Council Concludes 2026 Budget Deliberations with a Proposed 3.25% Tax Rate Increase

South Bruce Peninsula Council has concluded 2026 budget deliberations, approving a proposed 3.25% tax rate increase pending final approval at an upcoming Council meeting.

Mayor Jay Kirkland stated that Council and staff approached this year’s budget with careful consideration and a deep understanding of the financial pressures being felt by residents and businesses.

“The cost of nearly everything has increased, from construction and maintenance to everyday household expenses,” said Mayor Kirkland. “Staff presented a budget that took these realities to heart. Council understands how difficult these rising costs are for our community, and as we move forward, this reality will remain top of mind.”

The 2026 proposed budget, strikes a balance between fiscal responsibility, continued investment in critical infrastructure and community priorities. Despite the financial challenges, the Town will undertake a number of significant projects, including:

• Upgrades to asphalt surface for Silver Lake Road (from Allenford Road to Municipal Road) and Spring Creek Road (Allenford Road to Sideroad 15). 
• Other road work projects include Jones Street, Boulton Street (Oliphant Way North .85km), Spry Lake Road (Old Oliphant Rd. to Bryant St.) and Grouse Drive.

• Berford Street Phase 2 reconstruction and Millards Bridge rehabilitation
• Sauble Beach Community Centre bathroom renovation, window and HVAC replacement
• Feasibility study to guide the future of Bluewater Park and adjacent municipal facilities
• Dredging work in Bluewater Park Harbour
• Launch of a new, user-friendly municipal website to enhance public access to information and services
• Construction of a new Town Hall
• In addition to the $2.9 million investment in Asset Management, guided by the Town’s Asset Management Plan, Council included an additional $444,000 contribution to the Town’s asset management reserves to ensure sustainable maintenance and replacement of critical municipal assets.

South Bruce Peninsula remains committed to openness and transparency. All 2026 budget details are available for public viewing through the Town’s digital budget portal, OpenBook.

“We will be able to accomplish an enormous amount of work while remaining fiscally responsible,” added Mayor Kirkland. “One of our flagship projects for 2026 will be the construction of the new Town Hall, a significant long-term investment that will bring municipal services together in one modern and accessible facility designed to serve our community for generations.”

Council remains committed to responsible budgeting, investing in the community’s future, and ensuring that residents and businesses continue to receive quality services while the Town maintains its strong financial position.

For media inquiries, please contact: Danielle Edwards, Manager of Economic Development and Communications Danielle.edwards@southbrucepeninsula.com Telephone: 519-534-1400 ext. 148.

Mayor Jay Kirkland

Town of South Bruce Peninsula

Jay.kirkland@southbrucepeninsula.com

519-534-1400 ext. 201