Statement from Mayor Logel on 2026 Tax Rates and Social Media

Jun 1

Media Release

For Immediate Release

Grafton, ON – June 1, 2026 - Recently, we have seen an increase in misinformation, malinformation and unverified claims circulating on social media. Social media can be a useful tool for sharing information and connecting with each other. It can also spread inaccurate or misleading content that creates confusion, unnecessary concern, hostility, and division within our community.

I encourage all residents to verify information before sharing it and to rely on official Township communications for accurate, timely updates. The Township regularly provides news, notices, meeting information, and emergency communications through our official channels, including our website, social media accounts, and public notices.

The Township is committed to transparency and keeping residents informed. If you have questions about information you see online, please contact Township staff directly or consult our official communication channels for clarification.

Statement on 2026 Municipal Tax Rates

We would like to clarify the purpose of the 2026 Tax Rate By-law and reassure residents that the municipal tax rates being presented are consistent with the 2026 budget approved by Council on February 11, 2026.

The Tax Rate By-law is a required legislative step that allows the municipality to charge and collect property taxes for the year and formally establishes the tax rates needed to generate the revenue approved through the budget process. It does not represent a new budget, nor does it introduce changes to the spending plans or tax levy that Council approved earlier this year. The 2026 Budget was approved following a thorough, open, transparent public-facing process between December 16, 2025, and February 11, 2026. The process included a public survey, public meeting, educational presentation on Understanding Property Taxes (including how they are calculated) and four Special Council meetings. Supporting documentation, reports, and draft versions of the budget can be found on the Township’s website in the “Agendas and Minutes” section.

Since Council adopted the 2026 Budget in February, there have been no increases to the approved municipal levy. The Township’s residential tax rate remains 5.09%. The tax rates reflected in the by-law have been calculated using assessment data from the Municipal Property Assessment Corporation (MPAC) to support the approved budget and ensure that the municipality can continue delivering the services, programs, and infrastructure investments that residents rely on.

Township staff have reviewed the calculations and billing information. It was confirmed at the Special Council Meeting on May 29, 2026 that the calculations used for the June tax bills are correct and reflective of the final 2026 Budget adopted by Council.

Residents can be confident that the amounts shown on their tax notices have been calculated correctly.

The by-law simply provides the mechanism required to implement that approved budget through the property taxation process.

We remain committed to keeping residents informed about municipal finances and ensuring that decisions are made in an open and accountable manner.

Again, I encourage residents to rely on official municipal communications when seeking information about municipal taxes and finances. If you have questions about your specific tax notice, please contact the Municipality directly. Our staff are always happy to review your account, explain how your taxes were calculated, and answer any questions you may have.

Thank you for your continued trust and support. We remain committed to serving our community with openness, professionalism, and respect, and we appreciate the opportunity to provide clarity and reassurance on this matter.

By working together and relying on trusted sources, we can help ensure our community remains well-informed and focused on facts.

- Mayor John Logel

Online Safety: Be Aware of Misinformation, Disinformation & Mal-information

If it raises your eyebrows, it should raise questions. Misinformation, disinformation, and malinformation (MDM) refers to false, exaggerated, or misleading information that can cause minor or major harm to organizations, communities, and individuals. MDM damages public trust in institutions and their staff. Subscribe to the Township’s e-newsletters, meeting agendas and minutes or visit the Township’s official website, Facebook, LinkedIn, YouTube pages to receive accurate, official information about Township services, projects, decisions, or events. Township staff are always open to respectful dialogue with residents. If you have a question or concern, please contact staff directly and we’ll be happy to assist and provide you with the correct information.

More info and tips at: https://www.canada.ca/en/campaign/online-

disinformation.html#2