The Town of Essex has released its Draft 2026 Municipal Budget, now available for public review at www.essex.ca/Budget. Residents are invited to learn more and engage in the budget process through the upcoming Budget Walkthrough and Budget Deliberation sessions.

A Budget Walkthrough will take place on Monday, November 24 from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m., offering the community an opportunity to explore key components of the budget in an open-house style format.

Budget Deliberations will follow on:

• Monday, December 8 – 1:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.
• Tuesday, December 9 – 12:00 p.m. – 4:30 p.m.

All sessions will be held at Town Hall, 33 Talbot St. South (Council Chambers) and will be streamed live at youtube.com/EssexOntario.

The Proposed 2026 Budget outlines $80.4 million in total revenues and expenses, including over $21.5 million dedicated to capital initiatives, and reflects a proposed average tax increase of 4.92% across Wards 1 through 4. It demonstrates the Town’s commitment to both financial accountability and strategic growth. Key themes include:

Addressing contractual obligations while maintaining services levels

• This budget incorporates contractual increases from the current policing contract as well as the phased-in impact of the 2024 negotiated union contract.
• The Town continues to dedicate monies to the asset management program, with a current 1% levy presented in the 2026 budget, to ensure readiness for asset replacement and that continued service level targets are met.

Incorporating the Town’s strategic pillars with a strong focus on infrastructure planning and innovations

• Key projects set up to guide the Town to further development include the Residential Intensification Guidelines, Fire Station 3 Replacement, and Maidstone Avenue/Talbot Street Intersection Improvements
• Innovative projects include phase one of Enterprise Resource Planning and a hybrid Bylaw Enforcement patrol vehicle.

Finding alternative ways to assist in stabilizing tax increases

• The Town established a longer-term tax impact plan which is incorporated into this budget
• User fees were analyzed and adjusted in accordance with increases in related costs

“This budget reflects thoughtful, forward-looking planning that balances the needs of today with the opportunities of tomorrow,” said Kate Rowe, Director of Corporate Services. “By investing in infrastructure, innovation, and long-term financial stability, the Town of Essex continues to build a strong foundation for our community.”

The Town encourages residents to review the draft budget at www.essex.ca/Budget and participate in the upcoming sessions to learn more about the 2026 Municipal Budget.