On December 12, the Municipality of Clarington’s 2026 updated budget was deemed adopted. It includes updates to the 2024-27 Multi-Year Operating Budget to meet evolving community needs.
An attempt was made to generate discussion on the budget by a councillor, but it could not be seconded and ran out of time. There has been no further discussion on the budget since Mayor Adrian Foster used his strong mayor powers to reduce the estimated overall tax increase to 3 per cent, down from the previously approved 4.07 per cent.
Now, for 2026, the average household will see an increase of about $1.08 weekly, or $56.40 annually, based on the average property assessment of $402,507 by the Municipal Property Assessment Corporation (MPAC), said the municipality yesterday.
“This translates to a 0.99 per cent taxpayer increase on Clarington’s portion of the total bill (33 per cent). The remaining is set by the Region of Durham (50 per cent) and by school boards (17 per cent),” it explained.
The region proposes to raise it taxes by 3 per cent, which needs to be approved at a regional council meeting on Wednesday.
Budget-Friendly Plan: Foster
“What we have here is a big, bold, budget-friendly plan that will make local life better today and build a lasting legacy for tomorrow. Whether you’re moving here to raise a family, building a business, or calling Clarington home for a lifetime, you’ll get to enjoy the benefits of these investments for years to come,” said Foster.
Major projects moving forward include the South Bowmanville Recreation Centre with Aquatics Centre, construction of a new operations depot, fire station and training facility, and exploration of a twinpad expansion at the South Courtice Arena.
The budget also brings the Parks, Recreation and Culture Master Plan to life with more ways for residents to get active, connect, and enjoy community spaces. In addition, it advances Clarington’s asset management plan to safeguard municipal infrastructure and makes important investments in technology to enhance customer service and financial systems.
Proposed 2026 Durham Tax Increases
- Durham Region: 3%
- Durham Police: 3%
- 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: 1.28% own portion
The above tax increases may have to be approved or may automatically come into force.
Visit www.clarington.net/budget to learn more about Clarington’s budget.