The City of Pickering has proposed a 3.49 per cent increase in its portion of the property tax for 2026, according to a draft budget document.
The Region of Durham has proposed a 6.5 per cent increase guideline (see below), of which it claims 3.5 per cent is its own portion. The region accounts roughly for two thirds of a property tax bill along with Durham Police and school boards.
“This year, I am pleased to present a budget with a modest 3.49 per cent levy increase,” said Pickering Mayor Kevin Ashe in the budget document. “It represents our continued efforts to manage costs while investing in the infrastructure, programs, and services that matter most to residents.”
He said: “We understand the financial pressures facing households and businesses, and we are working diligently to ensure that our decisions support both immediate needs and long-term prosperity.”
Population To Grow To 150,000
The mayor said Pickering’s population is projected to exceed 150,000 by 2036, and the city remains one of Ontario’s fastest-growing and most promising communities.
“The 2026 budget reflects our commitment to building a city that is resilient, inclusive, and prepared for the future,” he added.
The mayor reminded the public that “Over the past year, we have advanced several important priorities, including the introduction of the Municipal Accommodation Tax to expand non-property tax revenues; the launch of Destination Pickering to attract visitors and support local businesses, and the unveiling of our new waterfront boardwalk.”
Frenchman’s Bay
Ashe said he is looking to build on this momentum by “working with our federal and provincial partners to secure Frenchman’s Bay for the public domain; continuing to deliver on our Digital Strategy to strengthen customer service and resident engagement; and attracting more companies and good-paying jobs so that more residents can work closer to home.”
The Mayor of Pickering is also planning for a growing Pickering through the development of the new Seaton Recreation Complex and Library calling it a “multi-use, multi-generational hub designed to serve our community for decades to come”
Proposed 2026 Durham Tax Increases
- Durham Region: 6.5% (own portion 3.5%)
- Durham Police: 3%
- City of Pickering: 3.49% 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: 1.28% own portion
The above tax increases may have to be approved or may automatically come into force.