Windsor Mayor Drew Dilkens has provided a high-level preview of the 2026 City of Windsor Budget prepared by City administration and presented to the Mayor this week for his review and consideration.
In October, Mayor Dilkens issued Mayoral Decision (MD) 23-2025, directing City administration to prepare a 2026 budget that holds the line on taxes while maintaining funding for the City’s Asset Management Plan and continuing to invest in infrastructure, growth, and development through the 10-year capital plan that includes the largest local road rehabilitation and repair program in the City’s history.
The 2026 budget prepared for the Mayor’s consideration and previewed at City Hall proposes a 0% tax levy increase, and includes a $2.26 billion 10-year capital plan — the largest capital budget in the City’s history — with the following investments contemplated for 2026 alone:
- $317.3 million in capital investments
- $163.8 million for roads
- $60.0 million for sewers
- $29.2 million for community services (parks, recreation, facilities, and culture)
- $5.4 million capital investment in public transit
Mayor Dilkens will continue his review of the draft budget, with plans to officially table the budget on December 29, 2025.
“Windsorites, City Council, and City administration know my record of fiscal prudence, and my commitment to delivering responsible budgets that support our city’s evolution, while ensuring quality of life. Each year, our budgets ensure continued significant investments in growth and delivery of services, while maintaining the tax levy increase at or below the rate of inflation. Our strategic budgets have ensured that Windsor remains one of the most affordable communities in Ontario,” said Mayor Dilkens.
“Through a commitment to fiscal responsibility, the City has saved Windsor taxpayers a cumulative $1.57 billion from 2008 to 2026. Since 2006, Windsor residents have experienced a total increase in the tax levy of only 24% versus the provincial average of 87%. This continues to have a profound impact on daily lives for folks across the community. At a time when the cost of living is high, we’re facing uncertainties in the global economy, and folks are working hard to make ends meet, we have your back,” said Dilkens.
