Mississauga property taxes to rise 2.8 per cent

Mississauga residents will see their property taxes go up 2.8 per cent this year after the city's 2012 budget was approved Wednesday.

The hike includes the increase from the city as well as Peel Region and provincial education levy. A projection last June forecast a rise of more than 4 per cent, which staffers cut back by putting off new projects.

The city's budget includes no service cuts and will increase transit service hours by 20,000. As well, 15 new buses will be purchased. It's in contrast with Toronto's cost-saving agenda and transit cuts.

"In this budget we preserved existing levels of service, found efficiencies and provided for continued progress in implementing the City's strategic plan," city manager Janice Baker said in a statement.

The budget will fund $156.6-million in capital infrastructure and $598.8-million for services and operations.

To fix aging infrastructure, Mississauga will take on $21-million in debt to fund, for example, a street lighting project and bridge repair.

With a report from Adrian Morrow