Norfolk County Council adopts 2026 Levy Operating Budget

Norfolk County Council has officially adopted the 2026 Levy Operating Budget following Budget Committee deliberations held on January 21, 2026. As permitted under the Strong Mayor framework, the remaining amendment period was waived, and the Mayor has also waived the veto period, allowing the budget to take effect immediately. 

The adopted operating budget represents a net levy requirement of $146.5 million, an increase of $10.1 million over 2025. After the impacts of growth and education levies are considered, the average residential property can expect a 5.5 per cent property tax increase, bringing the total to $4,083 for a typical Norfolk County home (the middle point of all home values). This represents an annual property tax increase of $211.46, or $4.07 per week.  

Budget highlights 

The base operating budget, the portion that funds Norfolk County’s day‑to‑day services, reflects a 1.6 per cent increase, which remains below the rate of inflation. Core services, including road maintenance, emergency services, and fleet maintenance, are a few of the items that make up this increase.  

The overall increase is driven by:

• Infrastructure funding (part of a 10-year plan to solidify Norfolk’s finances) 
• Base operating budget 
• Council approved initiatives 
• Police Services (mandatory, non-decisional) 
• Boards and agencies (Haldimand Norfolk Housing Corporation, Grand River Conservation Authority, Long Point Region Conservation Authority, Grand Erie Public Health, Norfolk County Public Library, and Lynnwood Arts) 
• New budget initiatives 

Approved new budget initiatives: 

• Risk & Claims Specialist (no impact on the tax levy) 
• Stormwater CCTV Inspections and Condition Assessments 
• Development Compliance Technologist 
• Part-time ServiceNorfolk Agents 
• Mechanic (no impact on the tax levy) 
• By-law Enforcement Officer 
• Support for the Haldimand-Norfolk Community Hospice (supported by Legacy Fund interest) 
• Part-time Library Training and Development Coordinator 
• Haldimand-Norfolk Housing Corporation Project Manager 

A collaborative, staff‑led budget 

As in recent years and consistent with direction from Mayor Martin, the operating budget was developed by staff, with no changes made by the Mayor. This approach supports transparency and stability in Norfolk’s financial planning process.  

The Rate Supported and Capital Budgets were approved in October and November 2025, respectively. Learn more about Norfolk’s 2026 budget by visiting norfolkCounty.ca/Budget.    

Quote

Mayor Amy Martin

“This budget, with a 5.5 per cent increase, reflects the hard work staff and Council have done to keep costs as affordable as possible while maintaining our commitment to investing in infrastructure and properly funding reserves. These contributions will protect us from deferring critical work, taking on unnecessary debt, or putting heavier burdens on taxpayers down the road. Residents expect high-quality services and long‑term stability, and that means we can’t take our foot off the gas. This budget stays the course on responsible planning and protects Norfolk’s future.”