Questions · 12 so far
We read Port Colborne's financial reports and meeting minutes, and compared its numbers with 32 similar Ontario places. These are the things that stood out.
These are unusual enough that residents deserve a clear answer from council.
$4.5Min savings at the end of 2025
Places keep savings (called reserves) to pay for new trucks, roof repairs and surprises. Port Colborne had $4.5M saved at the end of 2025, down from $17.7M in 2019. That is 10% of one year's spending. None of the 32 similar places had less, compared with what they spend.
Found automatically from the city's financial reports · 2 sources
There may well be a good reason. It is still worth asking what it is.
$4,521,721in reserves at the end of 2025, down from $24,768,519 a year earlier
A reserve is money a city sets aside for later, such as repairs or a new fire truck. The audited statements show the City's reserves and reserve funds at $4,521,721 at the end of 2025, against $24,768,519 a year earlier. Almost all of the fall is one line, "Allocated capital and related projects", which went from a positive $7,898,322 to a negative $12,930,169. The City says this is internal financing: it spent its own reserve money on projects that it plans to pay for later with borrowed money. It also raised its bank line of credit (a loan it can draw on) from $6,000,000 to $20,000,000, and used $2,331,139 of it by the end of 2025.
Found by reading the city's own documents · 3 sources
$39,071,384of capital assets acquired in 2025, against a budget of $10,249,350
The statements show the City acquired tangible capital assets (things it builds or buys that last for years, like pipes, roads and buildings) worth $39,071,384 in 2025. The budget in the statements planned $10,249,350. In 2024 the figure was $14,884,527. Net debt (what the City owes less the money and investments it has on hand) went from $10,990,317 to $30,410,927 against a planned $8,498,396. The City explains in its 2024 year-end report that projects approved in earlier years stay open until they are finished, so a year's spending includes work approved before that year's budget.
Found by reading the city's own documents · 4 sources
80,290forecast total borrowing in 2027, in thousands of dollars, up from 25,842 in 2025
The debt table in the 2026 budget lists the City's total borrowing, inside and outside, in thousands of dollars: 25,842 for 2025, 51,238 for 2026 and 80,290 for 2027. The City's audited long-term debt at the end of 2025 was $23,881,042. The same table shows the City's "annual repayment limit" (the share of its yearly income the Province lets it use on debt payments) rising from 3.7% to 9.9% in 2027. The City's own limit is 15.0% and the Province's is 25.0%. The budget says the 2027 jump comes from projects "subject to separate and future approval by Council". Council has not yet approved them.
Found by reading the city's own documents · 3 sources
3.87%2026 levy increase after growth, down from the 8.38% staff first proposed
Under the Province's strong mayor powers, which Port Colborne received on May 1, 2025, the Mayor prepares the budget. Staff first proposed a 2026 levy (the amount raised from property taxes) increase of 8.38% after growth. The Mayor, William C. Steele, directed two changes that brought it to 3.87%, a saving of 4.51%. One was to borrow for the $3,000,000 ladder truck instead of paying for it from the levy, and to pause growth in yearly savings for future asset replacement for one year. The other was to budget "gapping dollars" of $326,000, which means counting on savings when staff positions are empty between jobs. The result is a levy of $28,572,000, up $1,710,800.
Found by reading the city's own documents · 4 sources
$2,501,388shortfall in the Economic Development reserve at the end of 2025, against a November 2025 forecast of a $1,180,874 shortfall
Two City reserves are negative: the City has spent more than it has set aside. The audited statements show the Marina reserve at (990,332) at the end of 2025, worse than (912,319) a year earlier. The Economic Development reserve is at (2,501,388), worse than (1,600,874). When the City presented its 2026 budget in November 2025, it forecast the 2025 year-end balances at (791,403) for the marina and (1,180,874) for economic development. The City says the marina deficit will be repaid from user fees and the economic development deficit from future land sales.
