Delivering for Today; Planning for Tomorrow -- Draft 2026 budget now available for review
The County of Prince Edward's draft 2026 budget focuses on investing in key infrastructure and delivering vital services that contribute to a thriving and vibrant community.
"This budget represents more than numbers on a page – it is a reflection of our shared priorities, values, and vision for the future of our community," Mayor Steve Ferguson says. "We know that every dollar matters. That’s why Council and staff are working diligently to balance fiscal responsibility with the need to make meaningful progress on the priorities that the community has identified for us, including roads, parks, and recreation facilities."
The draft 2026 tax-supported operating budget is $90.9 million, of which $60.0 million will be raised through the tax levy. Property taxes are the County's largest source of revenue and represent approximately 67 per cent of the revenue it receives.
The tax levy increase of 11 per cent (9.3 per cent after factoring in assessment growth) over 2025 is broken down as follows:
- 3.7 per cent (2 per cent after factoring in assessment growth) to maintain the same level of service the municipality delivers to the community every day. The main factors driving this increase are negotiated increases in wages and staff benefits, inflationary growth in fuel, utilities, insurance, and contract costs, continued supply chain challenges, and rising prices for construction, materials, and supplies. This increase will result in a homeowner paying an additional $34.08 annually, or $2.84 monthly, per $100,000 of assessed home value.
- 7.3 per cent for capital infrastructure investments. These additional funds will help ensure the municipality is properly funding the maintenance, renewal, and replacement of its core assets, like roads, buildings, parks, vehicles, and equipment. This increased investment follows the recently Council-approved Asset Management Plan, which set service levels and a long-term financial plan. This increase will result in a homeowner paying an additional $67.20 annually, or $5.60 monthly, per $100,000 of assessed home value.
In total, the tax levy increase will result in a homeowner paying approximately an additional $101.30 ($8.44 monthly) per $100,000 of assessed home value.
The draft 2026 capital budget identifies $22.8 million of new direct investment in community infrastructure, including $14 million for roads reconstruction and rehabilitation. The draft capital plan will help make the municipal assets that the community relies on every day -- such things as parks, municipal facilities, and fire equipment -- better, safer, and more enjoyable.
Click here to view the complete draft 2026 operating and capital budgets. If you require the budget in an alternative format for accessibility (e.g. large print, rich text) please contact clerks@pecounty.on.ca
Water and wastewater budgets
The draft 2026 budget for water / wastewater operating expenses is $5.5 million -- a 1.66 per cent increase from 2025. The draft 2026 water and wastewater capital budget is $7.4 million.
The water and wastewater budget is supported entirely by rates; no property taxes go toward water and wastewater services. The water and wastewater rates for the period of 2022-2026 were approved through a Council by-law in 2021.
New budget process
Under Section 284.16 of the Municipal Act, 2001, the Mayor as head of Council is required to prepare a proposed budget for the municipality and present it for Council’s consideration. The Mayor cannot delegate this responsibility. However, Mayor Ferguson directed staff to prepare and propose the 2026 budget for Council’s consideration.
County Council will hold a special meeting at Shire Hall from December 1-3 for the 2026 draft budget:
Monday, December 1, beginning at 6 pm
- A summary presentation from the treasurer
- Deputations and comments from the audience
Tuesday, December 2, beginning at 9 am
- Capital budget discussions
Wednesday, December 3, beginning at 9 am
- Operating budget discussions
Following the special Council meeting, staff will work to revise the draft budget based on Council discussions and public input. The final budget will come before Council for consideration and adoption in January 2026.
Recognizing the complexity and scope of the budget materials, staff have produced a budget book. The goal is to help the public better understand and engage with one of Council's most important tasks. The document touches on how the budget is created, different parts of the budget, key financial data, and highlights from departments across the corporation.
Click here to view the book. The document is in draft form, and it will be updated once the budget is approved by Council in January 2026.
Stay informed and get involved in the County's 2026 budget process by:
