On Monday, November 10, East Hawkesbury Council reviewed the second draft of the 2026 budget, which proposes a six per cent municipal levy increase for residents. The overall operating and capital budget for the municipality is projected at $6,721,247, an increase of $55,307 from the first draft.

Chief Administrative Officer (CAO) and Treasurer Luc Lalonde estimated that East Hawkesbury will earn $3,065,017 in tax revenues in 2026, compared to $2,850,754 in 2025, an increase of $214,263. A six per cent increase would raise annual property taxes by $67.29 per year for the average East Hawkesbury residential property valued at $209,874. Under the earlier five per cent estimate in the first draft, the increase would have been $56.07 per year.

Deputy Mayor Jacques Tranchemontagne questioned the six per cent rate, noting that last year’s rate was seven per cent and that the municipality still faces several major projects planned for 2026.

The second draft also includes the updated budget figures following the municipality’s confirmation of Ontario Municipal Partnership Funding (OMPF). Lalonde said the increase from five to six per cent reflected additional costs added by administration and the fire department. The confirmed OMPF funds allowed some extra spending, but did not fully offset the levy increase.

He added that finalized Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) costs for the municipality would be available sometime in December, but he expects the amount to rise. OPP services cost the municipality $320,482 in 2025, and preliminary estimates put the cost at $535,000 for 2026, a significant rise of approximately 67 per cent.

Lalonde also noted that the province provides annual OMPF to help offset municipal operating costs: “We received confirmation last week that the province will provide $380,000 to East Hawkesbury, an increase of 9.76 per cent from last year’s amount of $346,200.”

The added investments include an additional $50,000 for the fire department to buy a new pick-up truck, financed through a five-year loan. The budget also increases administration staff training funds from $4,500 to $10,000, which Lalonde said is necessary to keep staff current with updated procedures and requirements.

Council will continue its 2026 budget discussions at its next meeting in December.