Middlesex County Council has approved its 2026 budget, resulting in a 3.87 per cent increase to the County tax levy. The budget is designed to balance fiscal responsibility with the need to support essential services, infrastructure, and programs that residents depend on.
The 2026 budget totals approximately $201 million, including $170 million for operating costs and $27.2 million allocated to capital projects. It accounts for inflationary pressures, workforce and legislative obligations, and increasing service demands tied to population growth, while strengthening the County’s long-term financial sustainability.
Key investments focus on services with significant community impact. These include expanded EarlyON programs, a five-year extension of Middlesex Connect to preserve critical interregional transit service, and continued support for Community Improvement Plans aimed at downtown renewal, industrial development, and affordable housing. The budget also restores leadership at the Middlesex County Library to advance modernization, accelerates corporate records digitization ahead of the new Governance and Administration Centre, and enhances supports for community well-being, particularly for vulnerable populations.
For residential property owners, the 3.87 per cent increase translates to an additional $17.89 in County taxes for every $100,000 of assessed property value, based on MPAC assessments. Actual tax impacts will vary depending on individual assessments and municipal and education tax rates.
“This Budget is about investing in the things that matter most to our community while making responsible choices for the future. The 2026 Budget supports the essential services residents depend on, maintains critical infrastructure, and strengthens our financial foundation. We recognize the pressures facing our residents, and this approach ensures Middlesex County remains financially stable, resilient, and well positioned to meet the needs of a growing community today and in the years ahead.”
– Middlesex County Warden Sue Clarke
Written by: C. Soares