Infrastructure upgrades, road reconstruction and community grants included in the Rideau Lakes 2026 budget.
RIDEAU LAKES — The Township of Rideau Lakes has officially passed its 2026 budget under the framework of Ontario’s strong mayor powers legislation, which provides the mayor with authority to propose, amend and approve municipal budgets.
The budget, presented by Mayor Arie Hoogenboom, was subject to amendments by council. Some of those amendments were vetoed by the mayor. Council was unable to override the vetoes.
The final approved budget includes a 4.84 per cent township tax increase. When combined with the county’s approved increase of 2.46 per cent and a zero per cent education tax rate, the overall combined tax increase is 3.28 per cent.
Hoogenboom said the budget balances rising costs with the township’s responsibility to taxpayers.
“This budget reflects our commitment to creating a fair and affordable financial plan for the Township of Rideau Lakes,” Hoogenboom said. “While we face rising costs and increased demands for services, we have worked hard to balance those needs with our responsibility to taxpayers. The 2026 budget focuses on supporting essential infrastructure projects, community programs and maintaining a high quality of life, while keeping tax increases at a reasonable level.”
Key highlights of the 2026 budget include a significant increase in assessment growth totaling $28,725,500.
The Ontario Municipal Partnership Fund (OMPF) allocation has increased by $203,800, bringing the total to $2,119,000. The Ontario Community Infrastructure Fund (OCIF) allocation has decreased by $22,238, bringing the total to $200,141.
The OPP annual billing will increase by 11 per cent, or $227,659. A two per cent wage increase has been approved for both staff and council, aligned with the Consumer Price Index. There are no changes to staffing levels or municipal service levels.
The budget includes several infrastructure and capital projects. Planned road work includes reconstruction of Elmsley Lane, Fairlane Drive, Crosby Road, Mahon Road, Smith Road, Lake Street and Townline Road, with some projects shared with Elizabethtown-Kitley.
In addition, 21 kilometres of road will receive single surface treatment, one kilometre will receive double surface treatment, and 2.1 kilometres will receive micro surface treatment. Elmsley Lane and Fairlane Drive will also be paved. The township will purchase a tandem plow truck and a half-ton truck to replace existing vehicles.
Municipal building upgrades are also planned. Structural repairs and roof upgrades will take place at the Elgin Complex. South Elmsley Hall will receive roof repairs, a shade structure, playground equipment and pickleball courts. North Crosby Hall will have its aging boiler replaced and a new water softener installed. Air conditioning units will be replaced at the North Crosby Garage and Daycare.
The township will also design a new parking lot at the former Delta Maple Syrup site and conduct a building condition assessment for Newboro Hall.
Additional projects include the installation of CCTV cameras at Newboro Harbour, a structural review of the Portland main docks, and the purchase of a new SCBA decontamination washer for Fire Services.
In June 2026, a new pumper truck will be delivered to Fire Station 4. The termination of the automatic aid agreement with Smiths Falls for the South Elmsley ward is expected to provide $85,000 in savings.
The township will allocate $179,615 in community grants to support local organizations and initiatives.
Reserves were not used to reduce the tax levy. However, $344,000 from reserves was used to purchase a wheeled excavator. No new debt is being taken on to balance the budget. Any potential 2025 surplus or deficit will be transferred to or funded from reserves.
For more information about the 2026 budget or upcoming projects, visit the Township of Rideau Lakes website or contact the township office.
Submitted by the Township of Rideau Lakes
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