Town of Oakville takes action to support residents and businesses during COVID-19 pandemic

Oakville Town Council has voted to accept late property tax payments with no interest or late fees for up to two months, in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Council made the decision, for both residential and commercial taxes, at a special meeting of Council held earlier today.

“Many of the town’s businesses and residents have been financially impacted already by this pandemic, and we’re not out of the woods yet,” said Mayor Rob Burton. “Council unanimously supports the decision to offer tax relief to those currently experiencing financial hardships, who may find it difficult to pay the taxes by the deadline, due to the COVID-19 emergency.”

Interim property tax bills were issued at the end of January 2020, prior to the COVID-19 outbreak. The next tax installment is due on April 24, but it and all outstanding property taxes will be accepted anytime up to June 30 without penalty for anyone who is unable to pay by the due date.

Property owners who are on the town’s pre-authorized payment plans will be able to opt-out of the plans without consequence, as long as they do so prior to the 15th of the payment month.

Property taxes are the town’s largest revenue source and are necessary to provide essential services to residents, such as fire services, roads and sidewalk repair and maintenance, snow removal, park sanitation and maintenance, storm water management, and more.

The tax payment deferral option is one of a number of measures the town is implementing to lessen COVID-19-related impacts on residents and businesses. Actions the town has put in place over the last two weeks include:

“This is an emergency situation, and we want residents and businesses to know we are here for you, and we will get through this together,” said Mayor Burton.

For more information on the town’s response to COVID-19, including current service levels, please visit our COVID-19 Information page.

ServiceOakville remains available between 8:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. Monday to Friday at 905-845-6601 or service@oakville.ca and Online Services page to respond to community questions and requests for essential services.

A secure drop box is available just outside of the main Town Hall entrance for payments and other town correspondence.