Collingwood Town Council has officially adopted its 2026 budget, authorizing $198.4 million in total spending to support town infrastructure and daily municipal services. The budget, approved on January 16, 2026, includes a 2.43% municipal tax increase, which works out to about $61.90 more per year for the median home assessed at $352,000 by the Municipal Property Assessment Corporation. When combined with education and County of Simcoe taxes, residents will see a total blended tax increase of 2.39%.
The spending plan is divided into two primary categories. An operating budget of $71 million is dedicated to maintaining essential daily services and programs for the community. Meanwhile, a capital budget of $127 million is focused on infrastructure improvements, including equipment, facilities, and roads. These investments are largely driven by the town’s ongoing population growth, which is projected to reach 42,000 residents by 2051.
Several major projects are prioritized in the 2026 capital spending. The town has allocated $62.2 million for the expansion of the water treatment plant, a project supported by a $70 million grant from the Ontario Government. Other key investments include $15.2 million for the widening of Mountain Road, $12.9 million for wastewater treatment plant upgrades, $8.9 million for the Stewart Road reservoir, and $3.76 million for improvements at Wilson-Sheffield Park.
This is the first time the town has developed a budget under the province’s strong mayor powers, with Mayor Yvonne Hamlin issuing the initial budget directive on December 18, 2025. While the final version of the budget was approved by council in an 8-1 vote on January 16, 2026, Mayor Hamlin cast the sole dissenting vote. Despite her authority under the new provincial framework, the Mayor opted not to use her power to veto the council-approved amendments.
The full 2026 budget document, which outlines the town’s financial planning, is currently available for public review through the Town of Collingwood website.
