The results of the 2016 Census for major northern Ontario
cities draws attention to what I think is growing evidence that high and rising
municipal property tax and user charge burdens have been inducing tax migration
to surrounding lower tax townships and municipalities. In many respects, northern Ontario
cities are in a tough spot given that they have declining tax bases as a result
of weak economic growth, dispersed urban areas to serve, weak population growth,
and fixed costs and obligations to comply with provincial legislation affecting
municipalities.
Northern Economist 2.0
Friday 17 February 2017
Thursday 16 February 2017
Economic News Around the North: February 17th Edition
Here is listing of some news stories across northern Ontario
over the last few days that I feel are of some economic significance for the
region. There was actually quite a
bit going on. Have a nice weekend.
Monday 13 February 2017
Why the North's Cities are Losing Population
Everyone is still pretty much digesting last week's census results and the news that many northern Ontario's cities actually lost population. Of course, the immediate gut reaction to the population decline of what are supposed to be the regional magnets for growth will focus on a slow economy as well as cries that the provincial government needs to do something. I think its important to think more carefully about what actually is happening given that northern Ontario as a whole actually saw a slight population increase. Here is my take on what some of the factors may be.
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