In December, 2025, Pembroke City Council advanced its draft 2026 operating and capital budget, approving a 6.99% tax levy increase that will add about $238 to the average homeowner’s property tax bill in Pembroke, Ontario. Council reduced the levy from an initial 7.89% by applying a 0.9% stabilization adjustment to ease the impact on residents while addressing a $4-million infrastructure funding gap.
The extra $238 breaks down to roughly $68 for capital infrastructure, $65 for city operations, $25 for Ontario Provincial Police costs and $80 for county and shared services such as paramedics and social services.
Key projects in the 2026 plan include planning and design work for the Pembroke Area Community Centre ice pad, installation of a new dehumidifier at the Kinsmen Pool and continued reconstruction of Isabella Street’s roads and underground utilities.
The draft budget is now in the Strong Mayor veto window under Ontario’s Strong Mayor powers and will return for final approval on January 22, 2026. Residents can review the budget and share feedback at a public meeting on January 13 at 6 p.m. in Council Chambers at City Hall.
