The 2.5 % property-tax hike is well under current inflation levels, and bucks the trend in some other cities. We may end up having to pay more in the long run.

Mayor Mark Sutcliffe has cause to celebrate after the 2.5 per cent property tax increase that was approved by Ottawa Council ensured he kept his election promise on taxes. Ottawa’s low tax for 2024 sets it apart from some of the high tax increases proposed or adopted by other cities across Ontario.

But you have to wonder whether 2.5 per cent, far below inflation, was set artificially low to give us a false sense of achievement.

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“We are doing it in a way that respects the affordability crisis that Ottawa residents are facing,” Sutcliffe said. “They are paying more for food. They are paying more for rent. They are paying more for everything. I think we’re respecting the affordability crisis for Ottawa residents by not making them pay for a big tax increase.”

That........

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