Questions · 12 so far
We read Woolwich's financial reports and meeting minutes, and compared its numbers with 42 similar Ontario towns. These are the things that stood out.
These are unusual enough that residents deserve a clear answer from council.
$11.7Min savings at the end of 2024
Towns keep savings (called reserves) to pay for new trucks, roof repairs and surprises. Woolwich had $11.7M saved at the end of 2024, down from $15.3M in 2019. That is 44% of one year's spending. Only 2 of 42 similar towns had less, compared with what they spend.
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.
$416,283overdrawn working capital reserve at December 31, 2024, in the audited statements (the 2025 budget had forecast $3,518,137 overdrawn)
A reserve is money a town sets aside for a purpose. The working capital reserve is meant to cover short gaps in cash, so the Township does not have to borrow from a bank. The 2025 budget forecast it would end 2024 overdrawn (below zero) by $3,518,137. The audited statements for 2024 show it overdrawn by $416,283. The 2026 budget explains that the Township had been borrowing from its own reserves to pay for projects (it calls this internal borrowing), that this had not been "accurately reflected" in the reserve, and that it was adjusted. The Mayor's message lists "financial reporting discrepancies" among the things the 2026 tax increase pays for, and says the Township has "about one quarter of the reserves that a healthy community would expect to have". The statements also show cash falling from $12,251,681 to $6,498,065 during 2024.
Found by reading the town's own documents · 7 sources
$900,000expected winter control deficit for 2025, with a reserve of $20,428 to draw from
Winter control is the cost of ploughing, salting and sanding. The 2025 budget set it at $1,118,500, after an adjustment of -40,000 from the department's request of $1,158,500. The 2026 budget says the "most recent Q3 2025 financial report shows significant deficits in winter control with an expected 2025 deficit of $900,000 with no winter control reserve to draw from", and that staff found the line "has been chronically under budgeted for several years". The winter reserve held $20,428 at the end of 2024. The 2026 budget raises winter control to $1,318,350 and adds a $200,000 yearly reserve contribution. The Township has already told residents why, so our question is about how the gap was covered and how it was missed.
Found by reading the town's own documents · 5 sources
$55,796,370carrying value of the Township's Enova investment at the end of both 2023 and 2024
Enova is the local electric utility that the Township part-owns. It pays the Township a dividend (a share of profit). The 2026 budget says the Township "has been experiencing significant operating deficits for years which have previously been covered by one time funding from surplus Enova dividends", and that this "surplus revenue is expected to end in 2026". From 2026, the Enova dividend is used for the capital (building and roads) program. The 2025 budget notes a "one-time surplus in the Enova dividend" helped produce a $216,544 operating surplus for 2024. The audited statements carry the Township's Enova investment at $55,796,370 at both the end of 2023 and 2024, the same to the dollar.
Found by reading the town's own documents · 4 sources
$210 millionshortfall the Township reports between 10-year growth costs and expected development charge and grant revenue
Development charges are fees builders pay so that growth pays for new roads, pipes and fire halls. The 2026 budget says the 10-year growth costs in the 2024 study "exceed $330 million" against expected development charge and grant revenue of $115 million, "which leaves a $210 million shortfall". It says that level of spending "simply could not be supported". The development charge accounts for water, wastewater and fire are overdrawn and are borrowing from the roads account: the budget estimates $4,617,386 owed between the accounts at the end of 2026. The development charge reserves held $3,936,353 at the end of 2024 and are planned to fall to $1,462,241 in 2026. The Township explains this and has begun a new growth plan.
Found by reading the town's own documents · 5 sources
$788,446wastewater operating reserve overdrawn at the end of 2025 (revised estimate), in the 2026 budget
Wastewater is the sewer system, paid for by sewer rates rather than property tax. The 2026 budget's reserve table shows the "Wastewater - Operating" reserve overdrawn by $788,446 at the end of 2025 (revised estimate) and $608,446 at the end of 2026, and the "Wastewater - Capital" reserve overdrawn by $120,245 at the end of 2026. The budget says the Township "has also experienced large operating deficits in the water and wastewater operating budgets" and says reserves improved. The rates document raises the wastewater operating contingency contribution to $320,000, but the reserve table shows a 2026 contribution of $180,000. The rates document prints the 2026 wastewater rate as 3.97, up from 3.72.
Found by reading the town's own documents · 3 sources
+11%town property tax, 2023 to 2024
In 2024, Woolwich collected $1.6M more in its own property tax than in 2023. That is a 11% jump, while prices went up about 2.4%. Only 6 of 42 similar towns raised theirs by more. Almost all of it came from a higher tax rate (up 8% for homes); the value of homes on the tax roll grew only 2.9%.
