Norfolk County’s 2026 Budget process

Norfolk County is preparing its 2026 municipal budget and is encouraging residents to learn more about the process and understand recent changes to how budgets are developed in Ontario municipalities. 

What’s new this year 

This year marks the first budget cycle since Norfolk County was granted Strong Mayor Powers by the Province of Ontario in May of this year. These powers, introduced under Ontario Regulation 530/22, give heads of Council in designated municipalities enhanced authority to advance provincial priorities such as housing and infrastructure development, including the ability to propose the municipal budget directly. 

Mayor Amy Martin has confirmed that Norfolk County’s 2026 budget will not follow the Strong Mayor model. Instead, she has directed staff to continue with the County’s established collaborative budget development process—one that values and considers input from staff, Council, and the public. This approach ensures that Norfolk County Council remains fully engaged in shaping the County’s financial priorities for the year ahead. 

2026 Budget timeline 

Norfolk County prepares three distinct budgets each year: 

• Rate Supported Budget (Water and Wastewater) 
• Levy Supported Capital Plan (Infrastructure) 
• Levy Operating Budget (Day-to-day services) 

Public consultation 

Residents were invited to share feedback through surveys, events, and online tools from August 1 to September 30, 2025. Results will be shared in a report to be presented at the Budget Committee Meeting on Thursday, October 16, 2025.

Budget Committee meetings

• Thursday, October 16, 2025 – Agencies, Boards, Committees, User Fees, New Initiatives 
• Tuesday, October 28, 2025 – Review of 2026 Rate Supported Budget 
• Thursday, November 20, 2025 – Review of 2026–2035 Levy Capital Plan 
• Wednesday, January 21 and Thursday, January 22, 2026 – Review of 2026 Levy Operating Budget 

Draft budgets will be released one to two weeks before each meeting, allowing residents and Council members time to review and provide input.  

Get involved 

Residents can continue to participate by: 

• Visiting engagenorfolk.ca/budget to learn more and find links to proposed budgets 
• Watching Council meetings in person or on Norfolk County’s YouTube channel 
• Registering to speak at a Budget Committee meeting at norfolkcounty.ca/deputations 

Stay informed  

Stay informed about important updates, community events, and Council decisions in Norfolk County by subscribing to MyNews at norfolkcounty.ca/mynews.   

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