Mayor Sets Budget Direction of 3.5% Tax Increase

HALTON HILLS, ON – Halton Hills Mayor Ann Lawlor has set the direction for the 2026 budget, advising staff that the Town’s portion of the overall tax increase is not to exceed 3.5%. “After considering input from my Council colleagues, comments from residents to keep taxes low and understanding the necessity to invest in our current assets, I feel a 3.5% increase is prudent,” she said. Adding, “This is another back-to-basics budget. We have to keep a tight rein on expenses and it’s important that we maintain our existing facilities and infrastructure, so that they last as long as possible.”

Key points of the Mayor’s budget direction include: 

• A tax increase of no larger than 3.5% on the Town of Halton Hill’s portion of the tax bill (excludes taxes levied by Halton Region, Halton Regional Police Service and the school boards);
• An investment of $500,000 (included in the tax increase) to the State of Good Repair Levy to support the maintenance and repair of existing infrastructure. The Town’s approach is to invest in current infrastructure to maintain a state of good repair, while keeping up with rising inflationary costs and higher construction prices. 

• An investment of $695,000 (included in the tax increase) to the Fire Services Levy to implement the Fire Department’s 5-year staffing plan. The levy will support several new firefighter positions including public education, fire prevention and fire response to ensure we are well equipped to respond when needed.

Staff will prepare business plans and related budgets to reflect the 2026 target. Following public consultations, Council members will review the budget and prepare any amendments. Final Council decisions on the 2026 budget are scheduled for early December this year.

About the Town of Halton Hills

The Town of Halton Hills, with a population of approximately 64,000, consists of two urban centres, Georgetown and Acton, the Halton Hills Premier Gateway employment area, three hamlets – Glen Williams, Stewarttown and Norval – and several smaller settlements. Halton Hills has long been recognized for its natural beauty, active agricultural community, high quality of life and proximity to major centres, including Brampton, Mississauga and Toronto. The Town is ranked as one of the top small communities in Canada by a national magazine.

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