Ward 2 Coun. Frazier Fathers proposes a 1% property-tax increase for housing

Campaign pledge, not City policy. Fathers says the levy would raise about $5 million a year once phased in.

This is a campaign pledge, not City policy. Frazier Fathers, the Ward 2 incumbent running for re-election, released a "Windsor Housing Affordability and Unhoused Action Plan" on Oct. 1. It calls for a dedicated 1% municipal property-tax increase, phased in at 0.5% in 2027 and 0.5% in 2028. He says it would raise about $5 million a year once fully phased in, or about $2.83 a month for the average assessed home.

His plan proposes, per year: $2 million for affordable, supportive and transitional housing capital; $1 million for non-profit shelter stabilization; $1 million for rent subsidies, arrears and per diem supports; $200,000 for pre-development feasibility grants; $200,000 for accessibility renovations; a $300,000 first-time homebuyer property-tax grant pilot; and a $300,000 reserve.

He says he shared the plan for feedback with Family Services Windsor-Essex, the Welcome Centre Shelter for Women and Families, Assisted Living Southwestern Ontario, and Windsor Family Homes and Community Partnerships.

Unclear: the levy would need council approval through the municipal budget process, and the plan says each program needs detailed design. It does not show the average assessed value or the tax base behind the $2.83 and $5 million estimates. MPAC assessments are still based on 2016 values.