Durham Region Approves 2026 Property Tax Supported Business Plans and Budget Guideline

Strategic Insights -

The Regional Municipality of Durham has approved the 2026 Property Tax Supported Business Plans and Budget Guideline, setting the vision for the 2026 budget. The average homeowner can expect a property tax bill increase of 3.5 percent, or approximately $19 per month, with $9 going towards police services and $10 towards other essential services. The budget process aims to explore opportunities for cost savings, efficiencies, and non-property tax revenue sources to support the growing community while addressing uncertainty due to inflation and tariffs.

Key Takeaways:

  • The 2026 Property Tax Supported Business Plans and Budget Guideline has been approved by the Regional Municipality of Durham.
  • The average homeowner can expect a 3.5 percent increase in property taxes, approximately $19 per month.
  • The increase includes $9 for police services and $10 for other essential services, such as transit, housing, paramedic services, and regional roads and bridges.
  • The Regional Municipality of Durham is exploring opportunities for cost savings, efficiencies, and non-property tax revenue sources to support the growing community.
  • The 2026 budget will consider the economic environment, including inflation and tariffs, and the need for increased funding from the provincial and federal governments.
  • The budget process involves inviting residents to help shape the 2026 Budget through a Budget Town Hall event in the fall.
  • Residents can share their ideas and priorities, register for the Town Hall, watch the event live, and subscribe for updates at yourvoice.durham.ca/budget.

Statistics:

  • 3.5 percent: the expected increase in property taxes for the average homeowner.
  • $19: the approximate monthly increase in property taxes for the average homeowner.
  • $9: the amount allocated for police services in the property tax increase.
  • $10: the amount allocated for other essential services, such as transit, housing, paramedic services, and regional roads and bridges.
  • December: the expected month for the final 2026 budget to come forward for Regional Council's consideration.

Sources:

  • Durham Regional Council (news release, date not specified)
  • Region of Durham (Commissioner of Finance, Nancy Taylor, quote, date not specified)