Questions · 16 so far
We read Southgate's financial reports and meeting minutes, and compared its numbers with 91 similar Ontario towns. These are the things that stood out.
These are unusual enough that residents deserve a clear answer from council.
+16%town property tax, 2023 to 2024
In 2024, Southgate collected $1.7M more in its own property tax than in 2023. That is a 16% jump, while prices went up about 2.4%. Only 3 of 91 similar towns raised theirs by more. Almost all of it came from a higher tax rate (up 9% for homes); the value of homes on the tax roll grew only 3.9%.
Found automatically from the town's financial reports · 4 sources
+90%roads and snow, 2019 to 2024
Southgate spent $2.2M on roads and snow in 2019 and $4.1M in 2024. Prices only went up about 18% in that time. Only 1 of 91 similar towns had faster growth here.
Found automatically from the town's financial reports · 3 sources
$4.9Mowed in unpaid property tax, end of 2024
At the end of 2024, $4.9M of property tax had been billed but not paid. That is 25% of everything billed. None of the 91 similar towns had a higher share. A year earlier it was $3.5M.
Found automatically from the town's financial reports · 2 sources
There may well be a good reason. It is still worth asking what it is.
June 5, 2026date of the auditor's report on the 2024 statements, about 17 months after the year ended (worked out by us)
Audited financial statements are the yearly report card on a town's money, checked by an outside accountant. The auditor's report on the 2024 statements is dated June 5, 2026. The report on the 2023 statements is dated May 30, 2025. In both sets of statements a note says the Township's credit agreement with its bank needs audited statements within 120 days, and that the Township was not in compliance with this covenant (a promise made to the lender). A Township staff report says the 2025 audit began June 22, 2026. We did not find 2025 statements posted on October 5, 2026.
Found by reading the town's own documents · 4 sources
$120,790donations recorded in 2024, against a budget of $3,385,537
In the note listing the Township's "other income", donations were budgeted at $3,385,537 for 2024. The actual figure was $120,790. The shortfall on this one line is larger than the whole gap between budgeted total revenue of $23,439,379 and actual total revenue of $20,700,300 (worked out by us). The statements do not say which project the donations were meant for.
Found by reading the town's own documents · 2 sources
$4,066,295one-year CIBC loan at 4.39%, due in 2025
At December 31, 2024, the Township owed $6,495,418 in long-term liabilities, up from $2,925,418 a year earlier. The new amount includes a $4,066,295 demand instalment loan from CIBC at 4.39%, on a one-year term due 2025. The statements list $4,977,616 of principal payments due in 2025. The 2026 budget slides then list a debt table with $12,527,377 outstanding and new borrowing planned, such as $1,781,000 for Main Street West. The slides do not say whether the 2026 loans replaced the bank loan.
Found by reading the town's own documents · 2 sources
$13,467,540estimated total cost of the Highway 10 bypass road, with $7,282,745 expected from a developer
The 2024 statements list a $6,184,795 commitment for building the Highway 10 Bypass Road, of which $130,609 had been paid by December 31, 2024. The 2026 budget slides show a total project cost estimate of $13,467,540, with $4,531,600 to be funded by a developer in 2026 and a total developer funding figure of $7,282,745. The 2025 portion was paid from reserves built up from 2023 land sales. The slides do not say what happens if the developer does not pay.
Found by reading the town's own documents · 2 sources
$17,241,817reserves left at the end of 2026, down from $27,284,105 at the start
Reserves are money set aside in earlier years for later costs. The 2026 budget slides show total reserves starting 2026 at $27,284,105, with $1,642,589 going in and $11,684,877 coming out, leaving $17,241,817. The fall includes the Township's obligatory reserves (money by law set aside for growth), from $10,853,392 to $4,462,632, and its working-purposes reserves from $5,184,884 to $1,681,572. At December 31, 2024, the audited statements showed $12,134,960 of development charges held.
