Grey Highlands has approved its 2026 budget with a 5.9 per cent blended tax increase.
A release from the municipality says it includes a total municipal levy of $20,151,616.
A January 26th report says that works out to roughly $84 a year per $100,000 in residential assessment.
The 2026 capital program totals approximately $21.8 million, supported through a mix of tax funding, reserves, development charges, grants, provincial and federal
funding, and debentures.
Key investment areas include:
• Road repair and reconstruction projects across the municipality
• Bridge replacement, rehabilitation, and engineering
• Equipment replacement to support winter operations and roads maintenance
• Fire services equipment and firefighter cancer prevention initiatives
• Waste diversion improvements at the Markdale Landfill
• Recreation and community facility projects, subject to confirmation of
funding sources
Mayor Paul McQueen says in a statement, “The strong mayor budget framework establishes defined roles and timelines, but it also includes checks, balances, and opportunities for Council input and public scrutiny,” adding, “The final 2026 budget reflects that process and the decisions made within it, with a continued focus on financial responsibility and long-term sustainability.”
It’s Grey Highlands’ first ‘Strong Mayor’ budget, and following the release of the Mayor’s proposed budget on January 5th, Council participated in the legislated 30 day amendment period and approved a series of amendments.
Mayor Paul McQueen exercised his authority to veto one Council amendment related to capital works funding. The vetoed amendment proposed that Road 170 (WBL to Durham Road B) be downgraded to a gravel surface at a cost of $163,019.
At the February 18, 2026 Council meeting, councillors had the opportunity to override the Mayor’s veto with a majority vote but did not achieve the required majority to override the Mayor’s veto.
The municipality says, as a result, Road 170 will remain a hard surface.