Residents of Wellington-on-the-Lake (WOTL) and other lease-home or condo owners who meet the income threshold will now be able to take advantage of a new version of the County’s Municipal Financial Relief Program. Just in time for the 2023 tax bill.

Residents of housing developments, such as that at Wellington on the Lake, currently pay their property taxes through a lease hold company. That structure made them ineligible for the municipal tax relief program, even if they qualified through low household income. 

“238 residents signed a petition, because the issue was fairness,” said WOTL resident Elaine Jackson. “Not all of those who signed the petition will meet the criteria — that number may be as low as 20 or 30 —but for those that need this program and qualify for it, they should be able to get it.”

In 2022, the County launched a pilot program where residents and families who met the threshold could receive a credit rebate on their municipal taxes and services. Low-income residents could apply for one of two grant streams: a water and wastewater services credit of up to $350 on their water bill, or a credit of up to $750 on their property tax account.

These streams assisted a large number of households. In the first year of the program a total of 395 eligible households received relief. However, residents at the WOTL community who met the income threshold were unable to apply.

Ms. Jackson explained to council last week that she started working with fellow WOTL residents and the Mayor over a year ago to address the gap in eligibility in time for the 2023 grant intake period.

She was disheartened to see that the resolution presented at the meeting meant an amendment would come too late for WOTL residents to apply by the Aug. 15 deadline for 2023 program.

“We have been waiting two years for a solution. We have submitted all the documents to prove we are the owners of our primary residences. The County has all the proof it needs to justify passing a motion tonight that would fix our problem,” Ms. Jackson said.

Mayor Ferguson acknowledged the oversight and asked councillors to consider an amendment that would include those who should qualify for the program in time for the final 2023 property tax bill.

County CAO Marcia Wallace said a staff report in time for 2024 should still be pursued. To address the WOTL request immediately, however, council could create a new bylaw that would provide a similar grant system for condominium owners in time for September. She also noted the current version of the program doesn’t work for rural renters who don’t own their residence and are on a well system.

Councillor Brad Neiman wondered about seeing a run on the County coffers by low income residents and households who may qualify for the grant relief program, potentially overdrawing the amount Council had set aside.

CAO Wallace said a potential 2023 budget carry forward savings could fund those WOTL or condo-owning applicants who apply.

Councillor Kate MacNaughton noted that rural renters are among the most disadvantaged community members and a mechanism addressing those unable to take advantage of a program was needed.

“We should offer relief grants in a way that’s planned for all who live with financial strain. I want this program done right and with full vision and consideration of all the people,” she said. 

Council was unanimous in passing the amended resolution. A new bylaw will be tabled at the August 29 council meeting.

For more information and to apply for the 2023 County of Prince Edward Financial Relief Program please visit  https://thecountyfoundation.ca/grants-funds/municipal-financial-relief-grant/