Found by reading the town's own documents · 2 sources
$6.25Mnow budgeted for the sewage treatment facility upgrade, up from $4.75M in the 2025 budget
In the 2026 capital plan for public works, the slide for the sewage treatment facility upgrade says it is carried "from 2025 Budget" with a "$1.5M Increase ($4.75M, now $6.25M)". The slide gives no reason for the increase. The budget presentation does not say whether the higher cost came from tenders, a larger scope or a change in the plan.
Found by reading the town's own documents · 1 source
3.47%blended tax rate increase for 2026 that the Township approved
The Township says the 2026 budget was approved at a blended tax rate increase of 3.47%. It was tabled by the Mayor on January 30, 2026 under the province's strong mayor powers, and the Mayor waived his veto period on February 19, 2026. The February 4 slides show the first draft at 5.11%. They show that growth in the tax base (assessment) took 4.91 percentage points off, and that a list of extra items, including $500,000 each for road and administration reserves, was not included in the forecast rate. The slides also say Council chose to phase in asset-management funding over five years.
Found by reading the town's own documents · 4 sources
+72%running the town office, 2019 to 2024
Southgate spent $1.3M on running the town office in 2019 and $2.2M in 2024. Prices only went up about 18% in that time. Only 16 of 91 similar towns had faster growth here.
Found automatically from the town's financial reports · 3 sources
+76%parks, arena and library, 2019 to 2024
Southgate spent $721K on parks, arena and library in 2019 and $1.3M in 2024. Prices only went up about 18% in that time. Only 12 of 91 similar towns had faster growth here.
Found automatically from the town's financial reports · 3 sources
+66%police, fire and safety, 2019 to 2024
Southgate spent $2.0M on police, fire and safety in 2019 and $3.4M in 2024. Prices only went up about 18% in that time.
Found automatically from the town's financial reports · 2 sources
+125%water, sewers and garbage, 2019 to 2024
Southgate spent $1.3M on water, sewers and garbage in 2019 and $3.0M 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.
$3,863,685net financial assets at December 31, 2024, down from $10,302,977 a year earlier
Net financial assets is what a town owns in cash and receivables minus what it owes. It fell by more than half in 2024, because the Township spent $12,542,960 on buildings, roads and equipment while the balance of what it owed grew. The Township's own 2024 budget planned for a larger fall, to a deficit of $1,472,658. Of the $18,521,604 in cash at December 31, 2024, $12,302,336 is marked restricted and $6,219,268 unrestricted.
Found by reading the town's own documents · 3 sources
$388per home on garbage, dump and recycling, 2024
Southgate spent about $388 per home on garbage, dump and recycling in 2024. The typical similar town spent $158. Only 4 of 91 similar towns spent more.
Found automatically from the town's financial reports · 1 source
+16%town property tax, 2023 to 2024
In 2024, Southgate collected $1.7M more in its own property tax than in 2023. That is a 16% jump, while prices went up about 2.4%. Only 3 of 91 similar towns raised theirs by more. Almost all of it came from a higher tax rate (up 9% for homes); the value of homes on the tax roll grew only 3.9%.
| Year | Town property tax |
|---|---|
| 2019 | $7.0M |
| 2020 | $7.8M |
| 2021 | $8.2M |
| 2022 | $9.1M |
| 2023 | $10.5M |
| 2024 | $12.2M |
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 $447 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 Southgate? Send us your answer and we will publish it with this question.
Town property tax: $10,494,481 in 2023, $12,154,517 in 2024.
Ontario Financial Information Return (FIR), 2019 to 2024 · Schedule 10, line 9940 · archived copy
Typical increase among 91 similar Ontario towns: 7.3%. Southgate ranks 4th highest.
Ontario Financial Information Return (FIR), 2024, 91 similar municipalities · Schedule 10, line 9940 · archived copy
Residential tax rate (town share): 0.894% in 2023, 0.979% in 2024. Residential assessment: $893M to $928M.
Ontario Financial Information Return (FIR), 2019 to 2024 · Schedule 22, residential (RT) · archived copy
Prices (inflation) rose 2.4% over the same year.
