Media Release - December 19, 2025 - Municipality of Kincardine Adopts 2026 Budget

KINCARDINE, ON – The Municipality of Kincardine’s 2026 Budget was deemed adopted on December 18, 2025. The budget maintains existing programs and services while investing in critical infrastructure and community amenities that support residents and visitors.

The 2026 municipal budget includes a 2.88% tax rate increase. For an average home assessed at $275,000, this represents an increase of approximately $74 per year, or about $1.43 per week.

Mayor Kenneth Craig said, “The provincially implemented 2026 budget process helped Council remain focused on maintaining core services, while making targeted investments in community safety, financial resilience, and support for our local hospital.”

This year’s budget balances fiscal responsibility with long-term planning. Key investments include:

• Upgrades to water and wastewater treatment systems
• Road paving, culvert replacements, and bridge repairs
• Completion of the final phase of the water meter roll-out to enable fully remote meter reading
• Purchase of a new landfill shredder to help extend the landfill’s operating life 
• Construction of the All Wheel Park at the Davidson Centre
• Construction of a new bandshell at Victoria Park
• Rehabilitation of an accessible washroom at Rotary Park
• Continued enhancements at Station Beach, including new fencing and a redesigned parking lot
• Capital upgrades at the Hawthorne Community Medical Clinic, including roof, HVAC, and window replacements
• LED lighting upgrades at the Tiverton Arena and the Whitney Crawford Community Centre
• New cardio and strength-training equipment at the health club

The budget also strengthens long-term financial sustainability by setting aside additional funding of $685,000 for asset renewal and future infrastructure needs.

In addition, Council approved a contribution to the Kincardine & Community Health Care Foundation’s expansion project to support access to quality health care close to home. The $600,000 included in the 2026 budget forms part of the Municipality’s total commitment of $2.4 million.

In closing, Mayor Craig noted, “The question will always remain: how do we provide the services and programs our citizens expect and rely on, while also keeping taxation at an affordable level? Council and staff will continue to listen, monitor, evaluate, and improve the facilities and programs we provide for our businesses, visitors, and residents. We’re better together.”

To learn more about the municipal budget, visit www.kincardine.ca/MB26.

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Media Inquiries:
Kenneth Craig, Mayor
Municipality of Kincardine
519-396-3468 x 7181
kcraig@kincardine.ca