Some of Ontario’s largest cities say that while new federal investments in housing and infrastructure are helpful, it’s still not enough to prevent another round of property tax hikes in 2026.

With budget planning underway across the province, local leaders are warning that years of added costs, inflation and population growth are leaving municipalities with few options to balance their books without raising taxes.

Ontario’s Big City Mayors (OBCM), which represents 29 municipalities of 100,000 people or more, said members are facing continued pressures of homelessness, infrastructure costs and social services.

“We have tons of aging infrastructure, especially in rural communities. One area had to close down their roads because they couldn’t maintain things,” said Michelle Baker, OBCM

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