By Chloe Hannan, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter
Guysborough Journal
GUYSBOROUGH: Recently, the MODG increased its property tax exemption program for the 2025-2026 fiscal year, raising both the income eligibility threshold and the maximum exemption amount. Households with a total income of $50,000 or less (up from $40,000) are now eligible to receive up to $300 off their property tax bill – a $100 increase from last year.
The exemption is designed to assist residents who are financially vulnerable – those on fixed incomes, disability supports, pensions or low wages.
MODG Warden Paul Long said the decision stemmed from the municipality’s annual review of the program and its commitment to ensuring that the exemption remained meaningful.
“This is something that council reviews each year,” he told The Journal. “We looked at our numbers and felt … we could include more residents by increasing the threshold and the exemption…. There was no pressure from our residents to do so. This was council taking a proactive step to strengthen support for those in need.”
Long said that the MODG has the lowest residential property taxes in the province, adding that the municipality is also “a leader in the Strait region for providing low-income tax exemptions. I believe we have the highest income threshold at $50,000 and the highest exemption amount at $300.”
That said, he noted, for some residents – especially those with lower property assessments – a $300 break could cover a significant portion, or even all, of their annual tax bill.
“We understand that every dollar matters for those who can least afford it in meeting their everyday household expenses.”
In recent years, Long said, the municipality has contributed money to local food security and student nutrition programs – a community care program to help cover the cost of breakfast and lunch programs at local schools, food card program grants to the Upper Big Tracadie Seniors’ Club and support to the Guysborough and Area Food Bank.
He added that MODG council has also been a vocal supporter of universal basic income policies.
“We believe we are doing our part, and we encourage the provincial and federal governments to give serious consideration to a basic income plan that will provide a reasonable level of income to those who can least afford it.”
Applications for the exemption are now open. Forms are available online through the MODG website or in person at the municipal office.