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Town funding focuses on completing in-progress projects; provincially determined OPP contract cost brings estimated total impact to 3.4%

A municipal budget is more than numbers on a page. It’s a roadmap for our community’s shared future. The proposed 2026 Town of Orangeville Budget focuses on investing in what matters by protecting the everyday services that shape quality of life in Orangeville. With a modest Town-controlled increase of 1.99 per cent, the budget supports ‘finishing what we’ve started’ by advancing critical in-progress projects, ensuring proper funding is available for existing services and planning responsibly for growth.

From well-maintained roads and parks to reliable and engaging recreation services, to transit, traffic lights, pipes and safe drinking water, it all matters. Rooted in our vision of a dynamic future inspired by our historic charm, the 2026 budget reflects a commitment to stability, transparency and the long-term value residents and business deserve.

Breaking down the numbers

In 2025, the economic trends changed often due to tariffs and inflation, impacting many sectors, including the municipal sector. A strong budget balances these challenges with the service expectations of its community and the investments required for growth and development.

The draft budget, which proposes a 3.4 per cent total tax impact, will be reviewed by council on December 1. The budget increase is a combination of two factors:

  • Town-run services impact: 1.99 per cent (controlled by the Town)
  • Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) services: 1.36 per cent (controlled by the Province)

For the average home, this would mean about $10 more per month in property taxes.

The Town will receive growth assessment details from the Municipal Property Association Corporation (MPAC) on December 9. The tax impact will be updated once that information is confirmed.

Investing in what matters

This year’s budget is guided by the idea of finishing what has been started, maintaining safe and reliable community services and planning responsibly for growth. The town is doing this by investing in assets, planning systems and processes:

  • The Town continues to address its infrastructure backlog, creating a consistent and sustainable strategy to renew, repair and maintain assets focusing on extending their lifespans.
  • Long-term financial planning is helping the Town to make evidence-based decisions ensuring investments, debt repayment and projects that prepare for future growth are being made at the right time using the right assets.
  • Divisions continue to find efficiencies and ways to improve service.

Only projects deemed necessary were introduced for 2026.

Policing costs and the budget impact

The Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) budget is estimated at $6.8 million, an 11 per cent increase from 2025. Final billing details weren’t available when the budget was prepared, but the Ministry of the Solicitor General confirmed increases will be capped at 11 per cent.

Even at the capped amount, OPP costs remain below the $8.4 million spent on local policing in 2020, with the gap widening further when inflation is considered. Most municipalities, including those with their own police services, are facing inflationary pressures. The transition to OPP continues to generate savings in Orangeville.

Enhancing community spaces, infrastructure

Completing projects that significantly improve the lives of our community is key in 2026. From the services we depend on to the spaces where we live, work and play, work continuing in the new year includes:

  • Rotary Park upgrade project: starting with installation of the new playground, the project will give our community improved spaces to play, explore and compete.
  • New water storage tank: with construction of the new storage tank completed in 2025, the tank will be brought online in 2026. This facility will help meet increased demand and strengthen the reliability of our water supply.
  • Active transportation corridor: starting in early 2026, the Town continues to prepare for the development of the town-wide trail system that offers an accessible, active way for people to get around and enjoy the community.
  • New transit buses: Orangeville Transit has ordered two new transit buses, with expected delivery in late 2026. An additional bus is proposed as part of the 2026 budget. The new buses will help create consistency, support greater accessibility and improve services for transit riders.
  • New fire hall construction: the 2026 budget includes an additional council-approved $745,662 to bring the total investment to support the $26.5 million needed to build the new facility.

Dates to remember

  • December 1: the draft 2026 budget is presented by staff to council and the public
  • December 9: Capital budget deliberation
  • December 10: Operating budget deliberation and consolidated budget approval

Get involved

Members of council are always interested in hearing feedback from the Orangeville community. Residents and business owners can provide feedback on the proposed 2026 Town of Orangeville Budget by contacting councillors directly, delegating to council or by attending council in-person and asking a question during the open forum.

To find out more on speaking at a council meeting or appearing as a delegation visit orangeville.ca/SpeakUp

Attend or watch a council meeting live

Members of the public can attend council meetings at Town Hall or view them virtually by watching live at orangeville.ca/YouTube.

More information

Interested in learning more about the budget or viewing the full draft budget document? Visit orangeville.ca/budget. For specific budget-related questions email [email protected].

Comments

Lisa Post, mayor, Town of Orangeville

“Town staff faced a significant challenge this year, finding a balance between meeting our community’s growing needs, infrastructure pressures and keeping costs manageable for taxpayers. Staff approached every decision with our community in mind. In a time of financial uncertainty, this proposed budget lays out a plan that is both practical, responsible and focused on the long-term well-being of Orangeville.”

David Smith, chief administrative officer, Town of Orangeville

“Affordability continues to guide the Town’s long-term financial planning. Like a homeowner deciding what repairs to move forward with now and what can wait, or where to reduce costs on groceries, the Town has taken a practical, strategic approach to using taxpayer dollars responsibly, making each dollar stretch as much as possible. The 2026 proposed budget is about planning responsibly and investing wisely in what matters. Staff have worked hard with council’s guidance to develop a modest budget that accomplishes these goals.”