Rising rates, broken lives

A True Story:

From Heating to Rate Bills Mrs. Li is a retired resident living alone in her small home in Hamilton East—a home she and her late husband purchased decades ago. For years, her pension covered the basics. But with rates rising year after year, her budget has become increasingly stretched. “I used to turn on the heater for a few hours each day in winter. Now, I try not to—just to save on power, because I need to put that money toward the rates bill.” Last year’s increase—nearly $300—was the final straw. For the first time in her life, she reached out to a local church for food support. “It was embarrassing,” she admitted. “But I didn’t see another choice.” Mrs. Li is not alone

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I’m a 62 year old male with goblet cell cancer living alone. I had to close my business 3years ago because of the cancer, I am now on a benefit receiving just over $400 a week and struggling to make ends meet. My rates from 2023-24 $2943.50 Rates from 2024-25 $3429.09 New rates 2025-26. $4183.75 Increased over 20% from last year. Please help

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