The water tower in Meaford. (image from Meaford council files)
The Municipality of Meaford’s 2026 budget has been deemed adopted as of February 6th, marking the first full budget cycle under Ontario’s Strong Mayors legislation.
Under the new process, Mayor Ross Kentner submitted the proposed budget directly to council following extensive collaboration with municipal staff. He says the plan remains focused on financial responsibility, transparency, infrastructure investment, and supporting continued community growth, while keeping the municipal tax increase under five percent.
The budget includes a municipal tax rate increase of 3.35 percent. For a home assessed at $273,000, that represents an increase of about $96 annually. The estimated blended increase, including county taxes, is 3.4 percent, or about $150 per year for the average home.
Key investments include $500,000 for harbour dredging, continued funding for road and bridge rehabilitation, and upgrades to municipal facilities and parks. The plan also supports projects such as the downtown harbourfront master plan, splash pad replacement, improvements to Leith Beach, and engineering work for the Beautiful Joe Park pedestrian bridge.
Other investments include:
- Celebrating the 25th Anniversary of Amalgamation through a series of popup events, a traveling exhibit, and a short film premiere at Meaford Hall this fall
- Implementing new financial software to expand online services for residents
- Launching a new municipal website to better showcase services and programs
- Investing $200,000 from reserves in the Downtown Harbourfront Master Plan
- Replacing the ramp and stairs at Woodford Hall
- Advancing the Lakeview Cemetery Fountains Refurbishment project
- Rehabilitating the Bognor Park Entrance
The municipality says the budget is designed to maintain essential services, ensure long-term financial sustainability, and invest in infrastructure needed to support Meaford’s growing population.