In Collingwood, Ontario, on December 18, 2025, Mayor Yvonne Hamlin tabled the 2026 Municipal Budget Statement under Ontario’s Strong Mayor powers, according to the town’s budget portal. The draft proposes a 2.44 per cent base property tax increase with an optional additional two per cent of discretionary items, setting the town’s fiscal direction amid constrained assessment growth.
The plan outlines $74.2 million in operating expenses and significant capital investments, including a $200,000 boost for affordable housing and reserves for a new multi-use recreation facility. It also aims to make progress toward closing a $15 million annual infrastructure funding gap identified by Jennifer Graham, Director, Finance/Treasurer, in her asset management reporting.
Homeowners can expect the 2.44 per cent increase to add about $82.57 to the annual tax bill on a median-valued property, with the extra two per cent bringing the total closer to 4.44 per cent, according to CollingwoodToday. Residents provided feedback at a public open house (“Coffee with Council”) on November 19, 2025.
Council has a 30-day window, until mid-January 2026, to propose amendments to the Mayor’s tabled budget. Final approval is expected after that review period — likely in late January or early February 2026 — depending on council scheduling. Under the new rules, the mayor may veto council amendments unless two-thirds of council votes to override the veto.
In a town statement, Mayor Hamlin said the budget process will remain “familiar, transparent, and inclusive” despite greater central authority, aiming to balance rising service delivery costs with community needs for housing and infrastructure. Councillors will debate her priorities at upcoming committee meetings before council’s final vote.