Found by reading the city's own documents · 2 sources
$1,950,000in three-year funding for healthcare work and Seaway land matters, worked out by us from $1,000,000 and $950,000
The 2026 capital budget includes two three-year items that are mostly advice, studies and legal work. One is "Healthcare" at $1,000,000, of which $400,000 is shown as levy (property tax) money and $600,000 as "Other (Future Capital Budgets)". The other is "St. Lawrence Seaway Land Matters" at $950,000, all shown as "Other (Future Capital Budgets/Costs Recovered from Another Project)". The City says the Seaway item follows an audit of leases that found several properties where the City has built assets but has no lease, and that the Seaway wants to raise rents on the leases it does have.
Found by reading the city's own documents · 2 sources
+8%city property tax, 2024 to 2025
In 2025, Port Colborne collected $2.1M more in its own property tax than in 2024. That is a 8% jump, while prices went up about 2.1%. Only 6 of 32 similar places raised theirs by more.
Found automatically from the city's financial reports · 3 sources
+88%police, fire and safety, 2019 to 2025
Port Colborne spent $4.0M on police, fire and safety in 2019 and $7.6M in 2025. Prices only went up about 21% in that time.
Found automatically from the city's financial reports · 2 sources
+61%water, sewers and garbage, 2019 to 2025
Port Colborne spent $9.2M on water, sewers and garbage in 2019 and $14.7M in 2025. Prices only went up about 21% in that time.
Found automatically from the city's financial reports · 2 sources
$6.5Mowed in unpaid property tax, end of 2025
At the end of 2025, $6.5M of property tax had been billed but not paid. That is 12% of everything billed. Only 5 of 32 similar places had a higher share. A year earlier it was $4.6M.
Found automatically from the city's financial reports · 2 sources
Background that helps make sense of the rest.
$13,119,702annual surplus in 2025, against a budget of $5,770,477
A surplus is what is left when a year's revenue is more than its spending. The statements show an annual surplus of $13,119,702 for 2025, against a budget of $5,770,477. Most of the gap is one line: government transfers were $11,394,858 against a budget of $5,081,269, and the capital part of that (grants for building things) was $8,222,654 against $1,997,669. The City explains that its budget is prepared on a different accounting basis from the statements. Government transfers explain about $6.3 million of the $7.3 million gap (worked out by us), so the surplus does not by itself mean spare cash.
Found by reading the city's own documents · 3 sources
$4.5Min savings at the end of 2025
Places keep savings (called reserves) to pay for new trucks, roof repairs and surprises. Port Colborne had $4.5M saved at the end of 2025, down from $17.7M in 2019. That is 10% of one year's spending. None of the 32 similar places had less, compared with what they spend.
| Year | Savings (reserves) |
|---|---|
| 2019 | $17.7M |
| 2020 | $19.1M |
| 2021 | $24M |
| 2022 | $26.8M |
| 2023 | $26.2M |
| 2024 | $24.8M |
| 2025 | $4.5M |
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 Port Colborne? Send us your answer and we will publish it with this question.
Savings (reserves and reserve funds): 2019 $17.7M, 2020 $19.1M, 2021 $24M, 2022 $26.8M, 2023 $26.2M, 2024 $24.8M, 2025 $4.5M.
Ontario Financial Information Return (FIR), 2019 to 2025 · Schedule 70, line 6420 · archived copy
Typical among similar places: savings equal to 92% of a year's spending. Port Colborne: 10%.
Ontario Financial Information Return (FIR), 2025, 32 similar municipalities · Schedules 40 and 70 · archived copy
$4,521,721in reserves at the end of 2025, down from $24,768,519 a year earlier
A reserve is money a city sets aside for later, such as repairs or a new fire truck. The audited statements show the City's reserves and reserve funds at $4,521,721 at the end of 2025, against $24,768,519 a year earlier. Almost all of the fall is one line, "Allocated capital and related projects", which went from a positive $7,898,322 to a negative $12,930,169. The City says this is internal financing: it spent its own reserve money on projects that it plans to pay for later with borrowed money. It also raised its bank line of credit (a loan it can draw on) from $6,000,000 to $20,000,000, and used $2,331,139 of it by the end of 2025.
Reserves are the cushion for surprises. A negative reserve means the City has spent money it has not yet raised. The plan only works if the borrowing is approved and issued as the projects finish. Residents will pay the interest, so it is fair to ask how large the gap can get and when it will be repaid.
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 Port Colborne? Send us your answer and we will publish it with this question.
Note 11, Reserves and reserve funds: "Total reserves and reserve funds" 4,521,721 (2024: 24,768,519). "Allocated capital and related projects" (12,930,169) (2024: 7,898,322). The note says the marina, economic development, drains and allocated capital reserves "represent internal financing balances that will be funded from future revenue sources" and that "The allocated capital and related projects reserve will be replenished as projects intended to be debt financed reach substantial completion and the related debt is issued."
City of Port Colborne, Financial Statements, December 31, 2025 (Doane Grant Thornton LLP, June 30, 2026) · Note 11, Reserves and reserve funds (continued), PDF page 25 (printed page 23)
Note 4, Bank indebtedness: an operating line of credit of 20,000,000 (2024: 6,000,000) with the CIBC, of which 2,331,139 (2024: nil) was used at December 31, 2025. The note says the increase "reflects the temporary internal financing of infrastructure projects pending the issuance of long-term debt".
City of Port Colborne, Financial Statements, December 31, 2025 (Doane Grant Thornton LLP, June 30, 2026) · Note 4, Bank indebtedness, PDF page 15 (printed page 13)
Accumulated surplus note: "Reserves and reserve funds (Note 11)" 4,521,721 (2024: 24,768,519); "Long term debt" (23,881,042) (2024: (25,079,923)).
City of Port Colborne, Financial Statements, December 31, 2025 (Doane Grant Thornton LLP, June 30, 2026) · Note 10, Accumulated surplus, PDF page 24 (printed page 22)
$39,071,384of capital assets acquired in 2025, against a budget of $10,249,350
The statements show the City acquired tangible capital assets (things it builds or buys that last for years, like pipes, roads and buildings) worth $39,071,384 in 2025. The budget in the statements planned $10,249,350. In 2024 the figure was $14,884,527. Net debt (what the City owes less the money and investments it has on hand) went from $10,990,317 to $30,410,927 against a planned $8,498,396. The City explains in its 2024 year-end report that projects approved in earlier years stay open until they are finished, so a year's spending includes work approved before that year's budget.
A budget is the plan residents are told about. If actual building is almost four times the plan, residents may not see the full size of the commitments until the bills arrive. The City is heading into a larger debt load, so it matters how much of the 2025 work was approved earlier and how much was new.
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 Port Colborne? Send us your answer and we will publish it with this question.
The records that would answer this can be requested: Open capital and related projects at December 31, 2025, with wording you can copy.
Statement of Changes in Net Debt: "Acquisition of tangible capital assets" budget (10,249,350), actual 2025 (39,071,384), actual 2024 (14,884,527). "End of year" net debt budget (8,498,396), actual 2025 $ (30,410,927), 2024 (10,990,317).
City of Port Colborne, Financial Statements, December 31, 2025 (Doane Grant Thornton LLP, June 30, 2026) · Consolidated Statement of Changes in Net Debt, PDF page 7 (printed page 5)
Note 15, Government transfers, capital total: budget 1,997,669, actual 2025 8,222,654, actual 2024 5,759,414.
City of Port Colborne, Financial Statements, December 31, 2025 (Doane Grant Thornton LLP, June 30, 2026) · Note 15, Government transfers, PDF page 27 (printed page 25)
The report says staff "completed 53 projects" and that 75 approved capital and related projects remain open in 2024: "The dollar figure associated with the 75 remaining projects is $27,642,703. The three largest projects are Wastewater Relining, East Side Employment Lands, and the Watermain Replacement and Looping project."
Report 2025-68, 2024 Year End Surplus and Project Close Out (Corporate Services, April 8, 2025) · Discussion, PDF page 4 (page 4 of 7)
The report says the number of open capital and related projects at the end of 2025 is forecast at 79, so that staff "anticipate starting 2026 with 110 (31 + 79) Capital and Related Projects", against 111 projects at the start of 2025.
Report 2025-164, 2026 Capital and Related Project Budget and Levy Budget (Financial Services, November 4, 2025) · Discussion, PDF page 6 (page 6 of 12)
80,290forecast total borrowing in 2027, in thousands of dollars, up from 25,842 in 2025
The debt table in the 2026 budget lists the City's total borrowing, inside and outside, in thousands of dollars: 25,842 for 2025, 51,238 for 2026 and 80,290 for 2027. The City's audited long-term debt at the end of 2025 was $23,881,042. The same table shows the City's "annual repayment limit" (the share of its yearly income the Province lets it use on debt payments) rising from 3.7% to 9.9% in 2027. The City's own limit is 15.0% and the Province's is 25.0%. The budget says the 2027 jump comes from projects "subject to separate and future approval by Council". Council has not yet approved them.
Borrowing builds things now and spreads the cost over many years, and residents and rate payers pay the interest. The total roughly triples in two years. The question is who decides each step, and how it will be paid for.
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 Port Colborne? Send us your answer and we will publish it with this question.
Appendix I, Debt Management ('000s in thousands): "Total Borrowing (External & Internal)" 25,842 (2025), 51,238 (2026), 80,290 (2027), 77,099 (2028), 73,825 (2029), 70,428 (2030). "External Borrowing Charges" 1,996 (2025), 3,677 (2026), 6,101 (2027). "Illustrative In-Year ARL" 3.7%, 6.4%, 9.9%, 9.1%. "City Self Imposed Max" 15.0%, "Provincial Imposed Max" 25.0%. A note says "Forecasted debt in 2027 relates to future projects related to East Side Employment Lands, Canal Crossing, Marina District/Sugarloaf and Lockview District subject to separate and future approval by Council."
Report 2025-164, 2026 Capital and Related Project Budget and Levy Budget (Financial Services, November 4, 2025) · Appendix I, Debt Management, PDF page 218 (Appendix I)
The report says the budget includes "$14.4 million in debt financing, of which $3.0 million is attributed to the levy for the ladder truck and $11.4 million is for water and wastewater projects".
Report 2025-164, 2026 Capital and Related Project Budget and Levy Budget (Financial Services, November 4, 2025) · Discussion, PDF page 6 (page 6 of 12)
Note 7, Long term debt: net long term debt 23,881,042 (2024: 25,079,923). Principal repayments due: 2026 923,963; 2027 954,543; 2028 948,248; 2029 941,202; 2030 972,487. Interest on long term debt 792,294 (2024: 805,886).
City of Port Colborne, Financial Statements, December 31, 2025 (Doane Grant Thornton LLP, June 30, 2026) · Note 7, Long term debt, PDF page 17 (printed page 15)
3.87%2026 levy increase after growth, down from the 8.38% staff first proposed
Under the Province's strong mayor powers, which Port Colborne received on May 1, 2025, the Mayor prepares the budget. Staff first proposed a 2026 levy (the amount raised from property taxes) increase of 8.38% after growth. The Mayor, William C. Steele, directed two changes that brought it to 3.87%, a saving of 4.51%. One was to borrow for the $3,000,000 ladder truck instead of paying for it from the levy, and to pause growth in yearly savings for future asset replacement for one year. The other was to budget "gapping dollars" of $326,000, which means counting on savings when staff positions are empty between jobs. The result is a levy of $28,572,000, up $1,710,800.
A lower tax increase this year can mean a higher cost later. Borrowing adds interest, and pausing the savings plan delays the replacement fund. A gapping budget only works if enough positions stay empty. The election is on October 26, 2026, and the tax number residents see is lower than staff first proposed.
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 Port Colborne? Send us your answer and we will publish it with this question.
Property Tax Impacts: "Staff Proposed Budget % (After Assessment Growth)" 8.38%. "Mayoral Direction - Debt Finance Ladder Truck": "Deduct: One Year Pause - Asset Management Financing Model" (1,173,082); "Add: Cost of borrowing to finance Ladder Truck" 286,600. "Mayoral Direction - Budget for savings from natural turnover": "gapping dollars" (326,000). "Savings from Mayoral Directions" (1,212,482), (4.51%). "Total Levy Increase" 1,710,800. "Mayor's Budget % (After Assessment Growth)" 3.87%.
