Mayor Gary McNamara has proposed the Town of Tecumseh’s 2026 Proposed Business Plan and Budget, which includes a $58‑million capital program and a proposed 2.85% municipal levy increase. This is the first Tecumseh budget prepared under Ontario’s Strong Mayor powers — which took effect for the town on May 1, 2025 — giving the mayor greater control over budget preparation and creating new veto and override timelines.
If the Town of Tecumseh budget is approved, the average homeowner will see their municipal property taxes rise by about $69. Including County and education portions, the total property tax bill for an average home assessed at $275,000 would increase by roughly $103. Water and wastewater rates are also proposed to rise, with water up 3% and wastewater up 5% to fund lifecycle replacements and system upkeep.
The $58‑million capital investment emphasizes stormwater and servicing projects to support growth and reduce flooding risk. Major expenditures include $32.5 million for a stormwater solution in the Manning Road Special Policy Area (MRSPA) and upgrades under the Oldcastle Hamlet Stormwater Master Plan to address historic flooding concerns.
Residents will also see parks and transportation upgrades: the plan funds a splash pad and trail extension at Southfield Park, new washrooms and water features at Lakewood Park, and a 3.0‑metre multi‑use path for pedestrians and cyclists between Arlington and Kensington.
In an AM800 CKLW interview in January 2026, Mayor McNamara said he was confident the budget would pass, noting it balances critical infrastructure needs with taxpayers’ ability to pay. Council and the public can participate in the process: there is a public engagement period in mid‑January through early February and Council has about 30 days to propose amendments. Under the Strong Mayor process the mayor would have until Feb. 22 to veto any council amendments; Council would then have until Mar. 9 to seek a two‑thirds majority override. The Budget By‑law is scheduled for adoption on Mar. 24, 2026.
The full 2026 Proposed Business Plan and Budget is available on the Town’s website and Engage Tecumseh platform for review.
