Durham Region residents will find out today whether the Durham 2026 tax hike will be limited to 3 per cent or rise to 4.8 per cent, following a closely contested regional council vote scheduled for January 28.
Councillor Brian Nicholson, who introduced the amendment to cap the increase at 3 per cent, warned residents that the decision could come down to just one vote. He urged residents to pay close attention to how their regional councillors vote.
Some councillors, including Rick Kerr, have opposed lowering the tax increase through the use of reserve funds. Kerr clarified that previous votes were not against reducing taxes, but against drawing from reserves to offset what was initially a proposed 6.04 per cent increase, already reduced from 6.6 per cent by staff.
Durham Region has faced criticism in recent years for repeatedly exceeding its stated tax increase targets. Past increases include 7.4 per cent in 2025, 7.5 per cent in 2024, and 5.2 per cent in 2023.
If approved, the Durham 2026 tax hike would combine with local municipal increases across the region. Proposed local increases range from 1.26 per cent in Uxbridge to 4.87 per cent in Brock, depending on the municipality.
Council’s final decision today will determine whether residents face a moderate increase or one of the highest regional tax hikes in recent years.