Report 2025-164, 2026 Capital and Related Project Budget and Levy Budget (Financial Services, November 4, 2025) · Appendix J, Property Tax Impacts (slide 42), PDF page 260
Property tax impact: the budget changes the average residential property valued at $203,084 by 3.87% or $90. The proposed levy is $28,572,000. "Specific budget direction from the Mayor during the budget process brought the change to 3.87% from 8.38% for a total savings of 4.51%." The report adds that "A pause will occur with respect to growing the core funding for the Capital and Related Project Budget."
Report 2025-164, 2026 Capital and Related Project Budget and Levy Budget (Financial Services, November 4, 2025) · Background and Discussion, PDF pages 3 and 4 (pages 3 and 4 of 12)
The 2025 forecast says personnel costs are forecast to be $830 thousand above budget, driven in part by firefighter overtime costs ($150 thousand), and that a surplus at year end would be recommended for reserves.
Report 2025-164, 2026 Capital and Related Project Budget and Levy Budget (Financial Services, November 4, 2025) · 2025 Forecast, PDF page 8 (page 8 of 12)
Capital and Related Project highlights: "$3.0 million for a new ladder truck for the Fire Department". The report adds that the budget "includes $14.4 million in debt financing, of which $3.0 million is attributed to the levy for the ladder truck and $11.4 million is for water and wastewater projects".
Report 2025-164, 2026 Capital and Related Project Budget and Levy Budget (Financial Services, November 4, 2025) · Background and Discussion, PDF pages 5 and 6 (pages 5 and 6 of 12)
$2,501,388shortfall in the Economic Development reserve at the end of 2025, against a November 2025 forecast of a $1,180,874 shortfall
Two City reserves are negative: the City has spent more than it has set aside. The audited statements show the Marina reserve at (990,332) at the end of 2025, worse than (912,319) a year earlier. The Economic Development reserve is at (2,501,388), worse than (1,600,874). When the City presented its 2026 budget in November 2025, it forecast the 2025 year-end balances at (791,403) for the marina and (1,180,874) for economic development. The City says the marina deficit will be repaid from user fees and the economic development deficit from future land sales.
These are in effect loans the City has made to itself. Repayment depends on boat fees and on land sales that have not yet happened. If land sells for less, or later, the taxpayers and rate payers are left to cover the gap.
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 Port Colborne? Send us your answer and we will publish it with this question.
The records that would answer this can be requested: Repayment plan for the marina, economic development and allocated capital reserve deficits, with wording you can copy.
Note 11, self-sustaining entities: "Marina" (990,332) (2024: (912,319)). General government: "Economic development" (2,501,388) (2024: (1,600,874)). The note says "The marina and drains reserves will be replenished from future user fees. The economic development reserve will be replenished from future land sales."
City of Port Colborne, Financial Statements, December 31, 2025 (Doane Grant Thornton LLP, June 30, 2026) · Note 11, Reserves and reserve funds (continued), PDF page 25 (printed page 23)
Appendix G, Reserve Forecast: "Sugarloaf Marina Reserve" 2024 year end (912,319), 2025 year end forecast (791,403), 2026 proposed budget 86,000, 2026 forecast (705,403), noted "Council approved negative balance to be repaid through Sugarloaf Marina budget". "Economic Development Reserve" 2024 year end (1,600,874), 2025 year end forecast (1,180,874), noted "Council approved negative balance to be repaid through future land sales".
Report 2025-164, 2026 Capital and Related Project Budget and Levy Budget (Financial Services, November 4, 2025) · Appendix G, Reserve Forecast, PDF page 214
$1,950,000in three-year funding for healthcare work and Seaway land matters, worked out by us from $1,000,000 and $950,000
The 2026 capital budget includes two three-year items that are mostly advice, studies and legal work. One is "Healthcare" at $1,000,000, of which $400,000 is shown as levy (property tax) money and $600,000 as "Other (Future Capital Budgets)". The other is "St. Lawrence Seaway Land Matters" at $950,000, all shown as "Other (Future Capital Budgets/Costs Recovered from Another Project)". The City says the Seaway item follows an audit of leases that found several properties where the City has built assets but has no lease, and that the Seaway wants to raise rents on the leases it does have.
