Regional staff is proposing a 4.94 per cent tax hike for 2026, a target that required a sharp pencil to hit by delaying major projects and cutting some services.

The increase for direct regional services translates to about $96 more for the average assessed home, excluding the separate police budget .

To keep the increase under five per cent , the region found $12.5 million in savings. However, it will also mean turning away funding requests from community groups.

“We’re probably going to have to say no to some of them … to recognize taxpayers’ ability to pay,” said regional budget chair, Coun. Michael Harris, at a media briefing Wednesday.

Staff identified operational efficiencies across multiple departments and proposed adjustments to waste management and public transit services,

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