Council Adopts 2026 Budget

The approved budget includes a 3% increase to the Township portion of property taxes. With the County confirming a 2.46% increase and no change to the Education rate, the blended property tax increase for 2026 is approximately 2.5%.

For the average household, this represents an estimated annual increase of approximately $67. Assessment growth of 0.71% helped offset levy pressures.

Property taxes collected are distributed as follows:

• 55.79% Township
• 33.21% County
• 11.00% Education

Mayor Tory Deschamps reflected on the progress made over the past four years as Council adopted the 2026 Budget.

“This budget reflects a Council that has spent its full term pushing hard to close our infrastructure gap, strengthen our recreation facilities, and protect the services our residents rely on. Staff once again delivered a clear, disciplined, and community‑driven budget that responds to the direction Council set and meets the needs we hear across Edwardsburgh Cardinal. With a responsible municipal increase and steady leadership at every level, we’re moving forward with major road improvements, the new splash pad in Spencerville, and the ongoing work of maintaining and improving our facilities. I’m proud of the commitment this Council team has shown over the last four years, and grateful to staff for bringing forward another budget that keeps our township moving in the right direction.”

Mayor Tory Deschamps

Budget priorities and process

The 2026 Budget was developed through pre-budget discussions in the fall, followed by detailed capital and operating reviews and a consolidated presentation in February.

The final plan:

• Maintains existing municipal service levels
• Addresses current operational pressures
• Supports implementation of the Township’s Strategic Plan
• Protects long-term financial sustainability

This process allowed Council to carefully balance infrastructure investment with affordability for residents.

2026 Budget overview

The 2026 Budget reflects the following key financial figures:

• Total Operating Budget: $11.6 million
• Total Capital Budget: $1.9 million

The operating budget includes $1.26 million in transfers to reserves, reinforcing the Township’s commitment to long-term financial sustainability and future capital planning.

Property taxation accounts for approximately 60% of municipal operating revenue, with the remainder coming from user fees, operating grants, transfers from reserves, and other revenue sources.

Key capital investments in 2026

The 2026 capital program reflects Council’s commitment to maintaining municipal assets and investing in infrastructure that serves residents across the Township.

Notably, 2026 will see the construction of a brand-new splash pad in Spencerville, expanding recreational amenities for local families.

Planned capital investments include:

• Side-by-side 4x4 vehicle to support municipal operations
• Spencerville Library ramp improvements to enhance accessibility
• Cardinal ball diamond backstop replacement
• Construction of a new community splash pad in Spencerville
• Johnstown pool liner and coping and tile work
• Sidewalk plow to strengthen winter maintenance operations
• Waterfront cleanup initiatives
• Building rehabilitation projects
• Asphalt overlay on 2,725 metres of roadway (Pittston Road East)
• Microsurfacing preservation on 1,556 metres of roadway

Additional projects, including waterfront washroom upgrades and a new Spencerville play structure, remain contingent on securing external grant funding.