Budget adopted with 4% tax increase, 1% hospital levy

Casandra Turnbull

Managing Editor

The County of Brant’s 2026 budget has officially been adopted, locking in a four per cent property tax increase, along with a dedicated one per cent levy for the new Brant-Brantford hospital project.

Council supported the budget without amendment, and under provincial legislation it was deemed adopted as of Feb. 15.

According to a press release issued by the County of Brant on Feb. 18, the increase translates to approximately $206 per year for the median residential property.

“I know I speak not only for myself, but for all of Council, when I say that we do not take any tax increase lightly,” said Mayor David Bailey in the release. “We are at a point in time where thoughtful investments are needed to maintain and renew our aging infrastructure, support our emergency responders, and respond to the growing need for community services and outreach supports. We have also committed to a local contribution toward the New Hospital Project, which is essential to its success and represents a critical investment in the health and well-being of our community.”

The 2026 operating budget totals $164.8 million, with a net tax levy of $92.46 million, figures first presented during special council meetings on Jan. 22 and Feb. 2. As previously reported, 2026 marked the first time the County’s budget process operated under Ontario’s strong mayor legislation.

While the mayor was required to table the budget, Bailey emphasized throughout the process that the document reflected direction already approved through the County’s Long Term Financial Plan (LTFP), and that he did not intend to use his veto powers.

Council ultimately endorsed the budget as presented, maintaining the collaborative tone that councillors had highlighted during earlier debate.

Infrastructure remains a central focus in 2026. In the Feb. 18 press release, the County noted that investments include road upgrades and servicing infrastructure in Cainsville to support economic growth and development of a premier employment area.

The budget also provides for the completion of the new Paramedic Services Headquarters and Garage facility, improved accommodations for essential services, and contributions to community capital campaigns, including Lansdowne Children’s Centre and the Woodland Cultural Centre.

Emergency services continue to face cost pressures, with previously outlined increases of 10.9 per cent in OPP policing costs and 9.7 per cent in paramedic services. Salaries, wages and benefits are projected to rise 7.9 per cent, driven by negotiated wage agreements, grid progression and benefit cost increases.

Despite those pressures, Chief Administrative Officer Alison Newton confirmed during budget deliberations that no new staff positions are proposed for 2026.

Community engagement formed part of the 2026 Long Term Financial Plan and budget process through the Engage Brant website.

According to the Feb. 18 county press release, the page received approximately 1,800 visits and 219 completed surveys. A detailed survey report shows 216 respondents participated between Nov. 6 and Nov. 24, 2025. 

Survey results indicate strong support for investment in a new hospital, with 170 respondents indicating it should be “better supported,” compared to 39 who felt it should be kept as is and seven who felt it should receive less support. 

Emergency and enforcement services also ranked high for increased support, with 112 respondents indicating those services should be better supported. 

Affordable housing initiatives, infrastructure to support growth, and public transportation were also recurring themes, both in survey responses and written comments.

In open-ended feedback, residents frequently raised concerns about traffic congestion, road maintenance, growth management, policing visibility, and the pace of development. Others called for investments in an indoor pool, expanded public transit connections to Brantford, improved cycling infrastructure, and greater protection of agricultural land and green space. 

Key themes identified through the County’s engagement process included infrastructure and growth management, hospital and health care, public transportation and mobility, recreation and community facilities, housing affordability, equity between communities, and financial discipline.

“Thank you to everyone who provided their feedback throughout the approval of the Long Term Financial Plan and the 2026 Budget process,” Bailey said in the Feb. 18 release. “Engaged communities provide valuable input that help to inform our decisions, supporting the community now and for future generations.”

The 2026 budget marked the first year Mayor Bailey formally presented the document under strong mayor powers.

Bailey said he was proud the process remained collaborative.

“I feel very proud to be a part of this Council,” he said. “I believe that no single individual should make decisions for our community, and I am pleased that we were able to come together, with open and honest discussions across all wards, for the greater good of the County of Brant.”

Residents can review the full 2026 Budget, including department breakdowns, presentations and meeting recordings, at brant.ca/budget.