2026 Mayor's Budget

We want your input! Share your thoughts on Township services and help guide how we allocate resources next year. Let us know your priorities and ideas, and you can directly influence decisions about community services, infrastructure, and programs.

What We’d Like to Know

Which services matter most to you (e.g. parks, roads, public safety)?
Where do you think we should invest more, and where could we scale back?
Are there any new initiatives you’d like to see funded?

Why Your Voice Matters

Decisions about how time and money are spent affect everyday life in our community. By taking a few minutes to complete this survey, you help us make better choices and ensure our financial plan truly reflects your priorities.

Timeline

We’re collecting input now through August 15, 2025. After that, we’ll draft a proposed financial plan incorporating what we hear from you. That plan will be shared in fall 2025 for further review and discussion by Council, along with the survey results.

What We’d Like to Know

Which services matter most to you (e.g. parks, roads, public safety)?
Where do you think we should invest more, and where could we scale back?
Are there any new initiatives you’d like to see funded?

Why Your Voice Matters

Timeline

2026 Mayor’s Budget Focuses on Infrastructure and Technology Investments

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Georgian Bluffs had a special meeting to review the 2026 Mayor’s Budget today, the first to be presented under Ontario’s Strong Mayor powers. The proposed budget outlines a 4.76% municipal tax rate increase, staying under the 5% target set by Council earlier this year.
“This budget continues to reflect our commitment to strong financial management, investment in our community, and transparent governance,” said Mayor Sue Carleton. “In this budget you’ll see a focus on our infrastructure needs, alignment with our Corporate Strategic Plan, and continued investment in the core services that matter most to our residents.”
The 2026 budget includes $28.4 million in operating and capital expenditures, supported by a $14.5 million tax levy. Major projects underway in 2026 include:
- $2.2 million for reconstruction of 14th Street West, a key transportation route
- $2 million for Main Street Bridge, preparing for future replacement
- $1.5 million for the Township’s Hard Surface Preservation Program, supporting road maintenance and safety
- $1.65 million for parks and recreational facility upgrades, extending facility lifespan and improving health, safety, and accessibility, supported by a Community Sports and Recreation Infrastructure Fund grant.
The budget also includes investments in new software, community facilities, addressing additional brushing needs related to Emerald ash borer, and environmental initiatives, along with a one-time contribution to support the Township’s 25th anniversary celebration in 2026.
For the average single-family home assessed at $300,000, this equates to an annual increase of approximately $101.
The 2026 Mayor’s Budget process kicked off on November 7, 2025. Under the Strong Mayor framework, Council has 30 days to propose amendments. If no changes are made, the budget will be deemed adopted on December 8, 2025.
The Township is hosting a Budget Open House on Tuesday, November 18, 2025, from 12:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. at the Township Office. Everyone is encouraged to attend, ask questions, and provide feedback for 2026.
2025 Tax Dollar Breakdown

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Ever wonder how your property taxes are used? For every $1 collected, about a third goes to Grey County, which provides services like long-term care, social services, affordable housing, and maintenance of County roads and infrastructure. About 12% supports our local schools, while the other half stays here in Georgian Bluffs to support Township services.
A large portion of that is focused on maintaining and upgrading roads, bridges, and other critical infrastructure, from annual plowing and grading programs through the Community and Environmental Services Budget, to major bridge reconstructions through Capital Reserves. These are the behind-the-scenes investments that keep our community connected and running smoothly.