Mayor Tables 2026 Budget, Highlighting Commitment to City Services and Financial Sustainability

Mayor Ian Boddy has formally tabled his proposed 2026 budget for the City of Owen Sound. This budget was developed in consultation with each Council member, the Director of Corporate Services, and the City Manager. The steps taken in developing this budget were careful and measured, in parallel with the Province of Ontario’s implementation of Strong Mayor powers earlier this year.

The proposed budget reflects the City’s continued commitment to balancing the cost of delivering important municipal services while maintaining long-term fiscal responsibility. It also advances ongoing efforts to reduce the gap between Owen Sound’s residential property tax rate and the Grey County average.

This budget focuses on efficiency, responsible asset management, and disciplined spending—without compromising the services our community relies on. This focus does not come without cost, and though there have been many development projects breaking ground in 2025, the City has not seen growth in the taxpayer base this fiscal year. Ultimately, this means a total budget increase of 5.5% for 2026.

The City of Owen Sound continues to provide services including community policing, transit, and a full-time, professional fire service. These vital services are foundational to our City, and do not come without cost.

The City continues to focus on narrowing the tax rate gap through corporate-wide efficiency initiatives, Service Review actions, and the implementation of Lean Six Sigma across the organization. City leadership and staff continue to actively scrutinize expenditures and seek opportunities to keep costs as low as possible, including reducing the professional development allocation to focus on existing internal talent.

The budget includes the alignment of parks and public works labour, which is expected to be executed in 2026. This alignment aims to improve collaboration across departments and increase efficiency within these departments.

Notably, new additions to the 2026 budget include allocations to the City’s Sustainable Community Initiative for the operating and renovation costs of a new public washroom in the River District. This community-led project was one of the City’s most widespread participatory engagement efforts, with over 500 participants and many community organizations involved.

Key Dates in the 2026 Budget Process

·         Monday, December 22, 2025 – Mayor’s Proposed Budget Tabled

·         Friday, January 16, 2026 – Special Council Meeting

·         Monday, February 9, 2026 – Final Budget Amendments Confirmed at Council Meeting, Budget Deemed Adopted

Visit the City of Owen Sound’s Council and Committee calendar to view meeting agendas when available.  People interested in watching the budget meetings can do so live or on demand via the calendar listings.  

To watch the full proposed 2026 budget presented to Council on Friday, January 16, 2026, follow along through the City’s website at OwenSound.ca/Meetings.

For more information, please contact Kate Allan, Director of Corporate Services, at 519-376-4440 ext. 1238 or email kallan@owensound.ca.

Quotes:

“The Strong Mayor framework may change the process, but it doesn’t change our priorities. This budget is responsible, transparent, and focused on what matters most to Owen Sound.”

-      Mayor Ian Boddy

Quick Facts:

·         City of Owen Sound Mayor’s Proposed Budget 2026

·         Overview of Strong Mayor Powers | City of Owen Sound

·         Synopsis of the Province of Ontario Strong Mayor Powers

-30-