+90%roads and snow, 2019 to 2024
Southgate spent $2.2M on roads and snow in 2019 and $4.1M in 2024. Prices only went up about 18% in that time. Only 1 of 91 similar towns had faster growth here.
| Year | Roads and snow | Prices (inflation) |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | +0% | +0% |
| 2020 | +11% | +1% |
| 2021 | +31% | +4% |
| 2022 | +50% | +11% |
| 2023 | +54% | +16% |
| 2024 | +90% | +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 Southgate? Send us your answer and we will publish it with this question.
Roads and snow: 2019 $2.2M, 2020 $2.4M, 2021 $2.9M, 2022 $3.3M, 2023 $3.3M, 2024 $4.1M.
Ontario Financial Information Return (FIR), 2019 to 2024 · Schedule 40 · archived copy
Biggest driver: Paved roads, from $360K to $1.5M.
Ontario Financial Information Return (FIR), 2019 to 2024 · Schedule 40 · archived copy
Typical growth among similar towns: 23%. Southgate ranks 2nd of 92.
Ontario Financial Information Return (FIR), 2024, 91 similar municipalities · Schedule 40 · archived copy
$4.9Mowed in unpaid property tax, end of 2024
At the end of 2024, $4.9M of property tax had been billed but not paid. That is 25% of everything billed. None of the 91 similar towns had a higher share. A year earlier it was $3.5M.
| Year | Unpaid property tax at year end |
|---|---|
| 2019 | $2.2M |
| 2020 | $2.2M |
| 2021 | $1.6M |
| 2022 | $2.7M |
| 2023 | $3.5M |
| 2024 | $4.9M |
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 Southgate? Send us your answer and we will publish it with this question.
Taxes receivable: 2019 $2.2M, 2020 $2.2M, 2021 $1.6M, 2022 $2.7M, 2023 $3.5M, 2024 $4.9M. Of the 2024 total, $1.3M was from earlier years.
Ontario Financial Information Return (FIR), 2019 to 2024 · Schedule 70, lines 0610 to 0699 · archived copy
Typical among similar towns: 7.6% of taxes billed.
Ontario Financial Information Return (FIR), 2024, 91 similar municipalities · Schedules 26 and 70 · archived copy
June 5, 2026date of the auditor's report on the 2024 statements, about 17 months after the year ended (worked out by us)
Audited financial statements are the yearly report card on a town's money, checked by an outside accountant. The auditor's report on the 2024 statements is dated June 5, 2026. The report on the 2023 statements is dated May 30, 2025. In both sets of statements a note says the Township's credit agreement with its bank needs audited statements within 120 days, and that the Township was not in compliance with this covenant (a promise made to the lender). A Township staff report says the 2025 audit began June 22, 2026. We did not find 2025 statements posted on October 5, 2026.
Residents are about to vote on October 26, 2026. The newest audited statements they can read describe the Township as it stood on December 31, 2024, nearly two years earlier. Late statements also mean late warning if something is going wrong.
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 Southgate? Send us your answer and we will publish it with this question.
The records that would answer this can be requested: Correspondence with the Township's bank about the audited-statements requirement, with wording you can copy.
Independent Auditor's Report, KPMG LLP, Kitchener: "In our opinion, the accompanying financial statements present fairly"; the report is signed "June 5, 2026".
Consolidated Financial Statements, December 31, 2024 · Independent Auditor's Report, PDF page 5
Note 2, Cash: "The Township of Southgate has undrawn credit facility of $1,000,000 for operating purposes." "A requirement of the Township's credit agreement is that audited financial statements are provided to the bank within 120 days. The Township was not in compliance with this covenant as of the date of issuance of the financial statements."
Consolidated Financial Statements, December 31, 2024 · Note 2, Cash, PDF page 14
The auditor's report on the 2023 statements is dated "May 30, 2025". Note 2 repeats the same wording: "The Township was not in compliance with this covenant as of the date of issuance of the financial statements."
