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.
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.
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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.
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.
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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.

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.

Who's Listening
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Phone 519-376-2729 Email sbuchanan@georgianbluffs.ca -
Phone 519-376-2729 Email bdrury@georgianbluffs.ca
Lifecycle
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Survey Open
2026 Mayor's Budget has finished this stageThis survey is open for contributions until August 15th.
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Under Review
2026 Mayor's Budget has finished this stageContributions to this consultation are closed for evaluation and review.
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Survey Results and Business Plan Review
2026 Mayor's Budget has finished this stageStaff will present a report outlining the findings and comments received during the public input process, and will discuss the 2026 Business Plan and proposed projects.
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Draft Budget Presentation
2026 Mayor's Budget has finished this stageA draft 2026 Operating and Capital Budget will be presented, with an update on reserve and reserve fund balances, and 2025 projects.
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Budget Open House
2026 Mayor's Budget is currently at this stageNovember 18, 2025 from 12 p.m. to p.m.
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Final Budget Passed
this is an upcoming stage for 2026 Mayor's BudgetCouncil will approve the final 2025 Budget.
Documents
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October 22 2025 - Business Plan Strategic Session Slides (6.21 MB) (pdf)
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Special Meeting Agenda - 2026 Business Planning
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November 14 2025 - 2026 Mayors Budget Presentation.pdf (3.18 MB) (pdf)
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November 14 2025 Appendix A - Service Alignment Chart(1).pdf (24 KB) (pdf)
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November 14 2025 Appendix B - 2025 Project Status Update(1).pdf (117 KB) (pdf)
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November 14 2025 Appendix C - 2026 Project Summary.pdf (110 KB) (pdf)
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November 14 2025 Appendix D - Estimated Reserve and Reserve Fund Balances.pdf (114 KB) (pdf)