The 2026 levy shows only part of the cost. The rest is expected to come from budgets Council has not yet passed or from other projects. Residents need to know the full multi-year cost of questions that could change what the City owns or pays rent on.
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 Port Colborne? Send us your answer and we will publish it with this question.
Capital Request E.3, Healthcare: "Recently Council approved the establishment of a healthcare advisory committee". Funding: Levy 400,000; "Other (Future Capital Budgets)" 600,000; Total 1,000,000. The request lists a people resource, legal, studies (such as the approved healthcare equity study), consultations with the community and communications over the next three years.
Report 2025-164, 2026 Capital and Related Project Budget and Levy Budget (Financial Services, November 4, 2025) · Appendix A, Capital Request E.3, PDF page 30
Capital Request E.2, St. Lawrence Seaway Land Matters: "Following a recent audit of St. Lawrence Seaway (the Seaway) leases and discussions with the Seaway it's been noted that several properties, to which the City has built assets, are without lease." Funding: "Other (Future Capital Budgets/Costs Recovered from Another Project)" 950,000; Total 950,000. Timeline 2026 to 2028.
Report 2025-164, 2026 Capital and Related Project Budget and Levy Budget (Financial Services, November 4, 2025) · Appendix A, Capital Request E.2, PDF page 29
+8%city property tax, 2024 to 2025
In 2025, Port Colborne collected $2.1M more in its own property tax than in 2024. That is a 8% jump, while prices went up about 2.1%. Only 6 of 32 similar places raised theirs by more.
| Year | City property tax |
|---|---|
| 2019 | $18.4M |
| 2020 | $19.6M |
| 2021 | $20.9M |
| 2022 | $22.2M |
| 2023 | $23.8M |
| 2024 | $25.6M |
| 2025 | $27.8M |
A big one-year jump usually means something changed: a new cost, a service that grew, savings being rebuilt, or a problem from earlier years being paid for now. Residents should be able to see exactly which. Spread across every home, it is about $204 more each year.
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 Port Colborne? Send us your answer and we will publish it with this question.
City property tax: $25,608,838 in 2024, $27,753,455 in 2025.
Ontario Financial Information Return (FIR), 2019 to 2025 · Schedule 10, line 9940 · archived copy
Typical increase among 32 similar Ontario places: 7.3%. Port Colborne ranks 7th highest.
Ontario Financial Information Return (FIR), 2025, 32 similar municipalities · Schedule 10, line 9940 · archived copy
Prices (inflation) rose 2.1% over the same year.
+88%police, fire and safety, 2019 to 2025
Port Colborne spent $4.0M on police, fire and safety in 2019 and $7.6M in 2025. Prices only went up about 21% in that time.
| Year | Police, fire and safety | Prices (inflation) |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | +0% | +0% |
| 2020 | +9% | +1% |
| 2021 | +0% | +4% |
| 2022 | +31% | +11% |
| 2023 | +30% | +16% |
| 2024 | +32% | +18% |
| 2025 | +88% | +21% |
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 Port Colborne? Send us your answer and we will publish it with this question.
Police, fire and safety: 2019 $4.0M, 2020 $4.4M, 2021 $4.1M, 2022 $5.3M, 2023 $5.2M, 2024 $5.3M, 2025 $7.6M.
Ontario Financial Information Return (FIR), 2019 to 2025 · Schedule 40 · archived copy
Biggest driver: Fire department, from $3.2M to $5.8M.
Ontario Financial Information Return (FIR), 2019 to 2025 · Schedule 40 · archived copy
+61%water, sewers and garbage, 2019 to 2025
Port Colborne spent $9.2M on water, sewers and garbage in 2019 and $14.7M in 2025. Prices only went up about 21% in that time.
| Year | Water, sewers and garbage | Prices (inflation) |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | +0% | +0% |
| 2020 | +1% | +1% |
| 2021 | −4% | +4% |
| 2022 | +15% | +11% |
| 2023 | +26% | +16% |
| 2024 | +54% | +18% |
| 2025 | +61% | +21% |
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 Port Colborne? Send us your answer and we will publish it with this question.