Consolidated Financial Statements, December 31, 2023 · Independent Auditor's Report, PDF page 5; Note 2, Cash, PDF page 15
Financial and Resource Implications: "The 2025 audit commenced June 22, 2026. Should there be any material changes to the Development Charges by way of the audit, an amended Treasurer's Statement will be issued."
Staff Report FIN2026-025, Annual Treasurer's Statement, Development Charges, 2025 · Financial and Resource Implications, PDF page 2
$120,790donations recorded in 2024, against a budget of $3,385,537
In the note listing the Township's "other income", donations were budgeted at $3,385,537 for 2024. The actual figure was $120,790. The shortfall on this one line is larger than the whole gap between budgeted total revenue of $23,439,379 and actual total revenue of $20,700,300 (worked out by us). The statements do not say which project the donations were meant for.
A budget is a promise about where the money will come from. If a project was planned around a donation that did not arrive, residents may want to know whether the project went ahead, was paid for another way, or was put off.
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 Southgate? Send us your answer and we will publish it with this question.
Note 9, Other income: "Donations" 2024 budget 3,385,537, 2024 actual 120,790 (2023 actual 12,608).
Consolidated Financial Statements, December 31, 2024 · Note 9, Other income, PDF page 20
Statement of Operations and Accumulated Surplus: "Total revenue" 2024 budget 23,439,379, actual 20,700,300.
Consolidated Financial Statements, December 31, 2024 · Consolidated Statement of Operations and Accumulated Surplus, PDF page 7
$4,066,295one-year CIBC loan at 4.39%, due in 2025
At December 31, 2024, the Township owed $6,495,418 in long-term liabilities, up from $2,925,418 a year earlier. The new amount includes a $4,066,295 demand instalment loan from CIBC at 4.39%, on a one-year term due 2025. The statements list $4,977,616 of principal payments due in 2025. The 2026 budget slides then list a debt table with $12,527,377 outstanding and new borrowing planned, such as $1,781,000 for Main Street West. The slides do not say whether the 2026 loans replaced the bank loan.
A one-year loan has to be repaid or replaced within the year. Borrowing costs are paid out of taxes and fees, so residents can ask how the Township plans to carry a growing 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 Southgate? Send us your answer and we will publish it with this question.
Note 5, Long-term liabilities: "Demand instalment loan payable, CIBC, 4.39% interest, one-year term, due 2025" $4,066,295 (2023: nil). Total $6,495,418 (2023: $2,925,418). "The interest paid in the year relating to the above long-term debt was $ 70,059." Expected principal payments: 2025 $4,977,616.
Consolidated Financial Statements, December 31, 2024 · Note 5, Long-term liabilities, PDF page 16
Debenture Summary: "Infrastructure Ontario - 2026 Loan A" payment $859,600, outstanding balance $5,722,402, maturity 10-15-2035. "Roads - Main Street West Reconstruction (Partially repaid through DCs, remainder through Taxation)" $1,781,000, 12-16-2036. Total outstanding balance $12,527,377.
2026 Budget, Post February 4th Amendment · Debenture Summary, PDF page 34
$13,467,540estimated total cost of the Highway 10 bypass road, with $7,282,745 expected from a developer
The 2024 statements list a $6,184,795 commitment for building the Highway 10 Bypass Road, of which $130,609 had been paid by December 31, 2024. The 2026 budget slides show a total project cost estimate of $13,467,540, with $4,531,600 to be funded by a developer in 2026 and a total developer funding figure of $7,282,745. The 2025 portion was paid from reserves built up from 2023 land sales. The slides do not say what happens if the developer does not pay.
A road that a developer is expected to pay for is only paid for if the developer does. If the money did not arrive, the cost would fall to taxpayers or to reserves. Residents can ask what protection the Township holds.
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 Southgate? Send us your answer and we will publish it with this question.
The records that would answer this can be requested: Agreement and security for the developer's share of the Highway 10 bypass road, with wording you can copy.
