London chamber head uses Windsor as poster child in tax debate

The head of the London Chamber of Commerce is using Windsor as a cautionary tale, as the Forest City debates holding the line on taxes.

According to an article in the London Free Press, Gerry Macartney is urging London Mayor Joe Fontana not to hold the line on taxes, in fear of city assets becoming neglected, akin to Windsor’s.

“You will be behind the competitive eight-ball,” Macartney warned.

In the article, Macartney sources a consultant’s report that shows Windsor’s city assets are $386 million short of the amount required to maintain the assets. London is short $52 million.

Taxes in Windsor have stayed frozen for six straight years. A draft budget for 2014 was presented to London city council Wednesday. In it is a recommended 3.1 per cent tax increase.

CTV’s calls to Macartney have not yet been returned.

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  The City of Windsor released their 2014 operating and capital budgets at city hall, on Nov. 22. (Adam Ward/ CTV Windsor)