After taking a collaborative approach first with a traditional format, Port Hope Mayor Olena Hankivsky will introduce her budget to council on Tuesday evening with a proposed increase of 2.7%.
It will be Hankivsky’s first budget since acquiring Strong Mayor Powers from the province last year. The deadline for Strong Mayors to introduce their budgets is Feb. 1.
Hankivsky opted not to use her authority to independently propose the 2026 budget. She directed municipal staff to present a draft budget to all of council in an open meeting this week and allow council to propose amendments ahead of time with the intent of introducing a mayor’s budget that council could endorse.
Even with the collaborative approach, timelines within the Strong Mayors budget legislation still need to be followed, including the mayor’s introduction of the budget followed by council amendments, the mayoral veto period and council override process.
It’s possible not all steps may be necessary and council even voted previously to shorten some of the timelines (https://todaysnorthumberland.ca/2025/12/02/port-hope-mayor-working-collaboratively-with-council-and-staff-to-prepare-2026-budget/)
The draft budget from staff came with a proposed tax levy increase of 3.42%. Hankivsky sought council’s support to reduce that number to 2.7% with the use of available Community Benefit Reserve Funds to offset costs associated with the remaining approved capital and operating projects, as identified through the 2026 budget process and subject to staff’s review. The motion passed unanimously.
…
Other amendments made during the special meeting earlier this week were:
Barrett Street Bridge
Moved by Councillor Attridge
Seconded by Councillor Holloway Wadhwani
That Council endorse the Mayor’s intention to direct staff to update the project description sheet for Project 3115 Barrett Street Footbridge Removal to reallocate funding for any necessary studies associated with removal and/or replacement of the infrastructure.
Carried unanimously
Community Care Northumberland
Moved by Mayor Hankivsky
Seconded by Councillor Mink
That Council endorse the Mayor’s intention to include $9,500 in the operating budget related to support for Community Care Northumberland.
Carried unanimously
Garden Hill Dam
Moved by Councillor Mink
Seconded by Councillor Attridge
That Council direct staff to work towards the timeline and funding for the Garden Hill Dam application process through the GRCA; and
That staff be directed to bring back information on options regarding potential next steps.
Carried unanimously
…
A second meeting planned for Thursday was cancelled as the amendments were complete.
At the end of the meeting, Hankivsky commented “how much I really appreciated bringing forward and participating in a collaborative process with my council on the budget.”
Deputy Mayor Adam Pearson, who was chairing the meeting, said “I think we all appreciate you allowing us.”
Tuesday’s council meeting is scheduled for 6:30 p.m. at town hall.
Author: Pete Fisher
Has been a photojournalist for over 30-years and have been honoured to win numerous awards for photography and writing over the years. Best selling author for the book Highway of Heroes - True Patriot Love
