Meeting on Monday night, city council in North Bay approved a property tax increase of 3.95 per cent for 2026, with a total operating budget of $179.4 million. “The approved budgets provide for ongoing reinvestment in municipal infrastructure and maintain core municipal services, including road maintenance and garbage collection,” the city said in a news release. “The budgets also continue funding for community services delivered by partner agencies, including policing and social services.” For the average homeowner, the increase amounts to about $9.92 per month, or $119 annually, the city said. Property taxes for 2026 are based on 2016 assessments, with the average North Bay home valued at $227,000. The city’s total 2026 operating budget is funded through a combination of taxes, grants, user fees and other revenue sources. Property taxes raise $118.6 million, representing an increase of$4.5 million compared to 2025. The 3.95 per cent tax increase includes 1.32 per cent to fund city operations and 2.63 per cent for external partners that include city police, the health unit and library. “This budget builds on previous years, reflects community priorities, balances rising costs, maintains essential services, and continues critical investment in the infrastructure our community relies on,” Mayor Peter Chirico said in the news release. “As this is the final budget of this council’s term, I want to congratulate Deputy Mayor Maggie Horsfield for her leadership as budget chief.” To lower the tax hike, the budget draws $3.6 million from the city’s tax rate stabilization reserve. “The availability of reserves played a key role in limiting the tax levy increase,” Horsfield said in the release. Reserve fund reduces tax hike “The city did not need to draw fully on reserves as planned last year and received additional WSIB (Workplace Safety and Insurance Board) rebates, which put us in a strong position for the use of more reserves this year to help offset rising costs.” The 2026 capital budget totals $82.7 million, with $59.6 million allocated to general capital projects and $23.1 million dedicated to water and wastewater infrastructure. About 34 per cent of the capital budget is funded through grants and third-party contributions, helping reduce pressure on local taxpayers. The capital budget includes money for infrastructure, community development, and support for external partners, such as funding for the redevelopment of Cassellholme Home for the Aged. Other projects include the construction of a second watermain feeding the Ellendale Reservoir to minimize the risk of water supply interruptions, asphalt resurfacing, the replacement of the Premier Road pumping station, the realignment of the Laurentian Avenue intersection, and additional improvements along Trout Lake Road. “This budget reflects the realities facing municipalities across Ontario: increasing service demands, aging infrastructure, and limited revenue tools,” Horsfield said. “Within these constraints, the city has taken a measured approach that balances immediate operational needs with long-term fiscal health.” More details on the 2026 budget can be found here.