Found automatically from the town's financial reports · 4 sources
+47%parks, arena and library, 2019 to 2024
Woolwich spent $5.0M on parks, arena and library in 2019 and $7.4M in 2024. Prices only went up about 18% in that time. Only 8 of 42 similar towns had faster growth here.
Found automatically from the town's financial reports · 3 sources
+108%water, sewers and garbage, 2019 to 2024
Woolwich spent $1.6M on water, sewers and garbage in 2019 and $3.3M 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.
$1,411,643total estimated tax increase for 2026 (7.8%), of which the base budget is $516,737 (2.9%)
The 2026 budget was the first "strong mayor" budget in Woolwich. The Mayor says the base increase is "about $3.05 per month for the average household or 2.9%". After new requests, fixing past under-budgeting, new reserve contributions and a 1% infrastructure levy, the printed total is a 7.8% increase, or $1,411,643. The Township explains each piece. Among them: $273,294 to correct labour and equipment cost allocation that, in the last three years, left the engineering administration line $315K, $420K and $342K over. Staff reported a tax supported operating deficit of $426,738 for 2025, after a surplus of $216,544 for 2024. This is an explained question: the open part is whether the new numbers will hold.
Found by reading the town's own documents · 6 sources
$100 million10-year infrastructure gap the Township's asset management identified
The Township sets money aside each year for roads, bridges and buildings through the infrastructure levy, a part of the tax bill. The 2026 budget says a 2012 study found "a levy of between 3-4% per year was required", and that the Township's asset management "identified a 10-year infrastructure gap of over $100 million". The 2026 budget adds a 1% increase, about $180,000, to reach $2.54M. The budget also says some projects were cut or cannot go ahead: the road conversion program estimate fell from $6.5M, and a $2,500,000 arena project has "Insufficient funding". The Township is open about this and says only the first year of its 10-year plan is "adequately vetted and funded".
Found by reading the town's own documents · 4 sources
October 10, 2025date of the auditor's report on the 2024 statements, the latest posted on October 5, 2026
Audited financial statements are the check, by an outside accounting firm, on the Township's books. KPMG LLP signed its opinion on the 2024 statements on October 10, 2025, and on the 2023 statements on November 20, 2024. Both opinions say the statements "present fairly" the Township's position. On October 5, 2026, the Township's financial reporting page listed 2020 to 2024 audited statements and no 2025 statements. The 2026 budget was prepared in autumn 2025, before the 2025 books were closed, so it used estimates for the end of 2025.
Found by reading the town's own documents · 3 sources
$11.7Min savings at the end of 2024
Towns keep savings (called reserves) to pay for new trucks, roof repairs and surprises. Woolwich had $11.7M saved at the end of 2024, down from $15.3M in 2019. That is 44% of one year's spending. Only 2 of 42 similar towns had less, compared with what they spend.
| Year | Savings (reserves) |
|---|---|
| 2019 | $15.3M |
| 2020 | $15.9M |
| 2021 | $12.7M |
| 2022 | $10.8M |
| 2023 | $9.9M |
| 2024 | $11.7M |
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 Woolwich? Send us your answer and we will publish it with this question.
Savings (reserves and reserve funds): 2019 $15.3M, 2020 $15.9M, 2021 $12.7M, 2022 $10.8M, 2023 $9.9M, 2024 $11.7M.
Ontario Financial Information Return (FIR), 2019 to 2024 · Schedule 70, line 6420 · archived copy
Typical among similar towns: savings equal to 96% of a year's spending. Woolwich: 44%.
Ontario Financial Information Return (FIR), 2024, 42 similar municipalities · Schedules 40 and 70 · archived copy
$416,283overdrawn working capital reserve at December 31, 2024, in the audited statements (the 2025 budget had forecast $3,518,137 overdrawn)
A reserve is money a town sets aside for a purpose. The working capital reserve is meant to cover short gaps in cash, so the Township does not have to borrow from a bank. The 2025 budget forecast it would end 2024 overdrawn (below zero) by $3,518,137. The audited statements for 2024 show it overdrawn by $416,283. The 2026 budget explains that the Township had been borrowing from its own reserves to pay for projects (it calls this internal borrowing), that this had not been "accurately reflected" in the reserve, and that it was adjusted. The Mayor's message lists "financial reporting discrepancies" among the things the 2026 tax increase pays for, and says the Township has "about one quarter of the reserves that a healthy community would expect to have". The statements also show cash falling from $12,251,681 to $6,498,065 during 2024.
