Brantford City Council in Ontario has officially confirmed the final 2026 budget, setting a property tax increase of 4.24 per cent for local residents. The City of Brantford expects this decision will cost the average homeowner about $166 more this year to fund major construction projects and daily city services.
The city plans to spend roughly $225.2 million on daily operations and $165.4 million on long-term building. A major highlight is the start of building a new $152-million Sports and Entertainment Centre in 2026, which is expected to be finished by 2028. The city is also doubling its spending on fixing roads after hearing from residents that better pavement is a top priority.
The final tax increase is a reduction from the 5.81 per cent hike originally suggested by city staff in late 2025. Mayor Kevin Davis used special powers to lower the rate and put a $4.3 million refund from workplace insurance toward a new savings account. This reserve fund is meant to keep tax increases steady over the next five years.
While the budget includes money to run the new Shellard Lane Library Branch, some other projects have been put on hold. The city decided to pause building more splash pads to focus on more urgent needs like road repairs. Residents can see detailed spending lists by using a new online tool called OpenBook on the city website.
