The United Counties of Leeds and Grenville Council approved its 2026 budget on Thursday, February 19, 2026, which includes a 2.46 per cent property tax rate increase for residents across its 10 member municipalities. This decision sets aside $160.5 million for total spending to support local services and major construction projects throughout the region.
For a typical non-waterfront home in the counties valued at $234,000, the increase means owners will pay approximately $25.95 more on the county portion of their tax bill this year. According to the United Counties of Leeds and Grenville, the government will collect $56.3 million from property owners to fund its daily operations and local services.
A large part of the budget is dedicated to building and fixing local infrastructure, with $40.4 million set aside for capital projects. The biggest task for the year is finishing the expansion of County Road 43 in Kemptville to four lanes on the two-kilometre section between Colonnade Drive and County Road 44.
The budget also supports the transition to the new G. Tackaberry and Family Home in Athens. This facility will provide 192 beds for seniors, which is a significant increase from the 60 beds available at the previous Maple View Lodge site in that community.
Warden Corinna Smith-Gatcke and local officials noted that the plan focuses on keeping services stable while the population grows. This “stability budget” aims to maintain roads and care facilities before the local municipal elections take place in October 2026.