Reserves are the Township's savings. If they are low, a surprise (a hard winter, a failed project, a lawsuit) goes straight onto the tax bill. Residents have the right to know what was borrowed from each reserve, when it was paid back, and whether the numbers Council voted on in earlier budgets were right.
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 Woolwich? Send us your answer and we will publish it with this question.
The records that would answer this can be requested: Internal borrowing from reserves, 2021 to 2025, with wording you can copy.
Appendix 9, "Projected 2024 /2025 Reserve & Reserve Fund Balances": "Working Capital" 2023 year-end balance 1,927,806; 2024 in-year adjustments (5,445,943); 2024 year-end revised balance (3,518,137). The same page's total "Reserve & Reserve Fund" 2024 year-end revised balance is 382,574, after a column headed "Capital not spent (may be committed)". A margin note beside the table reads "Breslau Drain 1 internally financed." and "$5M estimated by year end from working capital".
Township of Woolwich, 2025 Budget package · Appendix 9, PDF page 131
Note 9, Accumulated surplus, under "Reserves set aside by Council": "Working capital" (416,283) for 2024 and 1,925,806 for 2023. "Total reserves" 1,462,573 for 2024.
The Corporation of the Township of Woolwich, Consolidated Financial Statements, December 31, 2024 (KPMG LLP, October 10, 2025) · Note 9, PDF page 21 (printed page 17)
Statement of Financial Position: "Cash and cash equivalents" $ 6,498,065 for 2024 and $ 12,251,681 for 2023. Statement of Cash Flows: "Net change in cash" (5,753,616).
The Corporation of the Township of Woolwich, Consolidated Financial Statements, December 31, 2024 (KPMG LLP, October 10, 2025) · Statement of Financial Position, PDF page 5 (printed page 1); Statement of Cash Flows, PDF page 8 (printed page 4)
Appendix 9, "Projected 2025 /2026 Reserve & Reserve Fund Balances": "Working Capital" 2024 YE balance (416,283); 2025 YE revised balance 1,883,717. "Total Reserve & Reserve Funds" 2024 YE balance 16,072,206 (this page and the 2025 budget's page may not measure the total the same way, so we do not compare the totals).
Township of Woolwich, 2026 Budget Book (final) · Appendix 9, PDF page 63 (printed page 62)
Reserve and reserve funds section: "Internal borrowing has not been accurately reflected in this reserve and has been adjusted in this budget." and, under Working Capital Reserve, "Previously identified internal borrowing was offset against this reserve to provide a true picture of the reserve balances."
Township of Woolwich, 2026 Budget Book (final) · Funding Overview, PDF pages 57 and 58 (printed pages 56 and 57)
Internal Borrowing: "As the Township has had declining reserves in recent years, the practice of internal borrowing has led to cash flow issues." The section calls internal borrowing "a high-risk financial practice". Appendix 10, "Previously Reported Internal Borrowing": 445,943 at the 2025 opening balance ("2021 Hot Mix" 313,421 and "Street Lighting (no interest paid)" 132,522), with the notes "Offset against IRF in 2025" and "Offset against Capital Contingency in 2025"; "Breslau Drain # 1 Township" external debenture 1,161,467.
Township of Woolwich, 2026 Budget Book (final) · Funding Overview, PDF page 62 (printed page 61); Appendix 10, PDF page 64 (printed page 63)
Mayor's message: "Council heard that our corporate fiscal health is in jeopardy. While we are not in dire straits, we do need to quickly reset our path forward. We have about one quarter of the reserves that a healthy community would expect to have." The levy increase pays for "the winter control budget, operating contingency, infrastructure levy, financial reporting discrepancies and fire equipment reserve."
Township of Woolwich, 2026 Budget Book (final) · Message from Mayor Shantz, PDF page 4 (printed page 3)
$900,000expected winter control deficit for 2025, with a reserve of $20,428 to draw from
Winter control is the cost of ploughing, salting and sanding. The 2025 budget set it at $1,118,500, after an adjustment of -40,000 from the department's request of $1,158,500. The 2026 budget says the "most recent Q3 2025 financial report shows significant deficits in winter control with an expected 2025 deficit of $900,000 with no winter control reserve to draw from", and that staff found the line "has been chronically under budgeted for several years". The winter reserve held $20,428 at the end of 2024. The 2026 budget raises winter control to $1,318,350 and adds a $200,000 yearly reserve contribution. The Township has already told residents why, so our question is about how the gap was covered and how it was missed.