Note 17, Commitments: "As of December 31, 2024, the Township has committed $6,184,795 for the construction of the Highway 10 Bypass Road, of which $130,609 has been paid as of December 31, 2024 and accordingly has been recorded in work in progress."
Consolidated Financial Statements, December 31, 2024 · Note 17, Commitments, PDF page 24
Capital Budget, Remaining Departments, Industrial Land: "HWY 10 Bypass Rd - Construction (Carried forward from 2024/2025)", "$3,280,400 (Share of $7,812,000 in 2026)"; "Remainder of Project in 2027 Completion; Total Project Estimated Cost $13,467,540"; "2025 Portion Funded through Reserves (2023 Land Sales)"; "$4,531,600 Funded by Developer in 2026 (Total Developer Funding $7,282,745)".
2026 Budget, Post February 4th Amendment · Capital Budget - Remaining Departments, PDF page 26
$17,241,817reserves left at the end of 2026, down from $27,284,105 at the start
Reserves are money set aside in earlier years for later costs. The 2026 budget slides show total reserves starting 2026 at $27,284,105, with $1,642,589 going in and $11,684,877 coming out, leaving $17,241,817. The fall includes the Township's obligatory reserves (money by law set aside for growth), from $10,853,392 to $4,462,632, and its working-purposes reserves from $5,184,884 to $1,681,572. At December 31, 2024, the audited statements showed $12,134,960 of development charges held.
Reserves are the Township's cushion. Spending them on planned projects is what they are for. But they cannot be spent twice, and the money in one year's budget is not there for a surprise next year. The stabilization fund meant for emergencies ends 2026 at $1,061,154.
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 Southgate? Send us your answer and we will publish it with this question.
General Reserves, 2026 (beginning, in, out, ending): "Reserves - Working Purposes" $5,184,884, $32,500, -$3,535,812, $1,681,572. "Obligatory Reserves" $10,853,392, $535,450, -$6,926,210, $4,462,632. "Tax Stabilization & Working Funds" $1,158,508, $40,000, -$137,354, $1,061,154. "Total" $27,284,105, $1,642,589, -$11,684,877, $17,241,817.
2026 Budget, Post February 4th Amendment · Reserves Summary, PDF page 32
Note 19, Deferred revenue: "Development charges" opening $11,430,637, contributions received $510,942, investment income $764,676, revenue recognized $(571,295), ending $12,134,960.
Consolidated Financial Statements, December 31, 2024 · Note 19, Deferred revenue, PDF page 29
$6.25Mnow budgeted for the sewage treatment facility upgrade, up from $4.75M in the 2025 budget
In the 2026 capital plan for public works, the slide for the sewage treatment facility upgrade says it is carried "from 2025 Budget" with a "$1.5M Increase ($4.75M, now $6.25M)". The slide gives no reason for the increase. The budget presentation does not say whether the higher cost came from tenders, a larger scope or a change in the plan.
A project that grows by almost a third after it has been budgeted is worth a question, especially when other costs on the same list also came in over budget in 2025.
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 Southgate? Send us your answer and we will publish it with this question.
Capital Budget, Public Works, Wastewater: "Sewage Treatment Facility Upgrade - from 2025 Budget - $1.5M Increase ($4.75M, now $6.25M)".
2026 Budget, Post February 4th Amendment · Capital Budget - Public Works, Wastewater row, PDF page 24
3.47%blended tax rate increase for 2026 that the Township approved
The Township says the 2026 budget was approved at a blended tax rate increase of 3.47%. It was tabled by the Mayor on January 30, 2026 under the province's strong mayor powers, and the Mayor waived his veto period on February 19, 2026. The February 4 slides show the first draft at 5.11%. They show that growth in the tax base (assessment) took 4.91 percentage points off, and that a list of extra items, including $500,000 each for road and administration reserves, was not included in the forecast rate. The slides also say Council chose to phase in asset-management funding over five years.
Keeping a tax increase low is welcome. But costs left out this year, such as top-ups to reserves for replacing roads and equipment, may come back as larger increases later. We did not read the council minutes (the portal blocked downloads), so we do not know which of these items Council added before the budget took effect.
