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At a Special Council Meeting held on November 4, 2025, the City of Port Colborne’s 2026 Levy, Capital and Rate Budgets were formally presented and, in accordance with legislation under Strong Mayor Powers, have now been deemed adopted.

The 2026 budgets support the delivery of high-quality municipal services while investing in key priorities such as strengthening fire services and community safety; advancing critical water, wastewater, and stormwater infrastructure; expanding health and wellness services in the community; and supporting sustainable growth across Port Colborne. 

“This budget continues on the great momentum we have experienced in recent years with investments in infrastructure, public amenities, and community well-being,” said Port Colborne Mayor William Steele. “We are prioritizing smart, sustainable spending that balances the needs of our growing community with our responsibility to keep Port Colborne affordable for residents.”

Capital & Operating Budget Highlights 

For Port Colborne residents, the 2026 Capital and Operating Budget results in an average 3.87% municipal levy increase, which represents approximately $90 per year for a residential property assessed at $203,084. When combined with expected regional and education rates, this represents a modest 2.04% blended increase attributable to the City’s portion of the tax bill.

Key investments in the Capital and Operating Budgets include: 

  • $6 million for watermain lining over three years 
  • $3 million for a new ladder truck for the Fire Department
  • $1.95 million for engineering design for wastewater projects in the Sugarloaf neighbourhood and Hwy 140 area
  • $1.5 million for roads, culverts, and structures
  • $1 million for healthcare initiatives over three years
  • $950,000 to support addressing property matters with the St. Lawrence Seaway Management Corporation 
  • $732,000 for sidewalk upgrades
  • $616,000 to replace the roof at the Roselawn Centre 
  • $500,000 for engineering design of water infrastructure in the Lockview area 
  • $450,000 to implement a modernized records management program
  • $285,000 to update the City’s Community Improvement Plan grant program 
  • $200,000 to improve the City’s tree canopy
  • $185,000 for improvements at the Vale Health and Wellness Centre/YMCA 
  • $150,000 for audio and visual upgrades to Council Chambers, required to meet requirements under the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act 
  • $121,000 to support organizations that are enhancing the community’s quality of life 
  • $114,000 to enhance the Community Concert Series
  • $100,000 to support Canal Days attractions and emergency preparedness 

In addition, the Physician Recruitment Reserve will grow to $300,000, providing greater flexibility to attract and retain physicians in Port Colborne.

Rate Budget Highlights

The City’s 2026 Rate Budget focuses on maintaining reliable water, wastewater, and stormwater services while continuing to advance infrastructure renewal and reduce water loss, inflow and infiltration in the system.

The budget accounts for increased Niagara Region water and wastewater charges of 9.05% and incorporates City initiatives to improve system efficiency, address aging pipes, and reduce treatment volumes over time. 

For a typical household using 142 m³ of water annually, the approved 2026 rate budget results in an increase of $179.93 per year, or approximately $14.99 per month, representing an 8.89% combined increase to water and wastewater charges. This includes increases of $91.91 for water (12%) and $88.02 for wastewater (7%), along with an additional $27.39 per year for storm sewer services (10%). These adjustments are driven in part by the Niagara Region’s forecasted 9.05% increase for regional water and wastewater treatment costs, and by City investments aimed at reducing system leakage and improving overall efficiency to help lower long-term operating costs.

About the Strong Mayor Budget Process

Under Ontario’s Strong Mayor Powers legislation, the Mayor is responsible for preparing and presenting the budget to Council before February 1. The legislative process includes clearly defined timelines and accountability measures:

  • The Mayor prepares the proposed annual budget and provides it to Council and the public.
  • Council and the community review the proposed budget during a defined 30-day review period – in Port Colborne, this period began on October 6, 2025.
  • Council members may submit proposed amendments to the budget.
  • The budget is formally presented at a Council meeting, where proposed amendments may be debated and voted on; only amendments are voted on, the budget is no longer passed by Council via a resolution.
  • If no amendments are passed, the budget is automatically deemed adopted at the end of the 30-day review period.
  • If Council passes amendments, the Mayor has the authority to veto those amendments within a 10-day set timeframe.
  • Council may override a mayoral veto via a two-thirds majority vote within a 15-day set timeframe.

In Port Colborne, eight amendments were passed by Council at its Special Council Meeting on November 4, 2025.


Video of Recent Projects & Initiatives in Port Colborne

The annual budget presentation is not only an opportunity to outline the year ahead, it is also an important moment to reflect on the significant accomplishments and investments made in recent years. From major infrastructure upgrades, tree canopy expansion, and park improvements to community events, healthcare partnerships, and housing progress, Port Colborne has continued to build momentum and deliver meaningful results for residents. 

To highlight this progress, a recap video showcasing some of the key projects, programs, and milestones was shared at Council. 

Residents are invited to watch the video, which highlights the work of City staff and Council in advancing key projects and priorities across our thriving waterfront community: https://youtu.be/QKqZVOfq2Bs

Mayor Steele thanked Chief Administrative Officer Bryan Boles, Chief Financial Officer/Treasurer Adam Pigeau, Council, and senior staff for their collaboration and hard work in supporting the development of the 2026 budgets. 

More information on the 2026 budget process, key projects and investments is available at www.portcolborne.ca/budget