The cost to renew an Ontario licence plate will go up again this September.
The annual cost for a southern Ontario sticker will be $120 as of Sept. 1. A northern Ontario plate will cost $60.
According to the Ministry of Transportation, the revenue generated from licence plate sticker fees is directed into general revenues, which support all government investments, including investments in provincial transportation infrastructure. “These revenues help to ensure that the province has adequate funds to maintain our provincial roads and bridges in good repair for the benefit of all road users,” the ministry said in a written email statement.
The cost for a sticker renewal has increased by 62 per cent since 2011 for southern Ontario residents, when it was then only $74. For northern Ontario residents the cost has risen from $41 to $60 – an increase of 46 per cent.
It was in March 2012, when the Ontario government announced it would be phasing in fee increases for driver and vehicle licence fees.
According to the ministry, Ontario has been increasing these fees in an effort to ensure provincial roads, bridges and highways are safe and in good repair for future generations.
“While cost of maintaining roads, bridges and highways has risen over time, fees have not, so in keeping with the recommendations of the Drummond Commission, since 2012, the government has been gradually increasing fees to help recover the costs required to deliver the service or product to customers,” said Ajay Woozageer, a spokesperson for the Ministry of Transportation.
The ministry said in 2013, that until 2012 fees for driver’s licences and renewals, licence replacements, exams and vehicle permits hadn’t increased in 15 years.
“By making gradual changes to vehicle licence fees we can keep costs down for families and industry, while maintaining the safe roads and bridges that Ontarian’s travel on,” said Woozageer.
“Many fees, including those for driver and vehicle licences, do not allow the government to fully recover the cost of delivering services or products. These increases will help the government recover more of these costs.”
Prior to the increase in 2012, licence plate sticker fees had not increased since 1997.
Many North Bay area residents seem frustrated by the increase.
“I think it’s crazy the way the prices are going up,” stated Sue McParland Germon on the BayToday.ca Facebook page.
“So many people are struggling now.”
“Everything goes up,” noted Stephanie Mary-Jane LaFantasy, “but thanks for the extra 15 cents in wages.”
“Just another cash grab by the Wynne government,” said Garry Allen on the Facebook page.
Ontario has about 12.1 million registered vehicles meaning the increase will generate more than $120 million.
