2nd Annual Capital Region Property Tax and Utility Charges Survey Released

2002 Survey (676 k)

WINNIPEG: At a press conference today, the Canadian Taxpayers Federation released a survey that shows for two consecutive years that Winnipeg trails as a prime location for individuals and families to buy or build a home. Winnipeg placed last among eleven communities surveyed in the Capital Region for the least expensive residential property taxes and utility charges.

"Bargain house hunters will generally find a better deal outside Winnipeg," noted Adrienne Batra, CTF provincial director, "where property taxes and utility charges are lower."

East St. Paul came out as the most affordable place to own a home of the same value. East St. Paul's total annual property taxes and utility charges were $3,675, just slightly higher than last year. Runners up were Stonewall at $3,683 and once again Lorette had a good showing at $3,739.

According to the 2002 Capital Region Residential Property Taxes and Utility Charges Survey, Winnipeg is the most expensive community to keep a home assessed at $100,000, costing on average $5,079 for annual property taxes and utility charges in 2002.

"Winnipeg's poor showing in the Capital Region's "cost-of-keeping-a-house" index explains the city's motivation to reduce its reliance on property taxes as a revenue source. But despite recent property tax cuts and the benefit of economies-of-scale, Winnipeg is still in dead last position," added Victor Vrsnik, CTF BC Director.

"City Council will have to double its efforts to ease the property tax burden to stave off the lure of cheaper property taxes and utility charges in the bedroom communities," said Batra.

Findings

Residential Property Taxes

• Winnipeg's total residential property tax of $2,860, including municipal and school taxes for a house assessed at $100,000 ranked the highest among the eleven municipalities surveyed in 2002. East St. Paul charged the lowest tax levy at $1,771. Winnipeg's total tax was $814 higher than the Region average of $2,046.

Utility Charges

• Winnipeg's total average annual utility charges of $2,219 for a single-family house ranked the eighth highest in the Capital Region. Lorette posted the lowest utility charges at $1,743 while Elie had the highest charges at $2,505. Winnipeg's total utility charges were $129 higher than the Region average of $2,090.
• Winnipeg's base annual telephone charge of $342 was $5 higher than the Region average of $337. Winnipeg's annual power charge of $644 for 750 KWH per month of consumption was $13 higher than the Region average of $631. Winnipeg's annual natural gas charge of $549 for 90 cubic meters per month of consumption was $11 higher than the Region average of $538. And Winnipeg's annual water and sewer charge of $684 for 82 cubic meters per month of consumption was $101 higher than the Region average of $583.

Combined Residential Property Tax and Utility Charges

• Winnipeg's combined cost of annual property taxes and utility charges at $5,079 for a single-family house assessed at $100,000 ranked the highest among the eleven municipalities surveyed. East St. Paul had the lowest combined cost at $3,675. Winnipeg's total combined cost was $946 higher than the Region average of $4,133.