BRAMPTON, ON (May 29, 2020) – This week, Brampton City Council approved changes to its User Fee By-law to help reduce the financial impacts of COVID-19 on the community.

At its meeting on Wednesday, Council approved a significant number of 2020 user fees to be rolled-back to 2019 rates in the areas of Recreation, Performing Arts, Facility Services, Fire and Emergency Services, Legislative Services, as well as Parks and Forestry. These changes are effective July 1, 2020, and will provide a relief of up to $1,021,000 until the end of the year. 

The City is committed to providing numerous programs and services to residents, which are both accessible and deliver value for money. User fees help the City recover costs while reducing the burden on the property tax rate.

These changes are an immediate outcome of feedback received through public engagement underway by the Mayor’s Reopening and Recovery Working Group, led by Regional Councillor Martin Medeiros. To date, more than 3,900 individuals and groups have provided input through the City’s online survey and ongoing stakeholder meetings.

The City’s online Recovery and Reopening Survey remains open until June 14, 2020, and residents and businesses are invited to have their say on the City’s plans for its eventual reopening.

For more information, visit www.brampton.ca/COVID19. 

Quotes

“Throughout COVID-19, our Council has continued its active engagement with all members of our community through online and telephone town halls. We have heard from tens of thousands first-hand that COVID-19 has taken a heavy financial toll and this week’s outcome demonstrates our commitment to supporting our collective recovery.”
- Patrick Brown, Mayor, City of Brampton

“Since the launch of the Mayor’s Reopening and Recovery Group, we have heard from our residents, businesses, and stakeholder groups on what matters most as we plan our path forward. We are committed to creating a plan that is shaped by our community and we will continue to listen to this meaningful feedback and take action on it.”
- Martin Medeiros, Regional Councillor, Wards 3&4; Lead, Mayor’s Reopening and Recovery Working Group

“As the City plans its phased reopening, it is critical that our community remains engaged and continues to participate in these important conversations. I encourage all residents to take part in the online survey that’s underway to have their say and ensure the City’s next steps best reflect our community’s needs.”
- David Barrick, Chief Administrative Officer, City of Brampton

-30-