Council Adopts Mayor’s Budget with 3.68% Increase

CENTRE WELLINGTON – Under Ontario’s Strong Mayor legislation, the Mayor is responsible for presenting the draft budget to Council. This budget outlines how the Township will allocate resources to support the programs and services that residents and businesses depend on each day. The 2026 budget, deemed adopted, includes a 3.68% increase to the Township portion of the property tax levy.

The 2026 budget reflects the Township’s commitment to sustainable community development and efficient asset management. Key priorities include funding for roads and bridges, facilities maintenance, ongoing water and wastewater services, and continued support for community and recreation services.

“We know the pressures many households face today,” said Mayor Watters. “This budget is about balancing affordability with the long-term health of our community. By setting a modest increase, we ensure vital services continue while making the investments necessary for infrastructure, safety, and quality of life that the people of Centre Wellington deserve.”

Project and Service Highlights include:

• A New Housing Action Plan
• Sportsplex Grounds Plan and Lands Site Development Study
• Active Transportation Intersection Improvements, Sidewalk/Wayfinding and Signage Improvements
• Major rehabilitation of Bridge 1-E (Seventh Line, former Eramosa Township)
• Removal, without replacement and construction of turnarounds at Bridge 30-P (Sideroad 5, former Pilkington Township)
• Detailed engineering design and permitting to replace Bridge 29-WG (Sideroad 15, former West Garafraxa Township) and Bridge 28-P (Sideroad 11, former Pilkington Township)
• Removal and Replacement of Noah Road Culverts 32-P and 33-P
• Major Pavement Rehabilitation on Sixth Line E. – WR21 to SR 10
• Full Reconstruction of Smith Street from David St. to Henderson St.
• Douglas Crescent watermain replacement
• Water meter replacement program
• Belwood Hall Renovation
• Sportsplex Roof A & E (Pool Roof and Streetscape) Replacements

As part of the Township’s commitment to meaningful engagement, residents were invited to share their priorities through a budget survey and comments on Connect CW. Feedback played an important role throughout Council and staff discussions. Residents identified Roads and Bridges, Growth Management, and Parks, Sportsfields and Trails as the top three tax-supported areas most in need of additional investment—priorities that are reflected in the 2026 budget. Survey results also showed a preference for increasing user fees for programs used directly by residents as a way to support service delivery. In response, staff recommended increasing fees in line with inflationary impacts for 2026, ensuring affordability while continuing to meet community needs.

Residents are encouraged to review the detailed 2026 Budget Book, which is now available on the Township website. The document outlines the operating and capital plans, asset management strategy, and contributions to infrastructure and services for the coming year.

To review the 2026 budget and for more details on the Township’s budget process, visit www.connectcw.ca/2026-budget