Media Release - Council Approves 2026 Township of Essa Budget

Utopia – January 15th, 2026 – On January 14th, 2026, Township of Essa Council approved its 2026 budget, which focuses on resources necessary to maintain existing services, aged asset replacement and address significant growth in our communities. The 2026 approved budget of $39,893,239 represents a total tax increase of 3.37% which equals approximately $27.50 per $100,000 of residential assessment based on the MPAC 2016 Current Assessments Value (CVA) not the current market value of a home/property.

“Council and Staff worked diligently to find efficiencies wherever possible. Even with reductions to provincial funding programs such as OMPF and OCIF, Essa has been able to maintain the lowest municipal tax rate among all 16 municipalities in Simcoe County. At the same time, we are continuing to meet and exceed service needs and invest in critical infrastructure as our community grows,” said Mayor Sandie Macdonald on behalf of Essa Council and staff.

While pressures continue, the 2026 budget ensures the Township continues to address infrastructure needs and areas of growth, as well as initiatives directed by Council to enhance and maintain critical service levels. The Township’s 2026 Capital requests of $15,889,924 include new and continuing capital projects. Capital projects are not directly funded by property tax and user rates; rather they are funded by a combination of grants, reserves /reserve funds and debentures.

2026 Budget Highlights include:

• Asset Management Contribution was increased by 23.1%
• Official Plan updates and Community Planning Permit System (CPPS)
• Construction of New Angus Joint Use Fire Station 2, Parks and Recreation and Public Works Facility
• Road Upgrades & Urbanization (8th Line, 9th Line, 11th Line, River Road, 5th Sideroad, 30th sideroad, 4th Line, 5th Line, 20th Sideroad, Simcoe Street Urbanization)
• Bridge Culvert Replacement and Concrete Culvert Replacement (Aged Assets)
• Permanent Speed Hump program – Other Traffic Calming Measures
• OLG & Baxter School Traffic flow & Safety enhancement
• New Skate Park - Thronton Recreation Centre
• Angus Water Upgrades Detailed Design /Tender – Angus Wastewater Expansion Environmental Assessment (Class EA)
• Ball Diamond Safety & Accessibility Upgrades
• Tennis Courts Outdoor Lighting Improvements
• Gold Park – ECO Park – Phase 1
• Arena Asphalt pathway and Accessibility Improvements

For more information visit our website - Essa Budget