A budget line that is short every year hides its true cost. The shortfall is paid from other money (reserves, one-time income) or becomes a deficit, and residents only see it later. Fixing it is the right step, and it is part of why the 2026 tax increase is 7.8%.
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 Woolwich? Send us your answer and we will publish it with this question.
Infrastructure Services, Function Summary: "Winter Control" 2022 actual 1,252,880; 2023 actual 999,260; 2024 budget 1,091,800; 2024 actual 797,119 (a draft figure, printed in December 2024); 2025 budget before adjustments 1,158,500; adjustments -40,000; 2025 budget 1,118,500.
Township of Woolwich, 2025 Budget package · Infrastructure Services, Function Summary, PDF page 227
Infrastructure Services, Function Summary: "Winter Control" 2022 actual 1,252,880; 2023 actual 999,260; 2024 actual 1,094,210; 2025 budget 1,118,500; 2025 actual 1,625,800 (the book does not say whether the 2025 actual column is final); 2026 adjustments 100,300; 2026 budget 1,318,350.
Township of Woolwich, 2026 Budget Book (final) · Infrastructure Services, Function Summary, PDF page 171
"2025 SURPLUS / DEFICIT" and "WINTER CONTROL": "The most recent Q3 2025 financial report shows significant deficits in winter control with an expected 2025 deficit of $900,000 with no winter control reserve to draw from. Staff performed a historical analysis and determined that this area has been chronically under budgeted for several years. The extreme weather experienced in 2025 amplified this situation and resulted in large deficits."
Township of Woolwich, 2026 Budget Book (final) · Operating Revenue, PDF page 20 (printed page 19)
New Initiative Request IS-16: "The Winter Control budget has been historically underbudgeted for many years." Rationale: "Service levels are already being delivered in winter control; the issue is that the Township is not accurately budgeting for these costs, resulting in deficits year-over-year."
Township of Woolwich, 2026 Budget Book (final) · New Initiative Request Form IS-16, PDF page 206
Appendix 9: "Winter Stabilization" 2024 YE balance 20,428; 2026 estimated balance 220,428 after a 200,000 contribution in the 2026 budget.
Township of Woolwich, 2026 Budget Book (final) · Appendix 9, PDF page 63 (printed page 62)
$55,796,370carrying value of the Township's Enova investment at the end of both 2023 and 2024
Enova is the local electric utility that the Township part-owns. It pays the Township a dividend (a share of profit). The 2026 budget says the Township "has been experiencing significant operating deficits for years which have previously been covered by one time funding from surplus Enova dividends", and that this "surplus revenue is expected to end in 2026". From 2026, the Enova dividend is used for the capital (building and roads) program. The 2025 budget notes a "one-time surplus in the Enova dividend" helped produce a $216,544 operating surplus for 2024. The audited statements carry the Township's Enova investment at $55,796,370 at both the end of 2023 and 2024, the same to the dollar.
If routine costs were being paid from one-time dividend money, the real cost of running the Township was higher than the tax bill showed. Taking that money away, or pointing it elsewhere, puts pressure on the 2027 budget. Residents should be able to see what Enova paid, year by year, and where each dollar went.
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 Woolwich? Send us your answer and we will publish it with this question.
The records that would answer this can be requested: Payments received from Enova, 2020 to 2025, with wording you can copy.
Operating Contingency Reserve request: "The Township has been experiencing significant operating deficits for years which have previously been covered by one time funding from surplus Enova dividends. This surplus revenue is expected to end in 2026 which will place the Township in significant financial risk due to very low contingency reserve balances."
Township of Woolwich, 2026 Budget Book (final) · New Initiative Request, Operating Contingency Reserve, PDF page 165
Funding Overview: "starting in 2026 the Enova dividend will be used to support the capital program. This change in the Enova dividend does not impact the tax rate". The capital funding chart is labelled "Tax Levy / Enova Divd.".
Township of Woolwich, 2026 Budget Book (final) · Funding Overview, PDF page 54 (printed page 53)
Management and Budget, revenue: "Interest on Hydro Investment" 2022 actual 746,104; 2023 actual 727,668; 2024 budget 742,348; 2024 actual 700,604; 2025 budget 755,169. "Miscellaneous" 2024 actual 1,691,046 against a 2024 budget of 2,000. Notes beside the table: "Junior Interest $108,463" and "Dividend $646,706". Narrative: "In report F13-2024, staff reported a tax supported operating surplus of $216,544. This was driven by higher than budgeted interest income (described above) and a one-time surplus in the Enova dividend."
