Perth County Council Approves 2026 Budget

NEWS RELEASE
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

PERTH COUNTY, ON – At the Regular Council Meeting on February 5, 2026, Perth County Council approved the 2026 Capital and Operating Budget.

The 2026 budget represents an increase of $2,638,165 from last year. This amount represents an additional $89.24 annually per household which is $1.72 per week (based on average 2016 MPAC household value of $284,000). The approved budget represents an 8.75% increase to the annual budget. This amount incorporates the annual assessment growth for the County of 1.76%.

The 2026 budget maintains Perth County’s service delivery while also investing in a number of key priorities for the County:

• 33 Capital projects representing a $9.6 million investment
• Rehabilitation and/or replacement of key road network infrastructure including 4 bridge and culvert projects as well as the repaving of 22 centreline kilometers of road
• Renovation of the Provincial Offences Courtroom and County Council Chambers at the County Courthouse
• $50,000 financial contribution to the continued development of the Ontario Agri-Food Discovery Centre
• The development of a new Economic Development and Tourism wayfinding signage program

“I would like to thank my Council colleagues for their detailed review and active participation throughout this year’s budget process,” said Warden Dean Trentowsky. “I also want to acknowledge County staff for their hard work in developing and presenting the 2026 budget. Both Council and staff recognize the continued financial pressures and economic uncertainty faced by the ratepayers and their families, the farms & the business owners across Perth County. The County is doing the best it can to ensure that essential service levels are upheld in a fair and responsible manner; while continuing to invest in the future needs and opportunities for Perth County citizens.”

“We thank Council for its approval of the 2026 budget,” said Lori Wolfe, Chief Administrative Officer (CAO). “Staff have worked diligently to deliver a budget that maintains essential services, advances strategic priorities, and responds thoughtfully to the pressures being felt by residents and businesses across Perth County.”

“While inflationary pressures continue to impact municipal budgets across the province, the 2026 Budget reflects a gradual easing of these pressures,” said Corey Bridges, Director of Finance / Treasurer. “Staff continue to focus on delivering programs and services efficiently and cost-effectively.”

Additional fiscal measures include:

• Shifting municipal drain work to Capital Expenses to smooth the impact to the budget
• Adding funds to capital reserves to help close the infrastructure gap
• Avoiding the use of reserves for operation support a commitment to long-term sustainability

The County’s annual budget allocates funds for both Operating and Capital expenses. The County also budgets for contributions toward reserves which are established to fund long-term goals and to mitigate unpredictable or fluctuating nature of some annual costs such as Winter Maintenance or Drainage. The reserve contribution for 2026 represents 4.30% of the total levy increase reflecting a proactive approach to closing the infrastructure deficit. This investment also serves to close the gap to cover costs downloaded by the Province.

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About the 2026 Budget Process:

The proposed 2026 Budget was provided to Council in December 2025. Capital and Operating Budget presentations delivered by the Director of Finance / Treasurer over several Council meetings in January 2026. The programs and projects are informed by the County’s Corporate Strategic Plan 2023-2026. The 5 goals of the plan include: Growth and Economic Development; Regionalization and Service Effectiveness; Customer Service Excellence; Community Development and Planning; and Corporate Sustainability.  To view the budget, visit www.perthcounty.ca/finance.

About Perth County:

Perth County is a vibrant upper-tier municipality located in Southwestern, Ontario and is home to a regional population of 81,565 residents. This rural region is comprised of 4 lower-tier member municipalities. To find out more information about our services, visit: www.perthcounty.ca or follow us on Facebook and X.

Attachments

2026-02-06 - NEWS RELEASE - Perth County Council Approves 2026 Budget