By Adam Frisk Local Journalism Initiative Reporter
The Township of Algonquin Highlands is moving forward with a nine per cent increase to its municipal levy following the presentation of the 2026 final draft budget.
During the April 2 regular council meeting, elected officials approved the financial plan – $643,357 in additional spending this year. With the total tax rate, which includes combined rates for the County and education, residents will see a 5.54 per cent increase on their combined tax bill. This represents an approximate increase of $45 per year for every $100,000 of property assessment.
Council and staff outlined a budget that balances a surge in infrastructure spending with cost-saving measures in local facilities.
The single largest driver of the budget is the transportation department, with its total budget climbing by more than 50 per cent to reach $4,031,678. Spending on roads alone is jumping to $3,694,610, a more than 60 per cent increase over the 2025 approved budget. However, the airport operations budget is being scaled back by about 43 per cent this year to $57,900.
Public safety and regulatory services account for $2,486,795 of the 2026 budget. With Ontario Provincial Police service costs continuing to rise with an 11 per cent increase this year, bringing the total to $1,126,635. Meanwhile, the fire department’s operational budget is being slashed by just over 11 per cent, totalling $639,750 for the year.
Budgeted at $15,110 for the coming year, the short-term rental program is seeing a significant drop compared to the $78,247 actually spent on the program in 2025. And the new septic program has a dedicated budget of $149,443 this year.
To help offset infrastructure and public safety costs, several recreational and community facilities will operate with reduced funding. Spending for all facilities has been reduced to $1,106,065, a 16.68 per cent drop from previous levels. The Dorset Recreation Centre saw its operating budget cut by over 20 per cent to $322,283. Perhaps the most dramatic shift in the budget is the withdrawal of funding for general cemetery maintenance. The budget was slashed by nearly 83 per cent, falling from a previous $10,265 to $1,750.
The budget was the result of three days of deliberations in February and March. During the final summary, staff noted that while various projects were adjusted during those talks, no major “law changes” were required for the final draft.
Council approved the budget and directed staff to prepare the formal tax rate bylaw, which is expected to be brought forward for official adoption at the regular meeting of council on April 16.
