Starting on Monday, January 19, I will be presenting City Council with the proposed 2026 operating and capital budgets. These budgets will guide the work of the City over the next year and kick off several nights of budget presentations, discussions and deliberations before the budget is finalized.
So, what can Kingston residents expect over the next year?
First and foremost, this budget stays true to my commitment to keep Kingston’s property tax increase among the lowest of all other large cities in the province. I know many people are struggling with the rising cost of living, and that was front of mind throughout this process. We’ve worked incredibly hard to find savings and efficiencies, while safeguarding frontline services and making the necessary investments to keep our City moving.
This year, the total property tax increase comes in at 3.75 per cent. More than half of that increase stems from the rising costs of emergency services – like Fire and Police – that are necessary to keep our community safe and secure.
A big emphasis on this year’s budget is on road repair. I’ve increased the roads budget significantly, allocating $75M to road repair and rehabilitation, which is the most money we’ve ever put into fixing roads in a given year.
To address the ongoing homelessness and mental health and addiction crises, the budget includes more than $10M for new affordable and supportive housing, along with funding for the new Special Constable program to help ensure our public spaces remain safe and welcoming for everyone.
Investing in neighbourhoods is another key priority. This budget includes $1.7M for neighbourhood parks, along with additional funding for Transit to continue the new service to Westbrook and Providence Care Hospital, as well as more frequent service to Amherstview – especially important once their new pool facility opens later this year. And speaking of pools, the capital budget also includes funding to move forward with the addition of a new pool at the INVISTA Centre, with construction expected to begin in 2027.
For a full breakdown of the proposed budget and to stay informed as it moves through Council, visit the City’s website for details and updates.