Welland Council passes final 2026 budget, including 4.01 per cent property tax increase

Welland property owners will see a higher tax increase than previously thought in 2026, as Welland City Councillors passed eight amendments to Mayor Frank Campion’s budget.

The property tax increase for 2026 will now amount to 4.01 per cent, or about $78 for the average household with an assessed value of $232,000. Campion had previously proposed an overall property tax increase of 3.57 per cent.

Campion has said he will not use his strong mayor powers to veto any of the budget additions made by Council, meaning the 4.01 per cent property tax increase will stand. In theory, Campion does have a 10-day period to veto any amendments.  

The 2026 operating budget will be $125.6 million, broken down into $81.9 million for programs supported by the property tax and $43.7 million for water and wastewater programs. 

“Council worked together thoughtfully to deliver a budget that supports residents today while planning responsibly for tomorrow,” said Campion in a media release. “This budget maintains services, renews critical infrastructure, and keeps transparency and accountability at the centre of our decision-making.”

Among the eight amendments Council passed to Campion’s budget include new positions for fire prevention, museum educational programming, and community development system analysis. 

New capital initiatives passed by Council include investment in Welland’s tree canopy, pavement rejuvenation, and design work for critical roads, sewer, and water renewals. 

Nine other amendments were proposed by Councillors but were ultimately withdrawn or rejected. 

The average household will also see water and wastewater bills rise by an average of $102 next year, or 6.97 per cent. Water and wastewater services are provided by Niagara Region, so the increase is driven by Regional costs. 

The 2026 capital budget amounts to $52.1 million, with a focus, according to the City, on infrastructure renewal and community needs. This includes roughly $13.6 million for roads, $13.4 million for wastewater systems, $6.5 million for water systems, $4.1 million for facilities, $3.5 million for parks and open spaces, and $4 million for storm sewers.

Welland property owners won’t know the final increase to their property tax bills for at least another few days, when Niagara Region settles on its 2026 property tax increase. School board levies have also yet to be determined by the province, so the final complexion of property tax bills for 2026 could take even longer to determine.