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 Southgate? Send us your answer and we will publish it with this question.
"The 2026 Budget was approved at a blended tax rate increase of 3.47%." "On January 30, 2026, Mayor Milne tabled the 2026 Budget"; "On February 19, 2026 Mayor Milne waved his statutory veto period". The budget took effect March 1, 2026.
The Township of Southgate Approves 2026 Budget Following Strong Mayor Process · News post, paragraphs 1 to 3
Summary of Changes: "Draft 1" 5.11%. "Growth - MPAC Forecasted Results for 2026 @ 100%" -$711,597, -4.91%. "Draft 4" 3.45% (Southgate rate).
2026 Budget, Post February 4th Amendment · Summary of Changes from Draft 1 to Draft 4, PDF page 6
Additional Proposed Items, "Not Included in Forecasted Rate Increase": "Roads - Capital - Contribution to Reserves" $500,000, 3.45%; "Administration - Capital - Contribution to Reserves" $500,000, 3.45%; "Fire - Capital - Contribution to Reserves" $100,000; "Library - Capital - Contribution to Reserves" $100,000; "Total Additional Items" 14.31%.
2026 Budget, Post February 4th Amendment · Additional Proposed Items, PDF page 7
Asset Management Plan: Council on December 3rd approved "Option #2 with a 5-year phased in approach". "Phased-In Funding Required" $2,058,258; "Total to Date Increase in Funding" $1,725,512 (2025 + 2026); "Remaining Funding Required for Phase-In" $332,746.
2026 Budget, Post February 4th Amendment · Asset Management Plan, PDF page 8
+72%running the town office, 2019 to 2024
Southgate spent $1.3M on running the town office in 2019 and $2.2M in 2024. Prices only went up about 18% in that time. Only 16 of 91 similar towns had faster growth here.
| Year | Running the town office | Prices (inflation) |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | +0% | +0% |
| 2020 | +5% | +1% |
| 2021 | +9% | +4% |
| 2022 | +46% | +11% |
| 2023 | +85% | +16% |
| 2024 | +72% | +18% |
Change since the first year shown. The grey line is how much prices rose overall, for comparison.
Money spent running the office is money not spent on roads, water or safety. When office costs grow much faster than the services people see, it is fair to ask what the extra money is buying.
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 Southgate? Send us your answer and we will publish it with this question.
Running the town office: 2019 $1.3M, 2020 $1.3M, 2021 $1.4M, 2022 $1.9M, 2023 $2.4M, 2024 $2.2M.
Ontario Financial Information Return (FIR), 2019 to 2024 · Schedule 40 · archived copy
Biggest driver: Senior management, from $61,923 to $2.0M.
Ontario Financial Information Return (FIR), 2019 to 2024 · Schedule 40 · archived copy
Typical growth among similar towns: 42%. Southgate ranks 17th of 92.
Ontario Financial Information Return (FIR), 2024, 91 similar municipalities · Schedule 40 · archived copy
+76%parks, arena and library, 2019 to 2024
Southgate spent $721K on parks, arena and library in 2019 and $1.3M in 2024. Prices only went up about 18% in that time. Only 12 of 91 similar towns had faster growth here.
| Year | Parks, arena and library | Prices (inflation) |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | +0% | +0% |
| 2020 | −0% | +1% |
| 2021 | −3% | +4% |
| 2022 | +8% | +11% |
| 2023 | +56% | +16% |
| 2024 | +76% | +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 Southgate? Send us your answer and we will publish it with this question.
Parks, arena and library: 2019 $721K, 2020 $717K, 2021 $701K, 2022 $781K, 2023 $1.1M, 2024 $1.3M.
Ontario Financial Information Return (FIR), 2019 to 2024 · Schedule 40 · archived copy
Biggest driver: Arena and buildings, from $420K to $749K.
Ontario Financial Information Return (FIR), 2019 to 2024 · Schedule 40 · archived copy
Typical growth among similar towns: 39%. Southgate ranks 13th of 92.
