North Grenville, ON – North Grenville's Council has approved the Municipality's 2026 Budget, lowering the proposed municipal tax rate increase to 1.9 percent (from 3.1 percent) while advancing a robust capital investment program supporting roads, recreation, housing, public safety, and community organizations.

• A municipal residential tax rate increase of 1.9% represents approximately $39 annually on a home assessed at $300,000.

The municipal portion of the 2026 budget is funded not just through taxation, but also reserves, development charges, provincial and federal grants, user fees, and other sources. The combined Counties, school board and municipality taxes in 2026 contribute to an overall tax rate increase of under 2 percent. 

"This budget is about continuing to foster a quality of life that makes North Grenville such a special place to live” says Mayor Nancy Peckford.

“Whether you're a young family moving into a new neighbourhood, a senior seeking recreational options and community connections, or a business investing in our future – this budget works for you. We've always been careful with public dollars, and that discipline is paying off."

"North Grenville residents can feel confident that their tax dollars are being deployed responsibly," said CAO Karen Dunlop. "A modest rate increase, and a strong capital program mean we are investing in real priorities - roads, recreation, housing, and community services."

Over 270 residents and business owners responded to the Municipality's public budget survey, with additional input gathered through several public consultation sessions. 

These engagements helped Council and staff identify priorities and translate them into concrete spending decisions.

North Grenville enters 2026 from a position of financial strength, with municipal reserves significantly above the threshold that the province uses to define a healthy, resilient municipality that can address future infrastructure needs without placing undue burden on taxpayers.

Recreation and community facilities

Capital investments in recreation infrastructure include:

• Continued improvements to Riverside Park, including our Municipal outdoor pool and pump track
• Arena audio system upgrades at the heavily used 20-year-old rinks at the North Grenville Municipal centre
• Shade structures for hamlet parks
• A renewed Parks and Recreation Master Plan to refresh recreational needs and priorities 
• Ongoing preparatory work for the proposed North Grenville Indoor Sports Dome

Council also approved long-awaited exterior renovations to the historic Oxford Mills Township Hall, which has a federal heritage designation, preserving an important public building that is over 150 years old.

The Bell Hall project at Kemptville Campus continues to advance, with North Grenville's five million dollar investment helping leverage an additional seventeen million in external funding to convert the building into sixty affordable residential units for seniors and residents.

Roads and transportation safety

Public Works investments include over 2.5 Million dollars to support municipal infrastructure across North Grenville in 2026, including:

• Several gravel road rebuilds in rural areas 
• Multiple re-paving projects
• the continuation of shouldering on River Road
• Enhancements to pedestrian crossovers at Pinehill Road, given new residential developments
• Extension of the Clothier Street East sidewalk
• The establishment of a new Multi-use pathway from Oxford Village to the Food Basics complex 
• The completion of the joint Counties - Municipality expansion of CR 43, including Multi-use pathways on both sides, the two remaining lanes of the new bridge, and road and roundabout expansions between Colonnade Drive and the new bridge
• Ongoing access to our waterways 

In addition, North Grenville continues to support a growing on demand transit system serving hundreds of both urban and rural residents every month and thousands of trips annually.

The completion of an Active Transportation Plan will better equip the Municipality to make key, long-term investments in other pedestrian and cycling routes. 

The capital program also includes renovations to the North Grenville Municipal Centre, a very busy 20-year-old facility, which has its own dedicated reserve fund, to support the long-term functionality and accessibility of the facility.

Community investments

The 2026 budget strengthens support for organizations providing essential services across North Grenville, including:

• Beth Donovan Hospice
• Kemptville Youth Centre
• Senior Services
• Physician recruitment initiatives
• Victim Services 
• Local food banks 
• Ongoing support for the new CT Scanner at KDH
• Initiatives that promote belonging and inclusion 

For the first time, North Grenville will implement a Public Art policy with a modest but sustainable funding model. 

We are also providing enhanced support for economic development and marketing, the establishment of our first ever tourism Community Improvement Program and will continue to be a key partner for signature community events such as Buskerfest.

Public safety

Council approved the refurbishment of North Grenville Fire Services' heavy rescue vehicle, ensuring firefighters have reliable equipment needed to respond effectively to emergencies. 

Council also continues to support enhanced recruitment and retention efforts, including higher honoraria, to ensure a fully staffed volunteer fire department.

Water and wastewater

Council also adopted the 2026 Water and Wastewater Budget, with a zero percent rate increase for users of the system. 

However, North Grenville has launched a multi-year expansion and modernization of its 30-yr old Wastewater Treatment Centre, which will soon move into phase 2. Remarkably, to date, the Municipality has received a total funding commitment from the Government of Ontario of just over forty-eight million dollars to support these upgrades.

Water and wastewater services are funded exclusively through user fees and have no impact on the municipal tax rate.

“As a dynamic community that brings together families who have been here for generations, and newcomers looking for a compelling small-town experience, we recognize that the municipal budget is key to enhancing a quality of life that we all deserve- young or old- while also being fiscally prudent. At a 1.9 percent rate increase, one of the lowest in the region, I thank Council colleagues and staff for helping us to find that balance,” highlighted Mayor Peckford.

Learn more

For the full breakdown of 2026 budget investments and projects, visit
www.northgrenville.ca/budget.

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