Town services account for 1.98% of the increase

The Town of Orangeville 2026 Budget represents more than numbers. It is the plan guiding the Town’s delivery of the programs, infrastructure and services its residents, businesses and visitors rely on every day. Adopted by council on December 10, the 2026 budget will continue essential daily services, advance important projects already underway and set the Town on a steady course for future growth and community well-being.

The 2026 budget moves forward with a modest 1.98 per cent Town-controlled increase. When combined with the provincially determined Ontario Provincial Police costs, the total tax impact related to municipal services comes to 3.33 per cent.

Along with municipal taxes, the Town of Orangeville also collects property taxes for Dufferin County and the education boards (either Catholic or Public). This means your annual property tax bill is a combined total of all three, with approximately 62 per cent of the total from the Town and 38 per cent from the county and school boards.

How the budget adds up

Municipal budgets require the careful and strategic balancing of cost pressures with community expectations. The adopted budget does this with financial stability and sustainability in mind; in 2026 it prepares for the continued rise of inflation and tariff pressures, addressing infrastructure needs and preserving the quality and reliability of Orangeville’s many services.

The adopted 3.33 per cent total tax impact is a combination of two parts:

  • Town-run services: 1.98 per cent (controlled by the Town)
  • Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) services: 1.35 per cent (controlled by the Province)

For the average home, this will mean slightly less than a $10 increase per month in property taxes.

Supporting community services and ongoing projects

In 2026, the Town will maintain reliable services and deliver key projects and community priorities that are already underway. Some of the planned projects and service enhancements include:

  • Rotary Park upgrades: the park’s redevelopment continues, starting with the installation of a new playground and forward motion to phases three and four of the project. These next steps will include sports amenities, trail connections, parking lots and lighting. The Town has also received $1.2 million in funding to support this project.
  • West sector reservoir: constructed in 1993, this reservoir has not undergone major maintenance in more than 25 years. Once the new storage tank at Well 5 is brought online, the reservoir will be able to be removed from service for these critical repairs, without a major impact on water supplies.
  • Expanded transit support: funding for an additional bus was approved in the 2026 budget (in addition to the two approved in 2025). The new buses are crucial to creating consistency, supporting greater accessibility and improving services for Orangeville Transit riders.
  • 2026 trail development plan: work continues on Orangeville’s active transportation network in 2026, which at completion will see the full trailway connected from Townline across to Veteran’s way. Initial steps include improvements to Mill Creek in the trailhead areas.

These investments, adopted by council, reflect a deliberate effort to support what matters most to our community: strong infrastructure, dependable services, greater mobility, public safety and quality of life.

The policing impact on the 2026 tax increase

This year, the policing increase from the province is in the range of $6.5 million, excluding a one-time adjustment from the province in 2025.  

Most municipalities, including those with their own police services, are facing inflationary pressures when it comes to policing costs. The transition to OPP continues to generate savings in Orangeville.

More information

Interested in reviewing the Town of Orangeville’s 2026 Budget or learning more about some of this year’s key projects? Visit orangeville.ca/budget.

Comments

Lisa Post, mayor, Town of Orangeville

This budget is the product of extensive work, months of rigorous review, thoughtful planning and deep collaboration. It reflects dedication of an incredible staff team and the collective commitment of this council. 

The final budget of this term is something that we should all be really proud of. It’s grounded in responsible priorities, finishing what we’ve already started and maintaining clear focus on the essential services that our residents rely on every day. It does something more than that too—it positions Orangeville for long-term financial sustainability, setting a foundation that supports resiliency, and that vision matters. It speaks to our shared values, our leadership and the future of the residents that we serve.

David Smith, chief administrative officer, Town of Orangeville

The relationship between staff and council is one that is rooted in trust, respect and a shared vision, making so much possible. We have that here in Orangeville, and it’s a wonderful thing. When we are all working together, we can accomplish great things. We stay focused on what matters—improving our services to the community, protecting our community now and into the future and keeping costs to a reasonable level.