South Stormont Council Adopts 2026 Municipal Budget with 5.69% Tax Increase

South Stormont — Council for the Township of South Stormont has officially adopted its 2026 Municipal Operating and Capital Budgets following a meeting held on Wednesday, December 17, 2025.

The approved budget includes a 5.69% increase to the township tax rate compared to 2025. For residential property owners, that translates to $633.30 in township taxes for every $100,000 of assessed property value.

Mayor Bryan McGillis said the process required careful balancing amid ongoing financial pressures.

“Council and staff worked diligently to prepare a budget that balances the needs of our community with today’s economic realities,” McGillis said in a statement. “Rising inflation and financial pressures required difficult decisions, but through collaboration we’ve developed a plan that keeps affordability in mind while continuing to move South Stormont forward.”

Where the Money Is Going

Alongside day-to-day municipal operations, the 2026 budget funds several major capital projects and infrastructure investments, including:

• Road maintenance and improvements on 11 township roads, totaling $2.3 million
• Waste management upgrades, including a new waste transfer station and the purchase of a new garbage truck, totaling $1.2 million
• Long Sault Arena upgrades, focused on equipment improvements and modernization, totaling $320,000
• Sidewalk and streetlight replacements, with annual investments totaling $200,000

Township officials say the budget aligns with priorities outlined in the 2023–2027 Strategic Action Plan, while remaining responsive to economic conditions affecting residents and municipalities alike.

Residents interested in a deeper look at the budget can access Council meeting recordings, staff presentations, and full budget breakdowns through the township’s public engagement portal at speakupsouthstormont.ca/budget2026.

As always, The Seeker will continue to follow how these investments translate into on-the-ground improvements for South Stormont residents.