Durham Region’s 2026 budget is finally approved and claims that it “balances delivering quality services with maintaining
Tax-weary residents have seen wild swings in the 2026 property tax from an initially proposed 6.6 per cent to a largely ignored Regional Council cap of 3.5 per cent to 6.04 per cent to a proposed 3 per cent and now 4.8 per cent.
Durham residents’ reaction to final denouement has largely been negative, with most pointing out that it is far above the inflation rate and even threatening to remember who voted for the hike when elections are held later this year.
Below is a list of those who voted in favour of the 4.8% increase and those who were in favour of the 3 per cent rise. The previous vote list (15-14) is also shown below.
Several Defections
After several defections from the 3 per cent camp, the property tax increase of 4.8 per cent was approved by a 17-12 Regional Council vote.
Proponents of the 4.8 per cent increase claim it protects against dipping into critical reserves.
The region is projected to garner more than $1 billion from property taxes this year (see below).
Durham Region has consistently announced among the highest increases over the past couple of years, at times, over and above the set ceiling (see below).
- 2026: Proposed 6.5% (against an announced cap of 3.5%)
- 2025: 7.4% (against an announced cap of 4.9%)
- 2024: 7.5%
- 2023: 5.2%
Lion’s Share to Police
For an average homeowner, regional property taxes will increase by about $14 per month where lion’s share of about $10 dollars funds police services and $4 will be invested in other essential services across the region including transit, housing, paramedic services and regional roads and bridges.
The region claims that the decision comes after a Budget Town Hall was held, a public survey was conducted, and public feedback was taken into account to help shape the priorities for this budget.
It states that Durham Council heard clearly that a focus on affordability and ensuring that essential services continue to evolve and meet demand are important to residents.
Core Service Review
To guide future planning, the region will carry out a Core Services Review that will assess existing service delivery, examine service level requirements, and identify opportunities for sustainable efficiencies.
The review will also quantify areas where regional funding exceeds senior‑government mandates, helping to inform the region’s ongoing advocacy for predictable and adequate funding.
2026 Durham Property Tax Increases
- Durham Region: 4.8%
- City of Pickering: 3.49% own portion
- Town of Ajax: 1.28% own portion
- Town of Whitby: 3.49%
- City of Oshawa: 3.98% own portion
- Municipality of Clarington: 3% (own portion 0.99%)
- Township of Scugog: 4.12% own portion
- Township of Brock 4.87% (own portion 3.79%)
- Township of Uxbridge: 1.26% own portion
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Durham to find out today if 2026 tax hike will be 3% or 4.8%