Media Release - 2026 Draft Budget

Grey Highlands, ON: Mayor Paul McQueen has released the 2026 Draft Budget, outlining targeted operating adjustments and a substantial capital program designed to maintain essential services and advance priority projects in the community’s 10-year capital plan.

The draft proposes a total levy of $20,274,116 for 2026, representing a blended rate increase of 6.3%.

Grey Highlands now operates under Ontario’s Strong Mayors, Building Homes Act, 2022 framework. Under O. Reg. 530/22, the Mayor prepares and proposes the annual municipal budget, initiating a statutory process which includes a 30-day review/amendment period, a 10 day Mayoral veto window, and a 15 day member override period, which Grey Highlands Council opted to shorten to 4 days. The Mayor’s responsibility to propose the budget cannot be delegated to Council or staff. 

Capital Investment Highlights for 2026
The 2026 capital program totals $21,810,460, funded through a mix of levy, reserves, development charges, grants/recoveries, OCIF/CCBF, and debentures aligned to the Asset Management Plan. 

Notable projects include: 

• Grader replacement, tandem plow replacement, backhoe loader, and attachments to sustain winter operations and roads maintenance.
• $247,720 in support of Fire Fighting including cancer prevention
• Waste shredder at Markdale Landfill supporting waste diversion operations.
• $4.7 million in road repair and reconstruction work
• $2.45 million in bridge replacement, repair, and engineering
• $7.587 million for the Markdale Connecting Link project, pending approval of a provincial grant in the amount of $5 million.
• Recreational projects, including Phase 1 of the King Edward Park Master Plan, Stothart Hall Accessibility Project, Osprey Arena Dasherboard System and Ice Resurfacer, and Flesherton Pickleball Courts, are approved contingent on confirmation of funding sources in 2026.

The capital levy calculation references a base 2025 capital levy of $2,490,966, adding 4.5% ($810,000) per the Asset Management Plan, with an additional contribution of $238,732. These elements collectively position Grey Highlands to deliver critical infrastructure and maintain service reliability over the plan horizon.

“This year’s draft budget balances responsible governance with the urgent need to invest in our core infrastructure,” says Mayor McQueen. “With the Strong Mayor’s budget process, I’ve put forward a plan that keeps roads, bridges, water and wastewater systems on track, supports community facilities, and aligns with our 10-year capital strategy. I look forward to budget discussions throughout January and hearing from residents as we move through the timeline set out by the legislation.”

What’s Next and How to Engage
The draft budget documents, meeting videos, timelines, and contacts can be found 
at connectgreyhighands.ca/budget.

The first budget meetings are scheduled for Monday, January 12, 2026 @ 10 am and Wednesday, January 14, 2026 @ 10 am. All meetings are hybrid meaning you can attend in person or online.

Residents are encouraged to review the draft materials and send comments and feedback to Council at council@greyhighlands.ca