Scugog mayoral candidates pitch plans to keep property taxes in check

Scugog's six mayoral candidates were asked how they would minimize property tax increases while keeping township departments and services funded, with four responding to the Port Perry Star's questionnaire ahead of the Oct. 26 election.

Charles Deane said property taxes are Scugog's main source of revenue, arguing the only real solution is to build as much housing as possible and press the Region to develop the needed infrastructure, warning taxes will otherwise keep rising.

Jack Doak, founder of Old Flame Brewing Co., said his top priority is finding new revenue streams and warned against 'zero-per-cent increase promises that will eventually need to be paid for.'

Regional councillor Ian McDougall said he would deliver efficient services at reasonable cost, supports the roads levy trust, and noted that more than $2 million in unbudgeted items were tabled in 2026 within months of the budget.

Incumbent mayor Wilma Wotten proposed a line-by-line budget review directed to the CAO, a procurement review, cutting township-hosted events such as the Sports Hall of Fame and Volunteer Dinner to once per term, expanding Adopt-A-Park, alternative revenues like signage and paid parking, more grants, and keeping special levies for roads, facilities and equipment. Candidates Mike Coll and David Whitfield did not respond by deadline. Voting in Scugog opened Oct. 20 and runs to Oct. 26.