At its meeting on Saturday, January 31, Harrington Township Council adopted the 2026 budget, which includes a 16.77 per cent increase in the property tax levy. The budget includes operating expenses of $3,615,937 and capital expenditures of $638,306, bringing the total balanced budget to $4,254,242 for 2026.
Compared with the 2025 overall budget of $4,080,139, the 2026 budget is $174,103 higher, representing an increase of 4.27 per cent.
The township expects to collect $3,265,673 in tax revenues, with the majority (86.9 per cent or $2,839,322) coming from property taxes, which are increasing by 16.77 per cent, or $407,713, compared with 2025.
The primary driver for the tax levy increase is major road infrastructure projects within the capital budget, with the projects partially financed through the higher tax levy and a reduced use of surplus funds, from $250,000 in 2025 down to $80,000 in 2026.
Major infrastructure projects planned for 2026 include the repaving of chemin Harrington at a cost of $8,314,532, largely funded through grants. Additionally, chemin Rivière-Rouge culvert replacements and granular work are expected to cost approximately $2,081,024, also mostly grant-funded. Lost River Dam construction will cost the township $852,326 in 2026.
In addition to infrastructure projects, the township plans to purchase a backhoe for $325,000 and a six-wheel truck, replacing a 2012 model, for $350,000. Both purchases will be made through financing.
Operating costs are projected to decrease for 2026, with the township expecting to pay 3.71 per cent less than in 2025, at $3,615,937. Key contributors to the decrease include lower snow removal costs dropping by 6.26 per cent, payroll obligations decreasing by 9.34 per cent, and fire service costs declining by 11.82 per cent.
Mayor Gabrielle Parr voted against, saying, “It was strictly related to the surplus sharing of $80,000, considering it is far more useful to apply such funds to debt reduction, thereby reducing the impact of interest for the following decade.”
