,170,663) in 2025 (2024 (1,983,716)).
Corporation of the Township of Malahide, Consolidated Financial Statements, December 31, 2025 (Graham Scott Enns LLP, August 20, 2026) · Consolidated Statement of Change in Net Financial Assets, PDF page 8 (printed page 6)
$2,647,917recreation and cultural services expenses in 2025, against a budget of $1,972,316
Recreation and cultural services expenses were $2,647,917 in 2025. The statements' budget was $1,972,316, and 2024's actual was $1,685,249. Inside that, materials for recreation rose to $1,571,698 from $699,538, and government transfers to recreation rose to $1,083,917 from $205,948, so a grant may have paid for much of it. The statements do not say which project. The draft budget book lists the Township's share of East Elgin Community Complex capital at $1,157,953 for 2025 with a forecast of $869,220, and carries $288,734 into 2026.
A large new recreation cost is easy to miss inside a total. Residents may want to know what was built or repaired, who paid, and whether it brings yearly costs with it.
You can ask during the public part of a council meeting, by writing to the clerk, or by contacting your councillors. Your town office can tell you how to reach council.
Speak for Malahide? Send us your answer and we will publish it with this question.
Statement of operations: "Recreation and cultural services" budget 1,972,316, actual 2,647,917 (2024 1,685,249).
Corporation of the Township of Malahide, Consolidated Financial Statements, December 31, 2025 (Graham Scott Enns LLP, August 20, 2026) · Consolidated Statement of Operations and Accumulated Surplus, PDF page 7 (printed page 5)
Segment disclosure, Recreation Services, 2025: "Government transfers" 1,083,917; "Materials" 1,571,698; amortization 312,953; total expenses 2,647,917. 2024: government transfers 205,948; materials 699,538.
Corporation of the Township of Malahide, Consolidated Financial Statements, December 31, 2025 (Graham Scott Enns LLP, August 20, 2026) · Consolidated Schedule of Segment Disclosure, 2025 on PDF page 31 and 2024 on PDF page 32
Operational Budget, Net Summary: Recreation 2025 budget $312,100, 2025 forecast $335,285 (2024 actual $306,447). East Elgin Community Complex 2025 budget $337,160, 2025 forecast $337,160.
2026 Municipal Budget Book, Township of Malahide · Operational Budget - Net Summary, PDF page 24
EECC Projects: "Township Share of EECC Capital (Appendix B)" 2025 budget $1,157,953, 2025 forecast $869,220, carry forward $288,734, new requests $300,000, 2026 budget $588,734.
2026 Municipal Budget Book, Township of Malahide · Capital Project Carry Forward Summary, EECC Projects, PDF page 125
$1,037,563investment income in 2025, against a budget of $106,100
The 2025 statements show an annual surplus (revenue less spending) of $2,664,920 against a budgeted $1,451,650. Investment income was $1,037,563 against $106,100, and provincial transfers were $2,006,459 against $628,900. The Township's budget book shows $0 of operating investment earnings in 2025 and says general interest earnings "are allocated to reserves" to support capital financing, which explains part of the gap. For 2026 the draft counts $607,000 of unrestricted investment income as capital funding. So the money is not hidden, but the audited gap to the budget is large.
If investment earnings are meant to pay for capital, residents can reasonably ask how much of next year's capital plan depends on markets staying strong. The Township holds part of its savings in pooled funds whose value moves.
You can ask during the public part of a council meeting, by writing to the clerk, or by contacting your councillors. Your town office can tell you how to reach council.
Speak for Malahide? Send us your answer and we will publish it with this question.
Statement of operations: "Investment income" budget 106,100, actual 1,037,563 (2024 906,832). "Provincial" budget 628,900, actual 2,006,459 (2024 1,971,064). "ANNUAL SURPLUS (DEFICIT)" budget 1,451,650, actual 2,664,920 (2024 3,252,018).
Corporation of the Township of Malahide, Consolidated Financial Statements, December 31, 2025 (Graham Scott Enns LLP, August 20, 2026) · Consolidated Statement of Operations and Accumulated Surplus, PDF page 7 (printed page 5)
Note 3, Investments: "During the year, the Municipality earned $678,277 (2024 - $724,361) of income in the investments" and a realized gain of $281,607 (2024 - $104,794) on the statement of operations. Investments: market value 14,036,233 (cost 13,495,536), of which "One pooled equity securities funds" 2,949,036.
Corporation of the Township of Malahide, Consolidated Financial Statements, December 31, 2025 (Graham Scott Enns LLP, August 20, 2026) · Note 3, Investments, PDF page 19 (printed page 17)
Other Revenues, "Operating Investment Earnings": 2024 budget $40,000, 2024 actual $149,361, 2025 budget 0, 2026 budget $0. Footnote: "General interest earnings are allocated to reserves on a proportionate balance basis each year to support long-term capital financing."
2026 Municipal Budget Book, Township of Malahide · Other Revenues, Budget Details, PDF page 75
2026 Budget Capital Funding Levels: "Unrestricted Investment Income" 607,000 of "Annual Capital Funding" $4,700,400.
2026 Municipal Budget Book, Township of Malahide · Capital Financing Sources, PDF page 82
$137,714planned draw from the Building Stabilization Reserve Fund in the draft 2026 budget
Building permit fees can only be spent on the building service. The statements show that deferred revenue for the "building department funds" fell to $504,861 from $576,068 in 2025, a fall of $71,207 (worked out by us). The draft 2026 budget book forecasts a draw of $137,714 from its Building Stabilization Reserve Fund and contributions of $28,500, from an opening balance of $492,634 to a closing balance of $383,420. The book says this reserve exists to cover the building service when fees are less than costs. The building and by-law line is budgeted at $42,000 of tax in 2026. The Township has explained the reason for the reserve, so this is context.
If fees stay below costs for several years the reserve runs out, and the shortfall falls to taxpayers. Builders also want to know whether permit fees are set to match the service.
You can ask during the public part of a council meeting, by writing to the clerk, or by contacting your councillors. Your town office can tell you how to reach council.
Speak for Malahide? Send us your answer and we will publish it with this question.
Note 10, Deferred revenue - obligatory reserve funds: "Building department funds" 504,861 (2024 576,068).
Corporation of the Township of Malahide, Consolidated Financial Statements, December 31, 2025 (Graham Scott Enns LLP, August 20, 2026) · Note 10, PDF page 25 (printed page 23)
Reserve Continuity: "Building Stabilization Reserve Fund" opening $492,634, forecast contributions $28,500, uses ($137,714), closing $383,420.
2026 Municipal Budget Book, Township of Malahide · Reserve Continuity, PDF page 140
Reserve Sources, Uses, & Restrictions: the Building Stabilization Reserve Fund is funded by "Building permit surplus revenue" and its uses are restricted "to offset the cost of administration and enforcement of the Building Code Act when fee revenues are less than costs for delivering building services".
2026 Municipal Budget Book, Township of Malahide · Reserves, Reserve Sources, Uses, & Restrictions, PDF page 136
Operational Budget – Net Summary, "Building & Bylaw (p.31)": 2025 budget $42,000, 2025 forecast $42,000, 2026 budget $42,000, change $0.
2026 Municipal Budget Book, Township of Malahide · Operational Budget – Net Summary, PDF page 24