The Municipality of Clarington’s updated 2026 budget was officially deemed adopted on December 12, incorporating revisions to the 2024–27 Multi-Year Operating Budget to address changing community needs.
A brief attempt by a councillor to open debate on the budget did not proceed after failing to receive a seconder and running out of time. No further discussion followed, particularly after Mayor Adrian Foster exercised his strong mayor powers to reduce the estimated overall tax increase to 3 per cent, down from the previously approved 4.07 per cent.
According to the municipality, the average Clarington household will see an increase of approximately $1.08 per week, or $56.40 annually, based on an average property assessment of $402,507 by the Municipal Property Assessment Corporation (MPAC).
“This represents a 0.99 per cent increase on Clarington’s portion of the total tax bill, which accounts for about 33 per cent,” the municipality explained. The remaining portions are set by the Region of Durham (50 per cent) and local school boards (17 per cent).
The Region of Durham is proposing a 3 per cent tax increase, which still requires approval at an upcoming regional council meeting scheduled for Wednesday.
Mayor Foster described the budget as a forward-looking and fiscally responsible plan. “This is a big, bold, budget-friendly plan that improves daily life while building a lasting legacy for the future,” he said, adding that residents, families, and businesses will benefit from the investments over the long term.
Key projects included in the 2026 budget moving forward are the South Bowmanville Recreation Centre and Aquatics Centre, construction of a new operations depot, a fire station and training facility, and the potential twin-pad expansion at the South Courtice Arena.
The budget also advances the Parks, Recreation and Culture Master Plan, expands opportunities for residents to stay active and connected, strengthens the municipality’s asset management strategy, and includes investments in technology to improve customer service and financial systems.
Proposed 2026 Durham-area tax increases include:
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Durham Region: 3%
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Durham Police: 3%
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City of Pickering: 3.49% (own portion)
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Town of Ajax: 1.28% (own portion)
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Town of Whitby: 3.49%
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City of Oshawa: 3.98% (own portion)
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Municipality of Clarington: 3% (own portion 0.99%)
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Township of Scugog: 4.12% (own portion)
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Township of Brock: 4.87% (own portion 3.79%)
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Township of Uxbridge: 1.28% (own portion)
Some of these increases remain subject to council approval, while others may automatically come into effect.
More details on Clarington’s budget can be found at www.clarington.net/budget.
Photo Credits : Durham Post
