This budget represents the first time operating under the Strong Mayor, Building Homes Act, 2022 (Bill 3) and the corresponding budget powers and process. Under the Strong Mayors Powers, the responsibility for preparing and presenting the municipal budget rests with the mayor, supported by staff under the Chief Administrative Officer’s leadership.
The 2026 budget was adopted with a 4.9 percent municipal levy increase. With the County of Northumberland approving a 3.77 percent levy increase for 2026, the combined impact on the average property tax bill will be an increase of 4.0 percent. For context, a residential property assessed at $400k will see an approximate increase of $13.04 monthly, or $156.51 annually. An increase is necessary to continue providing services that residents rely on, while enhancing the current levels of service offered by the municipality.
Specific Mayoral Budget directives in the 2026 Municipal Budget include:
· Funding options and financing strategies for the new wastewater sewage treatment plant
· Incentives for volunteers participating in the Mayor’s Keep the County Clean Challenge – such as providing a sheet of garbage tags to each household with a volunteer
· Options to electrify and decarbonize the municipal fleet
· Options and plans for traffic calming and pedestrian safety, considering the Transportation Masterplan
· Financing strategies for the new fire and rescue infrastructure, including a training facility, a South Brighton sub-station, and a new Station #1 fire- ambulance base
· Road resurfacing and maintenance plans that meet and exceed established targets
· Identification of grant opportunities and funding sources through the provincial and federal governments, as well as organizations such as AMO and FCM (including the Green Municipal Fund)
· A tree canopy initiative for the community with plantings in both parks and along roadways
· Safety and security measures, including surveillance of public areas prone to vandalism
Municipal expenditures within the budget align with long-term strategic plans, including asset management and financial sustainability. Budget directives were established through a dedicated budget committee, consisting of the Mayor, CAO and Treasurer to oversee the development, with input from senior staff to gather departmental operational and capital priorities, and a public engagement Open
House on November 24, 2025.
To learn more about the 2026 Mayoral Budget and the process, please visit the Budget and Reporting page on our website.
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
