Brantford Mayor Kevin Davis released the city’s proposed 2026 Mayor’s Budget on January 12, outlining a reduction to the previously proposed property tax increase while maintaining municipal services and increasing investment in road infrastructure.
The proposed budget reduces the overall property tax increase from 5.81 per cent, as outlined in the staff budget presented in December 2025, to 4.22 per cent, including external agencies.
The city-controlled portion of the increase would be reduced from 5.17 per cent to 2.6 per cent.
According to the city, the revised budget reflects $3.63 million in savings and adjustments without eliminating core services.
For the average residential property owner, the annual tax increase would decrease from $229.02 to $166.26, representing savings of more than $61 compared to the original proposal.
The proposed budget maintains funding for public transit improvements and includes operational funding for the new Shellard Lane Library Branch.
The mayor said the budget also adopts a revised approach to revenue forecasting, citing a history of large operating surpluses.
Road conditions were identified as the top priority through the city’s 2026 Budget Engagement Campaign.
In response, the proposed budget doubles funding for road resurfacing, pauses the expansion of splash pad installations, and defers certain capital projects that cannot proceed due to external approvals.
The budget also allocates a one-time $4.3 million Workplace Safety and Insurance Board rebate to support human resources functions and establish a new Tax Stabilization Reserve, intended to help stabilize tax increases over the next five years.
A recommendation to reinstate annual Value for Money audits of select departments is also included.
City council may amend the proposed budget under the Strong Mayor provisions of the Municipal Act at a special meeting scheduled for January 21, 2026, when Mayor Davis is expected to formally present the budget and answer questions from council.
