The first draft of the 2026 budget was presented to East Hawkesbury council on Tuesday, October 14, Chief Administrative Officer (CAO) and Treasurer Luc Lalonde estimated a five per cent municipal levy increase for residents. The overall budget is projected at $6,665,940 for 2026, marking a significant increase of 45.45 per cent ($2,082,497) from 2025’s budget of $4,583,443.

Lalonde noted that the estimate was based on previous increases and that several key expenses, such as Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) costs, and township insurance, were not yet available. Expected increases in costs include updated wages and benefits for municipal employees, capital project investments, and general rises in materials and labour.

A five per cent increase in the municipal levy would raise payments by $56.07 per year for a residential property valued at $209,874, which is the average value of a residential property in East Hawkesbury.

“We’re proceeding with a five per cent increase to the municipal levy compared to last year, based on the available information we have,” Lalonde said. “We haven’t received an invoice from the OPP, our insurance, or the unconditional grant municipalities receive from the province.”

Major 2026 planned operational and capital expenses include administration ($728,646); road paving on rue des Cèdres, rue des Pins, and rue Ferry in Chute-à-Blondeau ($328,456); council wages and expenses ($119,396); and the fire department ($2,518,719).

Operational costs, including administration costs, have increased by $153,193 or 26.63 per cent, while council wages and expenses have risen significantly by $42,559 or 55.38 per cent.

Two million dollars from the fire department’s budget is being allocated toward constructing a new fire hall in St-Eugène as a capital expense. Municipal staff will apply for government grants to offset a portion of the cost; if those cannot be secured, the township will likely finance the construction project through a municipal loan.

Lalonde said staff will revise the budget once the remaining figures become available. Council expects to receive an updated budget report at its next meeting.