Norfolk County Council has officially adopted the 2026 Levy Operating Budget following Budget Committee deliberations on January 21, 2026. Under the Strong Mayor framework, the remaining amendment period was waived and the Mayor also waived the veto period, allowing the budget to take effect immediately.
The approved operating budget includes a net levy requirement of $146.5 million, an increase of $10.1 million over 2025. After accounting for growth and education levies, the average residential property owner will see a 5.5 per cent property tax increase. For a typical Norfolk County home, this brings the total annual tax bill to $4,083, an increase of $211.46, or about $4.07 per week.
The base operating budget, which funds day-to-day services, increased by 1.6 per cent, remaining below the rate of inflation. This supports core services such as road maintenance, emergency services, and fleet maintenance.
The overall increase is driven by infrastructure funding tied to a 10-year financial plan, council-approved initiatives, mandatory police services costs, and contributions to boards and agencies including housing, conservation authorities, public health, the public library, and Lynnwood Arts.
Several new initiatives were also approved, including stormwater inspections, by-law enforcement support, development compliance staffing, library training, and support for the Haldimand-Norfolk Community Hospice.
The budget was developed by staff, with no changes made by the Mayor, following direction from Amy Martin.
“This budget stays the course on responsible planning and protects Norfolk’s future,” Martin said.
Written by Jeremy Hall