Durham Regional Council has approved the 2026 Water Supply and Sanitary Sewer User Rates, with a combined increase of 5 per cent, or approximately $5.24 per month for an average household.
The 2025 water supply and sanitary sewer user rates were also raised by 5 per cent. The region also proposes to raise by 4.8 per cent the 2026 property tax.
“I totally disagree with the Durham Region increase that was by-lawed on Wednesday regarding water and sewer rate increases,” said Regional Councillor John Neal from Oshawa Ward 1.
Unacceptable: Councillor Neal
“It is unacceptable to the homeowners of the Region of Durham to increase water and sewer rates, and by the way, the increase is well above the rate of inflation. With so many homeowners that are facing unreasonable property tax increases both at region and city, and now this increase which is on top of the property tax increases,” said the councillor.
“This will affect renters and business owners right across the Region of Durham, who are just trying to survive in this economy,” Neal added.
Needed for Infrastructure Needs
A Region of Durham statement said the increase supports accelerated infrastructure needs to meet provincial housing targets, ongoing maintenance and operation of the water supply and sanitary sewer systems, and several major projects including upgrades and expansion of the Whitby Water Supply Plant, and upgrades at the Corbett Creek and Courtice Water Pollution Control Plants.
The approved user rates will take effect on January 1. Continued investment in the aging municipal water system is required to protect public health and the water environment to meet obligations under the Safe Drinking Water Act and the Ontario Water Resource Act.
Below Average: Region
The region said the Durham water and sanitary sewer rates are below the average rate for large Ontario municipalities and are reviewed on an annual basis, with recommendations made to regional council in December.
“Safe drinking water and the protection of our water environment are essential to daily life. Continued investment in these efficient and effective regional services ensures we deliver safe, reliable, and financially sustainable solutions for our residents and growing communities as mandated by the Province of Ontario in the Clean Water Act,” said John Henry, Regional Chair and CEO.
Proposed 2026 Durham Property Tax Increases
- Durham Region: 4.8% (including DRPS)
- 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.