Petition to Stop Skyrocketing Property Taxes in Pickering

PETITION TO THE CITY OF PICKERING

To:
The Council of The Corporation of the City of Pickering
One The Esplanade, Pickering, ON L1V 6K7

Whereas:
We, the residents of Pickering, are deeply concerned by the continuous and steep increases in property taxes imposed year after year by the City of Pickering. These repeated tax hikes are causing financial hardship for families, seniors, and small business owners—many of whom are already struggling due to rising living costs and economic instability. Despite repeated concerns raised by residents, the City has once again increased property taxes this year.

This growing burden has created unsustainable financial pressure, leading to displacement risks, reduced quality of life, and widespread frustration. The City’s practice of approving property tax increases without meaningful community consultation must end.

We, the undersigned, petition the City of Pickering as follows:

We, the undersigned residents of Pickering and citizens of Canada, urgently call upon the Mayor and City Council of Pickering to recognize the voices of the people they serve and take immediate action to address the followings:

1-Immediate Freeze on Property Taxes
Implement an immediate freeze on property taxes in the City of Pickering.

2-Mandatory Public Consultation
No property tax increases shall be approved without prior public consultation through open Town Hall meetings.

3-Full Transparency on Expenses
The City Council must present a detailed breakdown of all municipal expenses at a public forum before proposing property tax increase.

4-Evidence of Cost-Cutting
Council must demonstrate tangible internal cost-cutting efforts within City departments before considering a property tax hike.

5-Disclosure of Surplus Funds
The City must publicly disclose all surplus funds currently in municipal accounts prior to any proposed tax increase.

6-Detailed Justifications
Council must provide a clear explanation, with supporting data and a long-term plan, well in advance of any proposed tax increases.

7-Improved Communication with Residents
Publishing notices in the News Advertiser is not sufficient. The City must actively inform and engage residents by:
A-Mailing letters directly to households
B-Calling  or deliver recorded messages to residents’ phones
C-Sending emails 
These communications must include invitations to attend Town Hall meetings for open discussion before any property tax changes are approved.

8-Regular Reporting on City Services
The City must provide a transparent breakdown of municipal work and services delivered to residents every six months.

 
We Stand United for Accountability and Justice

We, the undersigned, demand fair, transparent, and resident-focused fiscal governance from our elected representatives. Residents of Pickering must not be burdened by unchecked tax increases without transparency, justification, and proper public input.

 
Name (Printed)
Full Address
Email or Phone Number
Signature
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
By signing this petition, I acknowledge that this document becomes a public record of the City of Pickering and that all information contained within may be subject to review by the City and the general public.