Township of Woolwich, 2025 Budget package · Financial Services, Management and Budget, PDF page 196; Operating Revenue, 2024 Surplus Deficit, PDF page 35
Note 5, Government business enterprises: "The Township holds 8.5% of the common shares of Enova Energy Corporation and $3,355,689 in long-term notes payable." Enova Energy Corporation debt 3,355,689; common shares 52,440,681; balance, end of year 55,796,370 for 2024 and 55,796,370 for 2023. The Statement of Financial Position calls it "Investment in Enova Power Corporation (note 5)" at 55,796,370. Note 14 (segments) shows "Equity from Enova Power Corporation" as nil for 2024.
The Corporation of the Township of Woolwich, Consolidated Financial Statements, December 31, 2024 (KPMG LLP, October 10, 2025) · Note 5, PDF page 15 (printed page 11); Statement of Financial Position, PDF page 5; Note 14, PDF page 24 (printed page 20)
$210 millionshortfall the Township reports between 10-year growth costs and expected development charge and grant revenue
Development charges are fees builders pay so that growth pays for new roads, pipes and fire halls. The 2026 budget says the 10-year growth costs in the 2024 study "exceed $330 million" against expected development charge and grant revenue of $115 million, "which leaves a $210 million shortfall". It says that level of spending "simply could not be supported". The development charge accounts for water, wastewater and fire are overdrawn and are borrowing from the roads account: the budget estimates $4,617,386 owed between the accounts at the end of 2026. The development charge reserves held $3,936,353 at the end of 2024 and are planned to fall to $1,462,241 in 2026. The Township explains this and has begun a new growth plan.
If growth fees do not cover growth, the rest falls on current taxpayers and water and sewer rate payers, or projects are delayed. The Township has already deferred a wastewater project for lack of development charge money. A clear plan, with numbers, lets residents judge how fast the Township should approve new homes.
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 Woolwich? Send us your answer and we will publish it with this question.
Development Charges: "The proposed 10-year growth related capital costs exceed $330 million in the DC background study compared to anticipated DC and grant revenue of $115 million which leaves a $210 million shortfall." "At the end of 2024 the closing balances of DC reserves was a total of $3.9 million" and "several DC reserves such as wastewater and fire ... are in a negative balance". The next page says "Recent changes to legislation which delayed DC collections until occupancy which will place further pressure on our DC reserve balances."
Township of Woolwich, 2026 Budget Book (final) · Funding Overview, PDF pages 60 and 61 (printed pages 59 and 60)
DC Interfund Borrowing: "The water, wastewater and fire DC reserves are anticipating a significant DC reserve shortfall ... These costs are being borrowed temporarily from the public works (roads) DC to make up the shortfall. The projected deficit will depend on DC collections in 2026 but is anticipated to be approximately $4.5M by 2026."
Township of Woolwich, 2026 Budget Book (final) · Funding Overview, PDF page 62 (printed page 61)
Appendix 10, Debt Overview, "Total DC Interfund Borrowing": 4,283,731 at the 2025 opening balance; 5,100,927 at the 2025 closing balance; 4,617,386 estimated 2026 closing balance. "Wastewater DC Reserve Owed" 2,810,013 and "Fire DC Reserve Owed" 1,380,053 at the 2025 closing balance. "DC Credits" 1,300,000 at the 2025 closing balance and 2,800,000 estimated for 2026.
Township of Woolwich, 2026 Budget Book (final) · Appendix 10, PDF page 64 (printed page 63)
Appendix 9, "Development Charges": 2024 YE balance 3,936,353; 2025 YE revised balance 3,916,717; 2026 estimated balance 1,462,241 after amounts proposed to be used of (4,454,477) in 2026.
Township of Woolwich, 2026 Budget Book (final) · Appendix 9, PDF page 63 (printed page 62)
Note 4, Deferred revenue - obligatory reserve funds: "Development charges" 3,936,352 for 2024 and 4,912,928 for 2023 (the 2026 budget prints the 2024 balance one dollar higher).
