Affordability

Town Hall was handing out massive salary increases to senior management and the highest earners.

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And these numbers are not speculation — they come directly from Ontario’s Public Sector Salary Disclosure, better known as the Sunshine List, comparing Bradford West Gwillimbury employees in 2023 and 2025.

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In 2023, there were 62 town employees making over $100,000. By 2025, that number exploded to 113 employees.  Even more concerning, in 2023 there were only 6 employees earning more than $150,000. By 2025, that number had tripled to 28 employees. The total salaries paid to employees earning over $150,000 increased by well over $1.5 million in just a few years.

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The Chief Administrative Officer’s salary jumped by over $48,000. Senior directors, with NO change in their job functions, received increases ranging from $20,000 to over $40,000 — all funded by you, the taxpayer.

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The town’s own budget records also show how dramatically payroll costs have grown over the last four years.

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In 2022, the town budgeted approximately $21.6 million in salaries for 204 (FTE) full-time employees. By 2025, that payroll had skyrocketed to more than $29.2 million for 259 employees.   Note: Wages amount include part-time and casual employees also.

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That is an increase of more than $7.5 million in salaries in just three years — a jump of roughly 35% — while the number of full-time employees increased by 55 positions.

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During the November/ December Property Tax discussions, I spoke before Council.  Council approved hiring a new full-time by-law officer due to an increase in workload.  However, during the last year one by-law officer was off duty and was said to be returning.   I argued that the added workload may be reduced once the current employee returns and it was premature to hire another.   The majority of Councilors disagreed and voted in favour.

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I researched and found the salary and expenses paid to the Town Council for 2023 to 2025.  As you may recall, Council gave themselves a raise and subsequently agreed to defer the full raise until after 2026.   

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As you can see Mayor Leduc’s pay raise was $31,400.17 and his expenses increased by $4,103.11.  The overall increase in the Councilor’s salary including Committee members was $372,628.99 in 2023 to $482,666.48 in 2025.  

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It is time to reduce the size of Council, remove the Deputy position, fewer Wards Councilors who are responsible town wide.  Efficiencies that can reduce salaries and taxes. 

 

The Bradford Library workers were treated poorly— many of them minimum wage earners — they were forced onto the picket line fighting for fairness and respect.  All the while senior town staff and Councilors received outrages increases.

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This is not affordability for tax payers or the lower earning employees, this is what I call excessive spending.

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If elected as Mayor, the town staff including Council size should be “Right Sized.”   I will work with all Councilors and together make corrections and real savings.