TIMMINS - Hundreds of people eligible for municipal rebates are getting a little extra relief.
The low-income tax and utility rebates in Timmins have each been increased by $50. It brings the tax rebate up to $400 annually and the utility rebate to $200.
“This is a good thing. Sometimes small little things help people,” said Coun. Bill Gvozdanovic at the Jan. 28 council meeting.
Upping the rebates adds about $25,000 — or $12,500 for each program — to the 2025 budget, which was also approved on Tuesday.
Homeowners receiving GIS, and Ontario Disability Support Program and Ontario Works recipients are eligible for the program.
“How it works, they fill out a form, we send it to the providers, they confirm that they are on that program and then we provide the rebate after confirmation,” said director of finance Natalie Moore.
The city receives about 250 applications a year in each program, and Moore expects it will be about the same this year.
Applications are open year-round.
“As your financial situation changes, you can apply and potentially be eligible throughout the year as well,” said Mayor Michelle Boileau.