2026 Budget Approved

Cost saving efforts reduces levy increase to 1.48% - one of the lowest property tax increases across the province

For immediate release (Dec. 10, 2025) – Orillia City Council endorsed a 1.48% tax increase for the Mayor’s 2026 Budget at its special meeting on December 10, 2025. The final budget demonstrates a careful, responsible approach to financial planning that minimizes costs for residents while protecting essential services amid ongoing inflation, increased legislative mandates and the tariffs imposed by Canada’s biggest trading partner.

“Developing this budget meant making tough choices as departments worked to balance service delivery with significant external cost pressures beyond our control,” said Orillia Mayor, Don McIsaac. “We recognize that residents continue to feel the impact of rising living costs and cannot absorb steep tax increases. At the start of this budget process, I tasked City staff to lessen the tax burden on residents by identifying efficiencies and reallocating resources wherever possible. These efforts were key to achieving a lower tax increase for residents this year while maintaining essential services our residents rely on.”

Extensive resident consultations

Extensive consultations were held with the residents in the form of public consultation sessions and engagement activities to gather input on the 2026 budget. In 2025, five public budget community engagement meetings were held between June 23rd and October 20th to provide opportunities for residents and stakeholders to review and discuss budget priorities. Other engagement activities included  an online survey, online ‘test your knowledge’ quiz and interactive vision boards located at the Orillia Recreation Centre and Orillia Public Library.

3 Phase Budget

The Mayor’s 2026 Capital Budget was adopted in October 2025, followed by the presentation and amendments of the Mayor’s 2026 Operating Budget in November 2025 and introduction of Service Partner budgets in November and December 2025.

The 1.48% levy increase in the Mayor’s 2026 Budget includes an Ontario Provincial Police increase of 1.45% and investment of an additional $805K towards the City’s reserve contributions for future capital projects.

Investing today for the future - Mayor’s 2026 Capital Budget

The Mayor’s 2026 Capital Budget invests over $51M in the City by funding critical infrastructure, equipment and community projects that strengthen neighbourhoods and support a thriving, sustainable tomorrow. Highlights include:

• Jarvis Street Phase 2 - Construction ($8.3M)
• Fleet Replacements ($2.7M)
• Wyandotte Street Reconstruction ($1.7M)
• A new home for the Orillia Youth Centre ($1.5M)
• Road resurfacing and sidewalk replacements ($3.6M in 2026)
• Construction of a Pickle Ball Complex and Skateboard Park ($2M)

What this means for homeowners

For residential property owners, the 1.48% levy increase means an approximate increase of $20 per year for every $100,000 of assessed property value.

The 2026 Mayor’s Budget represents a bright future for the City of Orillia, combining one of the lowest property tax increases across the province with continued delivery of core services and strategic investment in capital improvements. By balancing affordability with long-term progress, the City is laying the groundwork for growth, resilience and a vibrant community. 

For more information about the 2026 budget, visit orillia.ca/budget.

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Contact Information

Don McIsaac 
Mayor of Orillia 
705-325-2447 
dmcisaac@orillia.ca  

Angela Grenier
Manager of Communications
705-325-2108
agrenier@orillia.ca