The big numbers have been finalized for 2026 in Stirling-Rawdon
At a Special Meeting held on February 17, 2026, Council approved the Township’s 2026 Operating and Capital Budget.
The 2026 Budget includes a general municipal levy of $7,635,526, which represents a 5.4% increase to the Township portion of the tax rate.
When the Township increase is combined with the Education tax rate and the estimated County of Hastings tax rate, the impact on a home with an average assessment of $230,693 is approximately $210 per year, or about $17.50 per month.
This year’s budget reflects the continued pressure of rising operating costs including wages and benefits and OPP costs of 11%, infrastructure renewal needs, and long–term asset management requirements. As noted in the 2026 announcement regarding major infrastructure investments, Council remains focused on upgrading aging infrastructure, maintaining essential services, and preparing the community for approved and future growth.
The 2026 plan includes:
•Ongoing rehabilitation of roads, bridges, and municipal facilities
•Continued investment in water, wastewater, and stormwater systems
•Maintaining service levels in protective, environmental, and community services
•Long–term capital planning to ensure financial sustainability.
Further work on long–term capital planning an addition to building reserves will continue to be the focus of Council and staff in the coming years.
Council carefully considered affordability while balancing the realities of inflation, regulatory requirements, and the cost of maintaining municipal infrastructure.
Water Financial Plan and 2026 Water & Wastewater Rates
At its Regular Meeting on February 17, 2026, Council also reviewed and accepted the Township’s updated Water Financial Plan, as required under Ontario Regulation 453/07.
The plan outlines the long–term financial sustainability of the municipal drinking water system.
Council received the 2026 Water and Wastewater Rate Study prepared by Watson & Associates and approved the recommended rates.
For 2026, the combined water and wastewater rates will increase by 4.4%, made up of:
• An 8% increase to water rates
• A 1.5% increase to wastewater rates
The rate structure remains unchanged, with the first 24 cubic metres (m³) per quarter included in the base charge.
Council also approved the 2026 Water and Wastewater Budget. The budget is fully funded through user rates and nets to zero. It includes both daily operating costs and planned capital work required to maintain and improve the Township’s systems.
These investments build on the infrastructure improvements announced in 2025 and support the long–term reliability and sustainability of Stirling–Rawdon’s water and wastewater services.
Council remains committed to responsible financial management while continuing to provide reliable municipal services to the residents of Stirling–Rawdon.
Mayor Mullin expressed his appreciation for the thorough budget presentations and thanked staff for their hard work in preparing a financial plan that keeps the impact on residents as manageable as possible. He noted that Council recognizes the financial pressures facing households and is pleased with the efforts made to balance necessary investments with affordability.