Water, sewers and garbage: 2019 $9.2M, 2020 $9.2M, 2021 $8.8M, 2022 $10.5M, 2023 $11.5M, 2024 $14.1M, 2025 $14.7M.
Ontario Financial Information Return (FIR), 2019 to 2025 · Schedule 40 · archived copy
Biggest driver: Sewer pipes, from $4.8M to $7.9M.
Ontario Financial Information Return (FIR), 2019 to 2025 · Schedule 40 · archived copy
$6.5Mowed in unpaid property tax, end of 2025
At the end of 2025, $6.5M of property tax had been billed but not paid. That is 12% of everything billed. Only 5 of 32 similar places had a higher share. A year earlier it was $4.6M.
| Year | Unpaid property tax at year end |
|---|---|
| 2019 | $3.5M |
| 2020 | $4.3M |
| 2021 | $3.8M |
| 2022 | $3.2M |
| 2023 | $3.5M |
| 2024 | $4.6M |
| 2025 | $6.5M |
When taxes go unpaid, everyone else carries the cost, and the city 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 city'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 Port Colborne? Send us your answer and we will publish it with this question.
Taxes receivable: 2019 $3.5M, 2020 $4.3M, 2021 $3.8M, 2022 $3.2M, 2023 $3.5M, 2024 $4.6M, 2025 $6.5M. Of the 2025 total, $2.2M was from earlier years.
Ontario Financial Information Return (FIR), 2019 to 2025 · Schedule 70, lines 0610 to 0699 · archived copy
Typical among similar places: 7.2% of taxes billed.
Ontario Financial Information Return (FIR), 2025, 32 similar municipalities · Schedules 26 and 70 · archived copy
$13,119,702annual surplus in 2025, against a budget of $5,770,477
A surplus is what is left when a year's revenue is more than its spending. The statements show an annual surplus of $13,119,702 for 2025, against a budget of $5,770,477. Most of the gap is one line: government transfers were $11,394,858 against a budget of $5,081,269, and the capital part of that (grants for building things) was $8,222,654 against $1,997,669. The City explains that its budget is prepared on a different accounting basis from the statements. Government transfers explain about $6.3 million of the $7.3 million gap (worked out by us), so the surplus does not by itself mean spare cash.
A reader might see a $13 million surplus and think there is money to spare. Much of the gap is grant money, which is usually for capital projects. This note helps residents read the number correctly.
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Consolidated Statement of Operations: "Government transfers (Note 15)" budget 5,081,269, actual 2025 11,394,858, actual 2024 8,770,056. "Annual surplus" budget 5,770,477, actual 2025 13,119,702, actual 2024 7,973,396.
City of Port Colborne, Financial Statements, December 31, 2025 (Doane Grant Thornton LLP, June 30, 2026) · Consolidated Statement of Operations, PDF page 6 (printed page 4)
Note 15, Government transfers: capital total budget 1,997,669, actual 2025 8,222,654, actual 2024 5,759,414; operating total budget 3,083,600, actual 2025 3,172,204.
City of Port Colborne, Financial Statements, December 31, 2025 (Doane Grant Thornton LLP, June 30, 2026) · Note 15, Government transfers, PDF page 27 (printed page 25)
Note 24, Budget: the budget bylaw adopted by Council on October 16, 2024 "was not prepared on a basis consistent with that used to report actual results". It was prepared on a modified accrual basis. Budgeted annual surplus 1,666, plus acquisition of tangible capital assets 10,249,350, plus repayment of long term debt 1,443,909, plus transfers from reserves, net 1,046,345, less amortization of tangible capital assets (6,970,794), gives a budgeted surplus per the statement of operations of 5,770,476.
City of Port Colborne, Financial Statements, December 31, 2025 (Doane Grant Thornton LLP, June 30, 2026) · Note 24, Budget, PDF page 32 (printed page 30)