Ontario Financial Information Return (FIR), 2024, 91 similar municipalities · Schedule 40 · archived copy
+66%police, fire and safety, 2019 to 2024
Southgate spent $2.0M on police, fire and safety in 2019 and $3.4M in 2024. Prices only went up about 18% in that time.
| Year | Police, fire and safety | Prices (inflation) |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | +0% | +0% |
| 2020 | +5% | +1% |
| 2021 | +24% | +4% |
| 2022 | +41% | +11% |
| 2023 | +51% | +16% |
| 2024 | +66% | +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 Southgate? Send us your answer and we will publish it with this question.
Police, fire and safety: 2019 $2.0M, 2020 $2.2M, 2021 $2.5M, 2022 $2.9M, 2023 $3.1M, 2024 $3.4M.
Ontario Financial Information Return (FIR), 2019 to 2024 · Schedule 40 · archived copy
Biggest driver: Fire department, from $455K to $921K.
Ontario Financial Information Return (FIR), 2019 to 2024 · Schedule 40 · archived copy
+125%water, sewers and garbage, 2019 to 2024
Southgate spent $1.3M on water, sewers and garbage in 2019 and $3.0M 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 | +26% | +4% |
| 2022 | +36% | +11% |
| 2023 | +53% | +16% |
| 2024 | +125% | +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 Southgate? Send us your answer and we will publish it with this question.
Water, sewers and garbage: 2019 $1.3M, 2020 $1.3M, 2021 $1.7M, 2022 $1.8M, 2023 $2.0M, 2024 $3.0M.
Ontario Financial Information Return (FIR), 2019 to 2024 · Schedule 40 · archived copy
Biggest driver: The dump (landfill), from $390K to $989K.
Ontario Financial Information Return (FIR), 2019 to 2024 · Schedule 40 · archived copy
$3,863,685net financial assets at December 31, 2024, down from $10,302,977 a year earlier
Net financial assets is what a town owns in cash and receivables minus what it owes. It fell by more than half in 2024, because the Township spent $12,542,960 on buildings, roads and equipment while the balance of what it owed grew. The Township's own 2024 budget planned for a larger fall, to a deficit of $1,472,658. Of the $18,521,604 in cash at December 31, 2024, $12,302,336 is marked restricted and $6,219,268 unrestricted.
Spending on roads and water is what a township is for, and the assets it bought are worth more on the books. But when cash and net financial assets shrink, the next years' projects depend on borrowing, grants and developer money. Residents can ask how much room is left.
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 Southgate? Send us your answer and we will publish it with this question.
Statement of Financial Position: "Net financial assets" $3,863,685 (2023: $10,302,977); "Cash (note 2)" $18,521,604 (2023: $21,917,412); "Tangible capital assets (note 6)" 78,624,604 (2023: 68,695,260).
Consolidated Financial Statements, December 31, 2024 · Consolidated Statement of Financial Position, PDF page 6
Statement of Change in Net Financial Assets: "Acquisition of tangible capital assets" budget (20,471,642), actual (12,542,960). "Net financial assets, end of year" budget $ (1,472,658), actual $ 3,863,685.
Consolidated Financial Statements, December 31, 2024 · Consolidated Statement of Change in Net Financial Assets, PDF page 8
Note 2, Cash: "Unrestricted" $6,219,268 (2023: $3,463,164); "Restricted" 12,302,336 (2023: 18,454,248).
Consolidated Financial Statements, December 31, 2024 · Note 2, Cash, PDF page 14
$388per home on garbage, dump and recycling, 2024
Southgate spent about $388 per home on garbage, dump and recycling in 2024. The typical similar town spent $158. Only 4 of 91 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 Southgate? Send us your answer and we will publish it with this question.
Garbage, dump and recycling per home: Southgate $388; typical similar town $158; ranked 5th highest of 92.
Ontario Financial Information Return (FIR), 2024, 91 similar municipalities · Schedule 40 and Schedule 2 · archived copy