Niagara-on-the-Lake municipal staff is proposing one of the town’s lowest tax increases in recent years for 2026 at 1.81 per cent.

A year ago councillors began budget deliberations that started with a 14.4 per tax increase but managed to whittle the 2025 increase to 7.34 per cent.

In 2024, the average tax hike was 6.74 per cent.

“This budget is being very well managed,” Coun. Wendy Cheropita said of next year’s spending envelope.

This is the first town budget presented under strong mayor legislation, which the province granted the town in May.

Kyle Freeborn, corporate services director, said during the special council meeting Wednesday, the low tax increase proposed was accomplished by: using a one-time contribution of $500,000 from parking revenue; $400,000 from higher planning fees,

See Full Page