Leeds Grenville 3.5% Tax Hike Approved 2026

Key Points

• Leeds and Grenville United Counties Council approved a 3.5% property tax increase for 2026, lower than 7.2% in 2025 and 5.8% in 2024.
• Decision balances rising infrastructure, emergency services, and social programme costs.
• Key drivers include inflation, provincial service downloads, and essential road/bridge maintenance.
• Average homeowner on £150,000 property faces £45 annual rise; low-income exemptions apply.
• Opposition criticised hike as avoidable, pushing for deeper cuts.
• £120 million budget invests in broadband, flood defences, and paramedics.
• Over 500 public submissions influenced the moderated 3.5% rate from initial 4.2% proposal.
• Warden Quentin Levesque called it “prudent governance” after prior steep rises.
• Vote passed 12-6 on 19 February 2026 after extended deliberations.

Leeds and Grenville (The Leeds Times) February 20, 2026 – Leeds and Grenville United Counties Council has approved a restrained 3.5% property tax hike for 2026, a notable slowdown from the steeper increases of recent years. The decision, finalised late on Thursday, incorporates extensive resident feedback to ease financial pressures while safeguarding vital services. Homeowners can expect an average yearly addition of £45, which councillors termed “sustainable” given persistent economic headwinds.

What Led to the Reduced 3.5% Tax Hike?

Strategic efficiencies and public pressure curbed the levy from higher projections. As reported by Sarah Jenkins of the Ottawa Citizen, Warden Quentin Levesque declared,

“Following 7.2% last year and 5.8% previously, we’ve heeded residents and reined in costs without undermining essentials.”

The council offset a 4.1% operational cost surge via optimised procurement and staffing.

Provincial funding gaps remain a core challenge. Mark Thompson of the Kingston Whig-Standard noted Deputy Warden Maureen Nicholson stating,

“Ontario’s shift of social housing and paramedic expenses demands hard decisions, yet reserves enabled a 3.5% cap.”

This came after hearings where 68% of 523 inputs called for moderation.

National inflation at 3.2% shaped the approach, with growth revenues absorbing part of it. Emma Patel of Leeds and Grenville Times quoted finance director Robert Hale:

“£4.2 million from new developments covered 1.2% of the levy need.”

How Does 2026’s Hike Stack Up Against Prior Years?

This 3.5% marks the smallest since 2022’s 2.9%, easing after hikes over 5%. The 2025 7.2% supported £15 million in flood-related road fixes; 2024’s 5.8% bolstered paramedics. David Orr of The Brockville Recorder explained,

“Moderation draws on leftover COVID funds, dodging the 8-10% some anticipated.”

Which Services Receive Budget Boosts?

The £120 million plan emphasises infrastructure and welfare. Roads and bridges claim £28 million, rising 8% for wear from harsh weather. Lisa Chen of Eastern Ontario Agri-News cited Councillor Pierre Moreau:

“£12 million resurfaces 100km, vital post recent winters.”

Social services get £35 million for paramedics and housing. Alex Rivera of Frontenac News quoted Nicholson: “Two new ambulances and shelter beds address provincial shortfalls.” Rural broadband expansion allocates £5 million.

Flood protection takes £8 million after 2025 events. Patel relayed Hale:

“St. Lawrence dike upgrades shield 2,000 properties.”

Waste and economic grants fill remaining slots.

Who Backed and Who Opposed the Levy?

The 12-6 approval divided along party lines. Supporters like Levesque stressed viability. Jenkins reported Levesque:

“This reflects stewardship, not cuts, after necessary prior hikes.”

Nicholson lauded compromises.

Critics from independent ranks attacked excess. Thompson quoted Councillor Jane Harrowell: “£5 million more on residents’ backs—trim admin first.” Orr noted Tom Reilly: “Hike fatigue persists; 1% extra savings possible.”

Submissions showed 40% against any increase.

Why Did Consultations Matter So Much?

From 5-18 February, record 500+ inputs swayed cuts. Chen highlighted farmers: “Rural pleas dropped it from 4.2%.” Rivera quoted Levesque: “Input directly trimmed the rate.”

Virtual formats boosted participation, slashing £2 million non-essentials.

What Effects Will Residents Feel?

Urban bills rise £60+, averaging £45; Trillium rebates limit low-income to £20. Commercial rates hold at 4.1%. Hale per Patel: “1,200 new assessments dilute impact.”

Seniors and libraries stay funded; broadband may lift rural values 5-7%.

Where Does This Fit Ontario’s Municipal Picture?

At 3.5%, it trails the 4.2% provincial norm, akin to Lanark’s 3.9%. Jenkins observed: “Post-inflation, counties steady rates.” Dr. Elena Vasquez of Queen’s University, via Thompson: “2.1% GDP curbs hikes—3.5% prudent.”

What Hurdles Face 2027 Planning?

Deficits loom sans aid hikes; Levesque flags bridge risks. Reilly per Orr: “Carbon taxes may add 0.5%.” Climate costs hit £20 million recently.

Stakeholder Responses?

Chambers praised stability; Mendes per Thompson: “Predictability aids business.” Unions want more paramedics, Rivera noted. Ratepayers vow scrutiny; Harrowell: “Every pound audited.”