Crombie Unveils Plan to Bring Taxes Under Control, Support Seniors and Tackle Poverty

MISSISSAUGA — Bonnie Crombie today unveiled a three-part plan to make life more affordable in Mississauga, combining stronger oversight of City spending with property tax relief for eligible seniors and practical support for residents struggling to make ends meet.

“People are working hard and wondering why they keep falling further behind,” said Crombie. “They deserve a mayor who respects their money, brings spending under control and makes sure help reaches the people who need it. My plan will help residents manage their bills, stay in their homes and build a future here.”

The platform brings together three policy plans:

Making Mississauga More Affordable

Crombie will undertake a line-by-line budget review and establish an independent Auditor General reporting directly to Council, with a goal of keeping City tax increases at or below inflation while protecting essential services.

The plan includes clearer disclosure of the full costs of major capital projects, public reporting on savings and service performance and an early-payment property tax discount proposal, with the final rate and eligible portion of the bill subject to public financial analysis.

“Every dollar the City spends comes from someone who worked for it,” said Crombie. “I will ask tough questions, challenge spending and insist that residents can see what they are getting for their money.”

At Home in Mississauga

Crombie will work with Council and Peel Region to increase the annual property tax rebate to $1,000 for eligible seniors with low incomes, while maintaining support for eligible residents with disabilities. She will also bring forward an interest-free, one-year deferral of annual property tax increases for eligible homeowners aged 65 and older, with clear repayment terms.

A new Stay at Home partnership fund will help seniors with low incomes obtain minor home-safety improvements and practical assistance. Crombie will expand access to windrow clearing where eligible demand exceeds available spaces, protect free MiWay travel for seniors and free City fitness memberships for residents aged 65 and older and support more accessible recreation opportunities.

The plan also includes predictable support for community organizations tackling isolation, easier access to benefits and services and more affordable, accessible housing choices near family, transit and community amenities.

“As a senior myself now, I know how much it matters to remain independent and connected to the community you love,” said Crombie. “You helped build this city. You deserve to enjoy the life you have built here, with practical help when you need it.”

A Fair Chance in Mississauga

Crombie’s poverty-reduction plan will work with Peel Region and community partners to strengthen emergency rent and utility assistance, prevent evictions and advance affordable, non-profit, co-operative and supportive rental housing.

The plan calls for predictable, multi-year support for food banks and community food programs, expanded breakfast and snack programs and an increase in ActiveAssist recreation assistance to $500 per eligible participant.

Other measures include better access to discounted transit, emergency transportation support, benefits and tax-filing assistance and paid work placements and apprenticeships. A first-year action plan will set measurable targets, with annual public reporting on progress.

“No one should have to choose between paying the rent and buying groceries, and no child should miss out because their family cannot afford a program,” said Crombie. “We need practical action that helps people through a difficult month and gives them a fair chance to get ahead.”

Crombie said implementation will be tied to transparent budgeting, with costs, funding sources and timelines identified through the City’s budget process and work with regional and community partners.

“Responsible spending and strong community services belong together,” said Crombie. “That is how we build a Mississauga where families can get ahead, seniors can retire with confidence and people facing hardship have somewhere to turn.”