The Region of Durham has clarified that its guideline of 6.5 per cent tax increase for 2026 translates into an overall rise of 3.5 per cent in the region’s portion of a Durham resident’s tax bill.
This could mean that residents may have to add another 3.5 per cent to their own municipality’s announced portion (see below) of the 2026 tax bill.
The region’s tax breakdown according to it, is:
- Durham Region’s guideline: 3.5 per cent Durham Region plus 3 per cent for Durham Regional Police Services (DRPS)
- Regional taxes represent about half of the total bill, so the overall impact is approximately 3.5 per cent.
- Total tax increase = 6.5 per cent
“Regional Council set the vision for the 2026 budget earlier this year in which, for the average homeowner, regional property taxes will be capped at an increase of about 3.5 per cent on the overall property tax bill or an increase of $19 per month,” said the region statement to Durham Post.
“Of that amount, roughly $9 would go toward police services and $10 supports other essential regional services like transit, housing, paramedic care, and maintaining regional roads and bridges,” it added.
The region did not say when or if the proposed increase would be discussed or deemed passed. No timeline was provided.
Proposed 2026 Durham Tax Increases
- Durham Region: 6.5% (own portion 3.5%)
- Township of Scugog: 5.54% own portion
- Township of Brock 4.87% (own portion 3.79%)
- City of Oshawa: 3.98% own portion
- Town of Whitby: 3.49%
- Municipality of Clarington: 3% (own portion 0.99%)
- Township of Uxbridge: 1.28% own portion
All of the above tax increases have yet to be approved or may automatically come into force (see below).
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