Property owners in Welland now know what kind of a tax increase may be in store for 2026, as Mayor Frank Campion has presented his proposed 2026 budget.
It includes a property tax increase of 3.57 per cent, which would fall below last year’s 3.95 per cent increase if the budget is not amended to include additional items to be paid for by the general levy.
This is the third year that Campion has proposed a budget under the province of Ontario’s strong mayor system, which requires mayors to present proposed budgets and then sets off a 30-day process for Council to try to amend the budget and for the mayor to potentially try to veto proposed amendments.
Campion’s budget, if passed, would see the average assessed home in Welland, with a value of $232,000, pay $1,999 in property taxes, a $69 increase from 2025 levels. That’s before property taxes from Niagara Region are added onto the total property tax bill for Welland property owners.
Upon release of his proposed budget, Campion also released a statement.
“I understand that balancing affordability with renewal for the future is critical for our residents,” said Campion. “This proposed budget tells a clear story of maintaining the services residents rely on, renewing infrastructure that keeps our community strong, and making transparent financial decisions that protect taxpayers.”
Campion’s total proposed operating budget is $125.5 million.
When it comes to water and wastewater rates, Campion’s proposed increase is 6.97 per cent, which incorporates an estimated Niagara Region increase in water and wastewater rates of 9.05 per cent.
Campion’s budget estimates that the education levy for the average household will remain frozen in 2026 at $355. It also anticipates that Niagara Region will raise property taxes by 9.31 per cent, or $198 for the average household, although Niagara Region has directed staff to try to hold this year’s increase to 3.5 per cent.
Campion’s budget was officially proposed on Nov. 4, which kicked off the 30-day budget process. Any amendments will be considered and voted on within the subsequent 30 days, meaning the budget process will wrap up in Welland by Dec. 4.
Among the budget highlights include: no new positions being added to City of Welland staff; a general focus on repairing and renewing existing assets; a revised debt strategy; and an investment income strategy that maximizes funds available to support the operating budget.
Jay Goldberg is the Canadian Affairs Manager at the Consumer Choice Center. He previously served as the Ontario Director at the Canadian Taxpayers Federation and a policy fellow at the Munk School of Public Policy and Global Affairs. Jay holds a Ph.D. in Political Science from the University of Toronto.
