Six Durham municipalities have announced their proposed budgets for 2026 so far this year (see below), but there is some doubt that will they be debated or deemed automatically passed.
There have been accusations of sleight of hand by a councillor when Oshawa clarified that 1.97 per cent rise is in its own portion of the proposed overall increase of 4.6 per cent (see below).
Two of the municipalities – the townships of Scugog and Uxbridge – have announced only their portions of the proposed tax increase without revealing what the total tax rise for 2026 will be for their residents.
“It is anticipated that the budget will be deemed adopted by the end of November and will take effect on January 1,” said a statement from the Township of Scugog, which indicates that a debate may not be possible.
A councillor in Clarington, though late in submitting her request to include a budget motion, raises a key point – will the 2026 budget be discussed at the council level before it is adopted.
A Special Clarington Council Meeting scheduled for November 24, was cancelled because no budget amendments were put forward in accordance with the budget process, which requires steps such as securing a seconder. As a result, there were no items on the agenda for council to consider.
A Clarington spokesperson said council may still bring forward changes to the proposed 2026 budget until midnight on December 12, under Ontario’s strong mayor powers and Clarington’s Procedural By-law.
To consider changes, a special council meeting may be called during this 30‑day period, in accordance with the Procedural By-law, which requires a majority of members of council to call the meeting. At such a meeting, council may pass amendments and/or choose to shorten the 30‑day period, the spokesperson explained.
If council passes amendments, the mayor may either shorten the mayor’s 10‑day review period or exercise a veto. If the mayor vetoes, the veto may be overturned by a two‑thirds majority of members of council at a special council meeting, which must be called by a majority of council within 15 days after the veto.
If no amendments are passed, the 2026 Clarington budget will be deemed adopted on December 13.
Proposed 2026 Tax Increases
- Durham Region: 6.5%
- Township of Scugog: 5.54% own portion
- City of Oshawa: 4.6% (own portion 1.97%)
- 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.