The Corporation of the Township of Woolwich, Consolidated Financial Statements, December 31, 2024 (KPMG LLP, October 10, 2025) · Note 4, PDF page 15 (printed page 11)
$788,446wastewater operating reserve overdrawn at the end of 2025 (revised estimate), in the 2026 budget
Wastewater is the sewer system, paid for by sewer rates rather than property tax. The 2026 budget's reserve table shows the "Wastewater - Operating" reserve overdrawn by $788,446 at the end of 2025 (revised estimate) and $608,446 at the end of 2026, and the "Wastewater - Capital" reserve overdrawn by $120,245 at the end of 2026. The budget says the Township "has also experienced large operating deficits in the water and wastewater operating budgets" and says reserves improved. The rates document raises the wastewater operating contingency contribution to $320,000, but the reserve table shows a 2026 contribution of $180,000. The rates document prints the 2026 wastewater rate as 3.97, up from 3.72.
Sewer rates are paid by every connected household. If the sewer reserves are overdrawn, either rates must go up or work is delayed. Two documents giving different contribution figures for the same reserve leaves residents unable to tell what the rates will fund.
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 Woolwich? Send us your answer and we will publish it with this question.
Appendix 9, "Wastewater - Operating": 2024 YE balance 81,554; anticipated 2025 contributions 180,000; proposed to be used in 2025 (850,000); budgeted 2025 balance (588,446); 2025 in-year adjustments (200,000); 2025 YE revised balance (788,446); 2026 contributions 180,000; 2026 estimated balance (608,446). "Wastewater - Capital": 2024 YE balance 964,055; 2026 estimated balance (120,245).
Township of Woolwich, 2026 Budget Book (final) · Appendix 9, PDF page 63 (printed page 62)
Utility Reserves: "The Township has also experienced large operating deficits in the water and wastewater operating budgets." and "Due to reduced capital spending and lower forecasted operating deficits, there is significant improvements in these reserves."
Township of Woolwich, 2026 Budget Book (final) · Funding Overview, PDF page 58 (printed page 57)
Base Budget (Wastewater): "Operating Contingency Reserve Contribution" 2025 cost 180,000; 2026 cost 320,000; increase 140,000 (77.8%), "+$140K reserve contribution". "WasteWater Rates Calculated" 3.72 for 2025 and 3.97 for 2026. "Wholesale Costs (Region, City of Kitchener)" 4,084,099 for 2025 and 4,399,603 for 2026. The difference between this 320,000 and the reserve table's 180,000 is worked out by us.
Township of Woolwich, 2026 Draft Budget, Appendix 1 - Summary of Proposed Utility Rate Changes · Base Budget (Wastewater), PDF page 1
+11%town property tax, 2023 to 2024
In 2024, Woolwich collected $1.6M more in its own property tax than in 2023. That is a 11% jump, while prices went up about 2.4%. Only 6 of 42 similar towns raised theirs by more. Almost all of it came from a higher tax rate (up 8% for homes); the value of homes on the tax roll grew only 2.9%.
| Year | Town property tax |
|---|---|
| 2019 | $11.3M |
| 2020 | $12M |
| 2021 | $12.8M |
| 2022 | $13.8M |
| 2023 | $15.2M |
| 2024 | $16.8M |
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 $158 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 Woolwich? Send us your answer and we will publish it with this question.
Town property tax: $15,205,126 in 2023, $16,811,076 in 2024.
Ontario Financial Information Return (FIR), 2019 to 2024 · Schedule 10, line 9940 · archived copy
Typical increase among 42 similar Ontario towns: 7.6%. Woolwich ranks 7th highest.
Ontario Financial Information Return (FIR), 2024, 42 similar municipalities · Schedule 10, line 9940 · archived copy
Residential tax rate (town share): 0.256% in 2023, 0.277% in 2024. Residential assessment: $3.9B to $4.0B.
Ontario Financial Information Return (FIR), 2019 to 2024 · Schedule 22, residential (RT) · archived copy
Prices (inflation) rose 2.4% over the same year.
+47%parks, arena and library, 2019 to 2024
Woolwich spent $5.0M on parks, arena and library in 2019 and $7.4M in 2024. Prices only went up about 18% in that time. Only 8 of 42 similar towns had faster growth here.
| Year | Parks, arena and library | Prices (inflation) |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | +0% | +0% |
| 2020 | −25% | +1% |
| 2021 | −17% | +4% |
| 2022 | +7% | +11% |
| 2023 | +23% | +16% |
| 2024 | +47% | +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 Woolwich? Send us your answer and we will publish it with this question.
Parks, arena and library: 2019 $5.0M, 2020 $3.8M, 2021 $4.2M, 2022 $5.4M, 2023 $6.2M, 2024 $7.4M.
Ontario Financial Information Return (FIR), 2019 to 2024 · Schedule 40 · archived copy
Biggest driver: Arena and buildings, from $4.0M to $6.2M.
