Posted: Tuesday January 27, 2026
BROCKVILLE, ON — January 27, 2026 — Brockville City Council has adopted the City’s 2026 municipal budget, which maintains 2025 service levels while supporting planned capital investments that contribute to community safety and reliable service delivery. The adopted budget results in a 3.99 per cent increase to the average residential property tax bill, equivalent to approximately $172 per year for a home assessed at $250,000.
City Council received Mayor Matt Wren’s 2026 budget on January 2, 2026, beginning the legislated budget amendment period under Ontario’s Strong Mayor Powers framework. Following a series of Council meetings and departmental budget presentations, Council concluded its amendment period on January 22, 2026. On January 26, 2026, Mayor Wren shortened the veto period, resulting in the formal adoption of the 2026 budget on January 27, 2026.
2026 Budget Highlights
The average residential impact reflects the combined effect of the municipal tax rate and assessment changes.
Residents who wish to understand how the 2026 budget may affect their own property can use the City’s online property tax calculator.
Key Priorities and Projects for 2026
The 2026 Municipal Budget includes a range of projects and initiatives aligned with Council’s priorities and community needs. Examples include:
- Administering the 2026 Municipal Election
- Constructing pickleball courts and relocating softball fields in advance of the multi-use recreation facility project
- Extending the Brock Trail recreational pathway
- Applying recommendations from the First Impressions Community Exchange
- Rolling out Cloud Permit to modernize Planning applications
- Implementing new booking software for Parks and Arenas
The 2026 budget reflects ongoing inflationary and cost pressures faced by municipalities, while prioritizing fiscal responsibility and affordability for residents. Council and staff worked to balance rising operating costs, infrastructure needs, and long-term financial sustainability with the goal of maintaining existing service levels.
“In preparing the 2026 budget, I asked staff to develop a plan that reflected the true cost of maintaining the services our residents rely on, while remaining mindful of the impact on our ratepayers,” said Mayor Matt Wren. “After extensive work with staff and almost 20 hours of Council budget meetings, the final result landed within the targeted range, resulting in a 3.99 per cent increase to the average property tax bill.”
“While the 2026 budget followed a new legislative process under Strong Mayor Powers, many of the financial pressures facing municipalities remained the same,” said Lynda Ferguson, Director of Finance. “Staff worked to limit operating budget increases and deferred over $4 million in capital projects to help manage current costs, recognizing that these decisions will continue to influence future budget cycles.”
“Balancing service sustainability with affordability is one of the most challenging aspects of municipal budgeting,” said Sandra MacDonald, City Manager. “Council and staff are acutely aware of the financial pressures residents face, and these decisions are made with long-term stability and fiscal responsibility in mind.”
The 2026 Municipal Budget takes effect for the upcoming fiscal year with increased and new user fees to take effect February 1, 2026. Financial performance and implementation will continue to be monitored through regular reporting to City Council.
Residents are encouraged to review the full 2026 Municipal Budget and supporting documents.
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Media Inquiries:
Natalie Finucan, Communications Coordinator
(613) 342-8772 x 4492
natalie.finucan@brockville.com
Related Documents:
Council Meeting Agendas and Minutes
COB Press Release – City of Brockville Adopts 2026 Municipal Budget