Council deferred a motion at the Committee of the Whole February 12 to exempt Wellington Manor from tax and water charges. 

The Manor is asking for a break in order to keep its rents affordable for low income seniors.

The County’s Municipal Capital Facilities Bylaw allows it to assign a Municipal Capital Facility designation to foster affordable housing.

The bylaw was updated in 2024 to address the urgent need for affordable housing. Agreements with developers of affordable projects on Disraeli and Nicholas Streets have been signed.

 But this would be the first time a Municipal Capital Facility tax exemption is applied to an existing structure.

The Manor’s municipal taxes in 2025 were $38,000 while its water bill was  $39,000. Together the fees compose about 20 percent of the Manor’s expenses.

Built in 1984, the 39-unit apartment complex adjacent to the former Dukedome property is an affordable solution for County seniors wishing to age in place. One-bedroom apartments rent for $912. Two-bedroom units are $1,022 per month. 

Council has directed staff to explore financial relief options for affordable housing for seniors within the framework of the existing Municipal Financial Relief Grant Program, and report back later this spring.

“We’re obviously going to to help, the question is what is the best way to do that,” Councillor Corey Engelsdorfer noted.

Rising Costs

Resident Linda Conley asked Council to keep the only affordable option for seniors in Wellington, “truly affordable.”

The Manor offers nine, low-income, subsidized units at a annual cost of $33,530 to the corporation. 

“Wellington Manor is in danger of no longer being able to [subsidize these units]. Rising costs in multiple areas, including taxes and water rates, are impacting this ability,” Ms. Conley said. “The Manor makes it possible for seniors living on a fixed income to age in place in an environment that is safe and comfortable.”

Ms. Conley had examples of the value of living in a setting as welcoming and friendly as that of the Manor. One widower, she explained, showed signs of early onset dementia when she moved in. But over the past seven years, she has built a comfortable life there and now says she would like to live there until she dies.

“The only reason she is still able to live independently is because of the community around her. This group of supporters ensure she’s included in the life of The Manor,” she said. “They ensure that she is safe, reminding her to use her cane and to dress warmly. One friend goes so far as to ensure that she takes her medication morning, noon and night.

“This is an ideal example of aging in place while maintaining safety and self-respect.”

Ms. Conley also noted most Manor residents would be eligible for the Municipal Financial Relief Grant if their water bills were not included in their rent.

Get With The Program

Interim County CAO Adam Goheen noted the Municipal Financial Relief Grant is only available to home owners, but recognizes there are low income and senior renters that would benefit from inclusion in this program.

Staff will bring improvements to Council this quarter.

“There’s an opportunity here to develop a strategy and capture some of those low-income seniors who rent and can benefit from the Grant program,” Mr. Goheen said.

Speaking to the original request made through the Municipal Capital Facilities Bylaw, Mr. Goheen noted the 2024 update was made in the expectation of high growth. The ability to absorb lost tax revenue seemed more feasible than it might today.

“We should probably be a little more cautious if we’re not going to grow as quickly as anticipated and not able to absorb the revenue implications of the bylaw moving forward,” he said. “We need to approach it a bit more cautiously and the bylaw may need updating in that light.”