Prince Edward County Sets 2026 Budget with Focus on Roads, Services, and Affordability
Date: December 07, 2025
Prince Edward County Council has completed its budget deliberations for 2026, setting the stage for a year that balances rising costs with continued investment in essential services and infrastructure. After three days of discussions, the budget framework will be formally presented by Mayor Steve Ferguson in January under the municipality’s strong mayor governance model.
Council acknowledged that many residents are feeling financial pressure, and efforts were made to limit the impact while still maintaining service levels and addressing long-term infrastructure needs identified in the County’s Asset Management Plan.
What the 2026 Operating Budget Supports
The tax-supported operating budget totals $87.7 million, with $56.8 million funded through property taxes. This portion of the budget pays for day-to-day services residents rely on, including road and bridge maintenance, waste collection, policing, emergency services, recreation programs, libraries, museums, community services, and long-term care.
To fund these services, the proposed municipal tax rate increase for 2026 is 3.59 per cent. For homeowners, that works out to approximately $37.73 more per year, or $3.15 per month, for every $100,000 of assessed property value.
Capital Spending and Road Improvements
In addition to operating costs, Council approved a $22.6 million capital budget for 2026. This funding will support road construction and repairs, equipment purchases, a land ambulance, and upgrades to municipal buildings and recreation facilities.
Road work remains a major priority. Of the capital total, $14 million is dedicated to road reconstruction and rehabilitation, including $4.5 million for preventative maintenance on 53 kilometres of rural roads, an increase over last year’s spending.
Key road projects planned for 2026 include:
Barker Street in Picton (Downes Avenue to Johnson Street)
Bowery Street (sections between Barker, King, and Mary streets)
County Road 3, west of Campbell’s Orchards
Health, Community, and Social Supports
The 2026 budget also includes targeted investments aimed at community well-being. Funding has been set aside to continue physician recruitment efforts through the County Docs program, supporting access to primary care for residents.
Grants and operational support will also continue for several local organizations and programs, including the Prince Edward Fitness and Aquatic Centre, youth services, recreation committees, seniors’ supports, and community grant programs administered through The County Foundation.
Council also confirmed that the Municipal Financial Relief Program will continue in 2026, with funding reserved to help eligible low-income households through tax and water bill credits.
Water and Wastewater Remain Rate-Funded
Separate from property taxes, Council reviewed water and wastewater budgets totaling $19.2 million, funded entirely through user rates. No municipal tax dollars are used for these services. Capital improvements in this area continue to be financed through long-term debt, with repayments built into operating budgets.
A community working group is expected to help shape water and wastewater rates beyond 2026.
Looking Ahead
With the budget framework now in place, Council’s focus shifts to implementation and ongoing monitoring throughout the year. While cost pressures remain, the 2026 budget reflects an effort to maintain core services, invest in infrastructure, and provide targeted relief where possible.
Comments