General News

Simcoe County Council approves budget with 3.5 per cent property tax increase

December 11, 2025   ·   0 Comments

By Brian Lockhart

The County of Simcoe has released highlights from recent meetings held on Nov. 10 and Nov. 25.

Council approves 2026 budget

Council has approved a $1.042 billion budget for 2026, maintaining core services while investing in infrastructure, housing, and community supports.

The plan includes a 3.5 per cent property tax increase.

Key investments included major road and bridge upgrades, the Lake Simcoe Regional Airport runway extension, and a new 10-year Housing Strategy with active developments in Barrie and Collingwood.

Funding also supports Community Paramedicine, the Simcoe Village Campus Redevelopment, and 978 new childcare spaces under the Canada-Wide Early Learning and Child Care Agreement.

Significant allocations include $216 million for LTC Homes, $151 million for childcare, and $114 million for housing.

New affordable housing and homelessness prevention strategy

Council has approved a new 10-year strategy to serve 20,996 households by 2035.

The plan builds on the previous strategy, which delivered 3,700 affordable units and emphasizes collaboration with municipalities, non-profits, private-sector partners, and all levels of government.

County-wide transit service delivery review update

Council approved the long-term Vision Statement for transit in Simcoe County, which will guide development of an integrated, accessible, and fiscally responsible system.

While LINX and LINX PLUS show strong ridership, gaps in coverage and coordination remain.

A comprehensive service plan and governance model will be brought forward in 2026.

Hazardous waste program update

The County’s Household Hazardous Waste program is experiencing rising costs and declining provincial funding, while capital expenses for depot upgrades remain ineligible for reimbursement.

In addition, Producer Responsibility Organizations are now ultimately responsible for HHW, prompting Council to consider strategies to potentially reduce existing service levels as part of this transition.

Community Paramedicine Program update

The County continues to expand its Community Paramedicine Program, which delivers proactive care to vulnerable populations through five initiatives: Wellness Clinics, home visits, the C.A.R.E. Pilot, 9-1-1 referral, and patient follow-up programs.

These services aim to reduce emergency calls and hospital visits by providing timely, tailored support that improves health outcomes.

Staff are currently developing and validating key performance indicators to measure program impact, ensure compliance, and support sustainable funding with results to guide future enhancements.

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