Durham Regional Council sets the vision for the 2026 Budget

Whitby, ON – Durham Regional Council has approved the 2026 Property Tax Supported Business Plans and Budget Guideline, setting the vision for the 2026 budget. For the average homeowner, Regional property taxes will be capped at an increase of about $19 per month or an increase of 3.5 per cent on the overall property tax bill. Of this increase approximately nine dollars is for police services and $10 will fund other essential services across the region, including transit, housing, paramedic services and regional roads and bridges.

Similar to other municipalities, we are facing increased costs to deliver existing services as well as demand for increasing critical front line services and infrastructure to support our growing community while facing uncertainty due to the current economic environment (i.e. inflation and tariffs) and a growing need for provincial and federal funding. Setting the budget guideline is an important first step in the annual budget process. In developing the 2026 budget all opportunities for cost savings, efficiencies and non-property tax revenue sources are being explored with the final budget coming forward for Regional Council’s consideration in December.

The next critical part of the 2026 budget process is to invite residents to help shape the 2026 Budget. Stay tuned for details about the Budget Town Hall this fall. Learn more about the Region’s budget, share your ideas and priorities for the upcoming budget, register for the Town Hall, watch the event live, and subscribe for updates at yourvoice.durham.ca/budget.

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“The Region is committed to deliver and maintain safe, reliable and financially sustainable services for our residents. We are proud to continue to invest in the Regional services that drive our community, and we will continue to work to ensure that Durham Region remains the best place to call home.”

– Nancy Taylor, Commissioner of Finance, Region of Durham

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