2026 Proposed Budget Now Available for Public Input

The 2026 Proposed Town Budget is now available for public review and input. The proposed budget includes the 2026 operating budget and a ten-year capital budget. The purpose of the proposed budget is to serve as a starting point for budget discussions with Council and members of the public. To review the 2026 Proposed Budget, please visit: www.thebluemountains.ca/budget. 

The 2026 staff-proposed draft base budget reflects the Town’s ongoing commitment to fiscal responsibility, service excellence and long-term sustainability. The proposed 2026 Budget manages current pressures, meets legislative obligations and lays the groundwork for thoughtful discussions on the funding requirements that will be identified in the forthcoming Asset Management Plan. In addition to the introduction of a $4 per bag garbage fee, anticipated to generate approximately $750,000 annually, the Town has implemented and identified several operational efficiencies that have contributed to achieving a 2.25% municipal levy increase, below Council’s 2.5% guideline.Key initiatives include:

• A new banking services agreement, reducing annual banking fees and increasing investment income by approximately $88,000 per year;
• The introduction of a corporate purchasing card (P-Card) program with no annual fees and rebate incentives (estimated at $10,000 annually) to streamline payments and reduce administrative costs; and
• A broader focus on process improvements, technology modernization, and service delivery efficiencies that reduce costs while maintaining or enhancing service levels for residents.

In addition, staff have identified further options that could be considered in future budget refinements to help reduce the overall tax burden. These include:

• Eliminating the municipally funded commercial Blue Box collection program, which would align with Ontario’s producer-responsibility framework and save approximately $180,000 annually; and
• Reducing the seasonal yard waste and Christmas tree collection schedule from eight to four weeks, potentially saving $75,000 annually.

These options have not yet been incorporated into the 2026 draft budget but remain available for Council’s consideration as part of the Town’s ongoing efforts to balance affordability for residents with sustainable service delivery.Recognizing the urgent need to improve long-term infrastructure funding, staff are further recommending an additional $345,000 transfer to the Asset Management Reserve. This represents a 1.5% levy impact, bringing the total staff proposed 2026 municipal levy increase to 3.72%.

Impact on the Average Taxpayer

This proposed draft base budget increase of 2.25% represents an estimated increase of $50.64 annually, or $4.22 per month. These numbers are based on the median assessed value of a home in The Blue Mountains as set by MPAC at $530,000.The staff recommended budget increase of 3.72%, which incorporates the recommended $345,000 contribution to the Asset Management Reserve, would see the median home have an increase of approximately $83.52 annually, or $6.96 per month. “Council will work closely with Town staff and engage with the public to ensure the budget reflects the needs of the entire community,” said Deputy Mayor Peter Bordignon. “By listening to residents, collaborating with staff and carefully reviewing options, Council is committed to delivering a budget that not only meets today’s priorities but also builds a strong and sustainable future for The Blue Mountains. This process is about finding the right balance. We will be protecting essential services, exploring efficiencies and planning responsibly for long-term growth and stability.”

Major InvestmentsThe 2026 Proposed Budget also includes a $90.6 million capital budget to support key infrastructure projects throughout the Town. Major investments proposed in the 2026 Capital Program include:

• $44.5 million in infrastructure capital projects, including: 
  • Craigleith/Mill Street Sewage Lift Station Upgrades and Forcemain construction ($29 million)
  • Thornbury West Phase 1A & B Reconstruction ($1.2 million)
  • Westside Water Storage and Distribution – Camperdown Pump Station Upgrades ($2.5 million)
  • Arrowhead Booster Pumping Station Upgrades ($3.5 million)
  • Lakewood Drive Reconstruction ($3.2 million)
  • Bridge, Culvert & Guiderail Program Phase 1 ($1.8 million)
  • Drainage Master Plan Capital Work ($1.3 million)
• $18.5 million in wastewater infrastructure investment which is essential to prevent environmental contamination, enhance efficiency, comply with regulatory standards and protect public health.  Major investment includes the Thornbury Wastewater Treatment Plant expansion and the Thornbury Wastewater Treatment Plant Outfall.
• $10 million towards the building of the new Craigleith Fire Hall.  This investment will significantly enhance public safety by improving emergency response times and providing better community coverage through increased capacity for personnel and modern firefighting equipment. 
• $2.4 million in water infrastructure investment to ensure a safe and reliable water supply, accommodate growth and protect public health and the environment.
• $2.4 million towards the renovations of the facility at 122 Hoffman Street facility to retrofit it for the Roads Division’s needs.  This will ensure efficient and effective road services, which will support future growth and development in the community.
• $1.2 million to replace the Fire Rescue Pumper.  Replacement of crucial emergency response vehicles ensures public safety service levels remain high.  A modernized truck also minimizes downtime and maintenance costs.
• $2 million in the Moreau Park enhancements, which benefit the community by encouraging physical activity and promoting social interaction.
• $2.5 million in the landfill expansion phase 2.  This investment will address future capacity needs, improve environmental management and increase operational efficiency. 
• $1.5 million in the asphalt replacement program investment to prolong asset lifecycle, optimize costs and preserve the road networks infrastructure.

Provide Your Input

The 2026 Proposed Town Budget is now available for public review and input. The proposed budget includes the 2026 operating budget, the ten-year capital budget and the 2026 proposed fees & charges. The purpose of the proposed budget is to serve as a starting point for budget discussions with Council and members of the public.To review the 2026 Proposed Budget, please visit: www.thebluemountains.ca/budget.

The budget was reviewed and deliberated by Council at meetings scheduled for the following dates:

• Tuesday, October 14, 2025, at 9:30 a.m.
• Wednesday, October 15, 2025, at 9:30 a.m.

The special budget meetings were conducted in person and were live-streamed, with a recording posted to the Town website following the meeting. 

Following the special budget meetings, Town staff will provide a report on October 20, 2025, with budget-related recommendations and request direction to proceed to the Public Meeting. 

The Public Meeting will be held on November 10, 2025. 

The public meeting provides the opportunity for residents to address Council directly or to submit an email or letter that will be read aloud by the Town Clerk.Following the public meeting, Town Staff will then bring a report to the Committee of the Whole on Monday, November 17, 2025, outlining the public’s comments from the Public Meeting. 

Following this meeting, any further changes will be incorporated into the 2026 Budget for Council approval, which is expected to occur on Monday, December 1, 2025.Residents are encouraged to participate and share feedback with Council throughout the budget process. 

To learn about how to participate at a meeting or how to provide comments, please contact the Town Clerk or visit www.thebluemountains.ca/participate.To learn more about the Town’s annual budget process, including key dates for the 2026 Budget process, please visit: www.thebluemountains.ca/budget.For more information, please contact:Monica Quinlan

Director of Corporate & Financial Services

(519) 599-3131 ext. 231Corrina Giles

Town Clerk

(519) 599-3131 ext. 232