The Municipality of Lakeshore has tabled its draft budget for 2026 with a four per cent increase in the property tax rate.
The increase amounts to about $76 more a year.
The total tax levy will rise by $2.1-million from last year to $44.6-million.
The budget projects total expenditures next year will be $65.7-milllion, a $1.6-million increase from 2024, without water and wastewater rates.
The spending plan includes $34.3-million for capital projects, which include the new Stoney Point Wastewater Treatment Plant, intersection improvements at Amy Croft Drive and Manning Road, and reconstruction plans for Wallace Road.
A total of $28.5-million will be added to reserves, while the municipality expects to utilize $44.3-million from the same envelope.
Also in the budget, $892,000 for the Ontario Provincial Police contract, and $716,000 in contractual salary increases.
The budget cites a number of challenges facing municipalities, including the continued postponement of the municipal property assessments across Ontario, which means the tax base remains based on 2016 property values.
Tariffs, meanwhile, are driving up costs for municipalities. Lakeshore expects tariffs on steel, aluminum, fuel, construction components, imported equipment, and technology will drive up the cost of infrastructure projects, fleet replacements, and contracted services.
The province has also transferred responsibility for stormwater, wastewater, and water main infrastructure to municipalities.
Last year, Lakeshore councillors approved a budget with a 2.91 per cent increase.
Budget deliberations are set for December 4, and if necessary, December 5.
