Port Hope budget finalized
Port Hope Town Hall. File Photo.
By Cecilia Nasmith
With the Strong Mayor Powers statutory amendment period for its budget lapsing last week, the Municipality of Port Hope has officially adopted its 2026 budget with a rate increase of 2.7%.
Mayor Olena Hankivsky presented the budget at the Jan. 20 council meeting - “which was informed by council deliberations and unanimously endorsed at a special council meeting on Jan. 13,” the announcement noted.
“The development of the 2026 budget included a careful and balanced approach to funding key priorities, while limiting the impact on taxpayers,” Mayor Hankivsky commented, noting council's focus on “addressing the infrastructure funding shortfall, managing municipal finances responsibly, and ensuring the municipality is well positioned to support future growth.”
The budget relies on a strategic mix of funding sources, drawing on reserves, grants and growth-readiness funding to advance priority projects without undue burden on taxpayers.
The 2.7% increase means a typical homeowner paying an additional $139 annually (or $12 monthly) per $272,000 of assessed home value.
Hankivsky noted the collaboration with council and staff that made this possible.
“This work reflects a forward-looking approach that prepares our community for long-term success, including more than $20-million dedicated to supporting the implementation of our Strategic Plan.”
The press release noted some budget highlights, including:
$1.921-million to support the renewal of fleet assets for services related to fire protection, policing, transit accessibility, winter road maintenance and parks operations
$3.8-million in significant upgrades to parks and recreational spaces, including Rapley Park, Optimist Park and on-going planning for Welcome Park and open spaces
$4.5-million for key road and infrastructure projects, such as the reconstruction of Victoria Street South, rural road resurfacing and urban street improvements
$6.1-million in critical water, waste water and storm water investments to support long-term infrastructure reliability and growth
Looking ahead, the budget also includes $888,884 as a contribution to the infrastructure-funding shortfall. The current term of council has reduced the infrastructure funding shortfall by 13.8% since 2022, and has nearly caught up to inflation since 2017.
Residents are encouraged to review budget information – including highlights and documents – on the municipality's web page. Updates on the implementation of budget initiatives will be shared through the municipality's communication channels, including the website and social media.