Ontario Financial Information Return (FIR), 2019 to 2024 · Schedule 40 · archived copy
Typical growth among similar towns: 33%. Woolwich ranks 9th of 43.
Ontario Financial Information Return (FIR), 2024, 42 similar municipalities · Schedule 40 · archived copy
+108%water, sewers and garbage, 2019 to 2024
Woolwich spent $1.6M on water, sewers and garbage in 2019 and $3.3M in 2024. Prices only went up about 18% in that time.
| Year | Water, sewers and garbage | Prices (inflation) |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | +0% | +0% |
| 2020 | +38% | +1% |
| 2021 | +17% | +4% |
| 2022 | +37% | +11% |
| 2023 | +43% | +16% |
| 2024 | +108% | +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 Woolwich? Send us your answer and we will publish it with this question.
Water, sewers and garbage: 2019 $1.6M, 2020 $2.2M, 2021 $1.9M, 2022 $2.2M, 2023 $2.3M, 2024 $3.3M.
Ontario Financial Information Return (FIR), 2019 to 2024 · Schedule 40 · archived copy
Biggest driver: Water pipes, from $871K to $1.6M.
Ontario Financial Information Return (FIR), 2019 to 2024 · Schedule 40 · archived copy
$1,411,643total estimated tax increase for 2026 (7.8%), of which the base budget is $516,737 (2.9%)
The 2026 budget was the first "strong mayor" budget in Woolwich. The Mayor says the base increase is "about $3.05 per month for the average household or 2.9%". After new requests, fixing past under-budgeting, new reserve contributions and a 1% infrastructure levy, the printed total is a 7.8% increase, or $1,411,643. The Township explains each piece. Among them: $273,294 to correct labour and equipment cost allocation that, in the last three years, left the engineering administration line $315K, $420K and $342K over. Staff reported a tax supported operating deficit of $426,738 for 2025, after a surplus of $216,544 for 2024. This is an explained question: the open part is whether the new numbers will hold.
Residents see one number in the Mayor's message and a bigger one on the bill. The reasons published are mostly years of budgets that were too low. Seeing which parts are one-time catch-up and which will repeat tells residents what to expect in 2027.
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 Woolwich? Send us your answer and we will publish it with this question.
Appendix 1, Summary of Proposed Budget Increase: "Adjusted Base Budget" 516,737 (2.9%); "IS-15 Labour and Equipment Adjustments" 273,294, "Structural correction to avoid a 2026 deficit"; "FIN-06 Winter Control Reserve" 200,000; "FIR-01 FIRE Equipment Reserve" 200,000; "Infrastructure Reserve Levy" 180,000; "TOTAL ESTIMATED TAX INCREASE" 1,411,643 (7.8%).
Township of Woolwich, 2026 Budget Book (final) · Appendix 1, PDF page 2 (repeated on PDF page 22)
Operating Budget Overview: "The 2026 Budget proposes a 7.8% total tax increase." and "Unsustainable budget reductions in previous years have led to a number of structural deficits". The same page says 2.8% is set aside for reserves and 2.1% addresses "structural operating deficits in winter control and labour and equipment".
Township of Woolwich, 2026 Budget Book (final) · Operating Budget Overview, PDF page 17 (printed page 16)
New Initiative Request IS-15: "In the last three years, Eng Admin has seen deficits of $315K, $420K and $342K respectively - mainly stemming from variances in staffing and equipment. This adjustment will help remove structural deficits within the budgeting process." Cost: 273,294.
Township of Woolwich, 2026 Budget Book (final) · New Initiative Request Form IS-15, PDF page 205
"2025 SURPLUS / DEFICIT": "In report F16-2025, staff reported a tax supported operating deficit of $426,738. This was driven by higher than budgeted salaries and wages in fire and RCS as well as labour and equipment cost allocation deficits. These deficits were offset by higher than expected interest revenue in 2025." Mayor's message: "our Chief Administrative Officer has committed time to take a close look at the organizational structure ... and reporting back to Council in 2026 on opportunities for savings."
Township of Woolwich, 2026 Budget Book (final) · Operating Revenue, PDF pages 19 and 20; Message from Mayor Shantz, PDF page 4
"2024 Surplus Deficit": "In report F13-2024, staff reported a tax supported operating surplus of $216,544. This was driven by higher than budgeted interest income (described above) and a one-time surplus in the Enova dividend. These surpluses were offset by higher than expected volunteer fire fighting related costs."
