Item - 2022.EX34.20

The Executive Committee recommends that:

1. City Council receive the report (June 22, 2022) from the Controller for information.

This report is in response to motion 12a adopted by Council through item "EX30.2:  Capital and Operating Budgets". This report reviews the Property Tax, Water and Solid Waste Relief programs for low-income seniors and persons with disabilities and summarizes recent changes to the program and proactive efforts taken by the City to address possible barriers to participation into the program, related fees and the timing of posting information and forms.

Revenue Services has proactively made changes to reduce any potential barriers and ensure equity and access to the Property Tax, Water and Solid Waste Relief programs for low-income seniors and persons with disabilities. Some of these initiatives include the implementation of an online application portal and automated income verification with the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA), amending the eligibility criteria on household income for individuals that own the property with the applicant but do not live at the property, and automatic increases to the income thresholds to keep up with inflation. Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, the City has extended the application deadline by two months to the end of October.

To further increase awareness of the relief programs, the City has engaged in targeted demographic advertising campaigns in community newspapers, radio, websites and social media platforms regularly visited by those over the age of 55. Revenue Services is also involved with the Seniors Strategy Accountability Table to continue to build on program awareness, communications and direct interactions.