Collingwood, ON [18 December, 2025] – Today, I am issuing the Town of Collingwood’s 2026 Municipal Budget under the authority of the Strong Mayor power.
This is my first budget as Mayor under the Strong Mayor legislation. While that legislation gives the Mayor additional authority, my priority was to keep this budget collaborative and shaped by Council, staff, and community input.
I was also clear that residents need stability. Families and businesses are feeling the pressure, which is why our tax increase in 2026 is limited to 2.39%. For the median assessed home in Collingwood, this means a total annual increase of approximately $62 in 2026.
This budget reflects a balanced and forward-looking approach. It prioritizes public health and safety, core infrastructure renewal, recreation and culture, and responsible growth, while continuing to protect affordability for residents and businesses.
Significant investments are being made in parks, recreation, and culture, including advancing a Parks and Trails Master Plan, completing key community spaces such as Wilson-Sheffield Park, Dry Dock Junction, and the Outdoor Rink Roof, and improving accessibility and service at our museum. We are also proud to continue delivering 26 free community events, strengthening connection and inclusion, while advancing feasibility work for a future Arts Centre and Multi Use Recreation Facility (MURF).
Infrastructure remains a top priority. The 2026 Budget continues construction of the new Water Treatment Plant, advances water tower upgrades, and delivers a major road resurfacing program impacting more than 30 road sections. We are also beginning the Sixth Street renewal, including full underground service and improved active transportation, ensuring our infrastructure keeps pace with growth and climate realities.
In transportation and stormwater management, the budget completes the Stormwater Management Master Plan and the Mobility and Transportation Plan, and enhances funding for trail maintenance, supporting safe and active movement throughout the community.
Critical investments are also being made in water and wastewater services, including launching the Wastewater Treatment Plant Expansion Class Environmental Assessment, undertaking watermain condition assessments, and evaluating sanitary sewer conditions to improve reliability and reduce inflow and infiltration.
Public safety is strengthened through Fire Services, with enhanced fire prevention education and the arrival of two new fire trucks in 2026.
The budget also supports planning, economic development, and housing, including sustainable tourism, modernization of our economic development framework, continued funding for the Small Business Enterprise Centre and Georgian Bay Accelerator, and strong advancement of affordable housing initiatives with tangible unit gains. Downtown vibrancy remains a priority, including improvements to cleanliness and planning for the future open space at 84 Hurontario Street.
Across corporate services, we are advancing accessibility through an updated Multi-Year Accessibility Plan, continuing momentum on Terminals Point, and ensuring the efficient and transparent delivery of municipal and school board elections which take place in October 2026.
This budget incorporates feedback from Council and the community and reflects collaboration across the organization. We have worked hard to protect core services while making thoughtful, long-term choices.
This past weekend, during the boil water advisory, we were reminded of what makes Collingwood special: neighbours helping neighbours and a community that looks out for one another.
This budget reflects that spirit: taking care of today, planning responsibly for tomorrow, and protecting what we have built together.
Thank you to staff and Council for their hard work and collaboration.
Yvonne Hamlin
Mayor
Additional Information on the Budget
For more details on the initial Staff Proposed Budget, please visit EngageCollingwood. This resource provides comprehensive information regarding the budget recommendations and underlying data that guided staff’s proposals.
Summary of Changes in the Mayor’s Budget
Appendix present a clear overview of the adjustments and updates that were incorporated into the Mayor’s Budget. These documents highlight the specific changes made to align the Mayor’s budget with the priorities and feedback received from Council and the community.
