Looking ahead to 2026, we are entering a new chapter in local governance and financial planning. This year marks the first municipal budget developed under Ontario’s Strong Mayor Powers, and with it comes an opportunity to strengthen how we work together—Mayor, Council, staff, and the community—to shape the future of our Town.
In the spirit of openness and collaboration, Mayor Hamlin has issued a directive that ensures the budget process remains familiar, transparent, and inclusive. By continuing to involve Council and the public, the Town is committed to delivering a budget that reflects shared priorities, meets growing needs, and supports the goals outlined in our Community Based Strategic Plan.
“As usual the budget will be a collaborative process. I’m committed to working with Council, staff, and the community to make sure it reflects what matters to all of us. — We’re in this together,” says Mayor Hamlin.
The budget enables Council and staff to use our limited shared resources effectively, supporting us in achieving the community’s goals and by implementing informed changes and enhancing Town services. Every year, towns must create a budget that balances spending with keeping property taxes and fees affordable for residents, visitors, and businesses. While a town can borrow money for big projects, it still needs to have enough funds to run daily services. To make the budget work, the town must carefully review what services people expect and what level of taxes and fees are reasonable.
Treasurer, Jennifer Graham, provided an environmental scan and guidelines for the 2026 budget at Council on Monday evening, noting Municipalities are still dealing with ongoing inflation. Higher costs for construction, utilities, insurance, and contracts are raising the Town’s everyday expenses and the cost of major projects. This makes it more crucial than ever to prioritize the most essential needs.
Opportunities to learn more and participate:
September 20 – Budget Information Booth at the Collingwood Downtown Farmer’s Market. Taxes aren’t scary! Find out how they work in Collingwood and have a chance to influence the decisions! Come visit the Town booth to ask questions about the Budget Process and give your feedback on what the Town should focus on for the 2026 budget.
November 12 – Presentation of the Staff Directed Budget and Council workshop. Residents are encouraged to tune in and listen or attend in person. Subscribe to be notified of Council and Committee of the Whole Agendas.
November 19 - Residents are invited to attend Coffee with Council, where you can learn more about the proposed 2026 Budget requests and talk with Council and staff members in an informal format. (In-person and Virtual Options will be available)
November 24 - Council will receive the Mayor’s Proposed Budget, including any changes from the
Staff Directed Budget. Subscribe to be notified of Council and Committee of the Whole Agendas.
All the municipality's income is invested in programs and services that make Collingwood a very desirable place to live, work and play! The Town continues to work towards a service-based budget approach, which highlights the work that staff does and what the Town, through Council direction, aims to accomplish. There are many benefits to this approach, including:
- Having a clear understanding of what the current resources (human and financial) are delivering and to what level of service.
- Setting out and defining who can make what decisions.
- Allocating the resources effectively.
- Creating a framework to enable the creation and improvement of performance measures.
- Identifying best practices and efficiencies.
- Ensuring that there is no duplication of efforts and that the efforts are being conducted by the appropriate resources; and
- Being the framework for risk management analysis.
Residents are encouraged to follow along, attend, and participate in the budget process. Learn more at https://engage.collingwood.ca/2026budget.
Residents are also welcome to provide feedback in writing by emailing budget@collingwood.ca or dropping off a letter at Town Hall, 97 Hurontario Street.
Responsible Today, Resilient Tomorrow!