News Release - Greater Napanee Council Adopts 2026 Budget

February 4, 2026

GREATER NAPANEE, ON) – The Greater Napanee 2026 Budget was adopted on February 4, 2026.  

The 2026 tax levy has been approved at $17,328,573, representing an increase of $1,122,661 over last year. This equates to a 5.8% tax rate increase after consideration for the increase in assessment growth. Of that 5.8%, 3.2% reflects Town-specific needs and 2.6% is driven by rising costs from external agencies such as the Conservation Authorities and OPP costing that increased by $475,000.  

For the average residential home that is assessed at $219,000 as per MPAC, this equates to an increase of approximately $88.65 for the Town’s portion of the tax bill. The 2026 Budget also reduces the special tax levy for the curbside collection of garbage from $200 to $150 per year. 

Council also approved a 5% increase to water and wastewater rates. The bi-monthly financial impact on the average (24.6 m3) customer will be $11.24 ($236.11 average bi-monthly bill). 

In alignment with the Mayor’s Budget Directives, the following objectives were achieved from the 2026 Budget:

• Focusing on the core business of the municipality. 
• Reducing the special tax levy for the curbside collection of garbage from $200 to $150 due to cost savings realized from provincial legislation that removes recycling from municipal jurisdiction. 
• Ensuring that no new full-time employees were included in the budget. 
• Creating extra capacity internally to facilitate more community partnerships. 
• Prioritizing paying off infrastructure-related debt. 
• Making investments into the community that are funded through non-tax revenues.   

“I am happy to announce the adoption of the Town of Greater Napanee's 2026 municipal budget,” said Mayor Richardson. “This budget reflects Council’s commitment to making the Town of Greater Napanee the best that we can be while keeping our community one of the most affordable places to live in the area. Much needed investments were made in our heavy fleet and Fire Department, which will assist staff in keeping our community safe for years to come.”

“We are also investing in the creation of an in-town trail system, as well as recreation infrastructure that will enhance the quality of life for the citizens that live here.”

“I would like to extend my sincere appreciation to Council, staff, and the community members who provided input during the budget process. Your collaboration with this process was invaluable and should be commended."

Investments were made in the following capital projects as part of the 2026 Budget: 

• Financing a new Aerial Ladder Fire Truck ($265,000). 
• Upgrades to the Fire Department’s personal protective equipment ($193,500). 
• Investments into firefighting equipment and facilities ($103,000). 
• Equipment to support work within Town parks and cemeteries ($35,000).  
• Continued investment into the replacement of rubber flooring at the Best & Bash Arena ($40,000).  
• Replacement of aging heavy equipment for public works ($578,000). 

The capital budget also included investments funded through other sources, including: 

• Town Hall and Market Square improvements, funded through the sale of underutilized public property. 
• The revitalization of the Alcorn-Francis Memorial Soccer Field, funded through non-taxation revenue, including reserves, community benefit funds, and savings legally dedicated to parkland.  
• Double and single surface roads program, funded through Federal and Provincial funding support.  
• The creation of new recreational trails in Town, funded through development charges. 
• Replacement of a plow truck paid for through the Town’s fleet reserve. 

The Town will be publishing more information in the coming week about where specific investments are being made for the 2026 Budget. 

Media Contact:

Kylie Huffman

Community Engagement & Communications Coordinator

Town of Greater Napanee

T: 613-776-1116

E: khuffman@greaternapanee.com

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