In the past, I've been one of the biggest critics of our budgets.

We have had one of the highest tax rates in Ontario, and our household incomes are among the lowest. We have asked our residents to pay too much, when they often don’t make enough.

Having said all of this, I believe that this year's budget is a turning point.

Despite inflation, we've managed to keep the increase to just 0.86 per cent, which translates to an average of just $3.03 per month for the average assessed home. This is a remarkable achievement when you compare that to other municipalities across the province, many of whom are looking at tax increases of 5 to 10 per cent.

In fact, if it weren't for inflation in insurance and other line items, we would have been discussing a tax decrease tonight.

This is immense progress and I am pleased to move the recommendation your Worship.

And I’ll finish with this, I believe that this is just the beginning. This year may have been the easy part, the easy to find savings.

Staff and council will need to work even harder next year.

But I'm optimistic that taxpayers are starting to see the light at the end of the tunnel.