Montreal taxes going up: report

Montrealers can expect a significant increase in their tax bill when the city tables its budget Wednesday, according to newspaper reports.

During the civic election campaign in the fall, Mayor Gerald Tremblay promised taxes would go up at least to the rate of inflation, or about 1.5 per cent.

But following the inclusion of the water tax. the tax for roadwork and the expected introduction of a business tax, the increase will be closer to six per cent, according to a report published in La Presse Friday.

According to the report, the citys budget is expected to focus on four main themes: public transit; the environment; public security and economic development.

The budget is also expected to include funds to proceed with plans for the construction of a tramway in downtown Montreal, the paper said.

The administration is also reportedly planning to push forward with plans to implement a system of road tolls on the island.