Council Amends 2026 Business Plan to Reduce Tax Increase

At its meeting on December 8, Saugeen Shores Council voted to amend the 2026 Business Plan, transferring $470,000 from the Tax Stabilization Reserve to reduce the proposed tax increase from 2.2% to 0.6%, excluding police. This adjustment reflects Council’s recognition of the financial pressures facing residents and aims to provide temporary relief from rising everyday expenses. 

The amended budget also includes a significant $19 reduction to the Waste Management Fixed Fee and the planned annual increase to the Future Infrastructure Special Levy of $49 for the average household.   

“Costs are rising for the Town, just as they are for residents and local businesses,” said Mayor Luke Charbonneau. “To help in the year ahead, Council has chosen to draw from our Tax Stabilization Reserve to reduce the municipal tax increase. This provides temporary relief from higher costs while we continue to invest responsibly in core services and infrastructure—building a community that makes life better for everyone.”  

When combined with Police, estimated Education, and County budgets, this change results in a blended tax rate increase of approximately 3.0%, or about $132 per average household. 

Highlights of the 2026 Business Plan: 

The Business Plan and budget will be deemed adopted on December 12, thirty days after it was introduced, under Ontario’s Strong Mayor Powers legislation. A by-law to implement the tax rates will be brought to the January 5, 2026 Council meeting. 

View the 2026 Business Plan to learn more about the municipal projects and initiatives planned for next year.