Township of Woolwich, 2025 Budget package · Operating Revenue, PDF page 35
Message from the Mayor: "our base budget increase is about $3.05 per month for the average household or 2.9% which falls closely in line with inflation".
Township of Woolwich 2026 Budget Book · PDF page 4 (printed page 3), Message from Mayor Shantz
$100 million10-year infrastructure gap the Township's asset management identified
The Township sets money aside each year for roads, bridges and buildings through the infrastructure levy, a part of the tax bill. The 2026 budget says a 2012 study found "a levy of between 3-4% per year was required", and that the Township's asset management "identified a 10-year infrastructure gap of over $100 million". The 2026 budget adds a 1% increase, about $180,000, to reach $2.54M. The budget also says some projects were cut or cannot go ahead: the road conversion program estimate fell from $6.5M, and a $2,500,000 arena project has "Insufficient funding". The Township is open about this and says only the first year of its 10-year plan is "adequately vetted and funded".
Roads and bridges that are not renewed get more expensive later. Residents should know how large the gap is, how much of it each year's levy closes, and which projects are being 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 Woolwich? Send us your answer and we will publish it with this question.
Infrastructure Reserve Fund: "Just over $2.36 million annually is currently being directed through the Infrastructure Levy". "the roads and bridges needs study completed in 2012 found that a levy of between 3-4% per year was required. The Township's asset management identified a 10-year infrastructure gap of over $100 million which will take sustained effort to reduce over the next 10 years."
Township of Woolwich, 2026 Budget Book (final) · Funding Overview, PDF page 54 (printed page 53)
"The 2026 budget recommends a 1% increase to the infrastructure reserve (approximately $180,000) to $2.54M to help address the funding gap." The levy is also partly used for "the renewal and upgrading of financial and HR software".
Township of Woolwich, 2026 Budget Book (final) · Funding Overview, PDF page 55 (printed page 54)
Appendix 9, "Infrastructure Renewal Reserve": 2026 contributions 2,548,725; 2026 amounts proposed to be used (4,282,734); 2026 estimated balance 794,205.
Township of Woolwich, 2026 Budget Book (final) · Appendix 9, PDF page 63 (printed page 62)
Capital Budget Summary footnotes: "3 Estimate in 2025 was $6.5M. Significantly reduced due to funding constraints" (Road Conversion Program, 1,150,000); "6 Insufficient funding to do this project. Possible naming rights, but will still need debt / reallocation" (St. Jacobs Arena Underfloor Cooling, Rink Boards, stands, 2,500,000).
Township of Woolwich, 2026 Budget Book (final) · Appendix 7, 2026 Capital Budget Summary, PDF page 33 (printed page 32)
October 10, 2025date of the auditor's report on the 2024 statements, the latest posted on October 5, 2026
Audited financial statements are the check, by an outside accounting firm, on the Township's books. KPMG LLP signed its opinion on the 2024 statements on October 10, 2025, and on the 2023 statements on November 20, 2024. Both opinions say the statements "present fairly" the Township's position. On October 5, 2026, the Township's financial reporting page listed 2020 to 2024 audited statements and no 2025 statements. The 2026 budget was prepared in autumn 2025, before the 2025 books were closed, so it used estimates for the end of 2025.
Council votes on a budget and sets tax rates before the audit of the year just finished is done. Late audited numbers mean the budget rests on estimates, and the Township's own reserve forecasts, like the working capital reserve, have already differed from the audited result.
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 Woolwich? Send us your answer and we will publish it with this question.
Independent Auditor's Report, KPMG LLP, Kitchener: "In our opinion, the accompanying financial statements present fairly, in all material respects, the consolidated financial position of the Entity as at December 31, 2024". Signed "October 10, 2025".
The Corporation of the Township of Woolwich, Consolidated Financial Statements, December 31, 2024 (KPMG LLP, October 10, 2025) · Independent Auditor's Report, PDF pages 2 and 4
Independent Auditor's Report, KPMG LLP, Kitchener: "present fairly, in all material respects, the consolidated financial position of the Entity as at December 31, 2023". Signed "November 20, 2024".
The Corporation of the Township of Woolwich, Consolidated Financial Statements, December 31, 2023 (KPMG LLP, November 20, 2024) · Independent Auditor's Report, PDF pages 2 and 4
The page lists "2024 Audited Statements", "2023 Audited Statements", "2022 Audited Statements", "2021 Audited Statements" and "2020 Audited Statements". No 2025 statements were listed when we read it on October 5, 2026.
Township of Woolwich website, Financial Reporting page · Financial Statements list, read October 5, 2026