Windsor mayor previews 2026 budget with proposed 0% tax increase

There’s a possibility of a zero per cent tax increase next year in Windsor, according to the mayor. CTV Windsor’s Sanjay Maru reports.

Windsor’s mayor is offering an early look at the city’s proposed 2026 budget, which calls for a zero-per-cent tax levy increase, the largest capital plan in Windsor’s history, and funding tied to Sandpoint Beach.

The draft budget, prepared by city administration and currently under review by Windsor Mayor Drew Dilkens, proposes holding property taxes flat in 2026 while planning more than $317 million in capital spending next year as part of a $2.26-billion, 10-year capital plan.

Speaking at city hall Thursday, Dilkens acknowledged the difficulty of holding taxes at zero at a time when residents are facing a high cost of living and departments are under financial pressure.

“Everything is open for review. It requires us to be more prudent and more diligent,” Dilkens said.

“Everything is open for review. I’ve said that every year, and this year is no different,” Dilkens said, adding a zero per cent increase requires administration to be “more diligent” at reviewing how to be “more strategic and efficient in the way that we do business.”

“I don’t think residents are going to see anything outstanding in terms of service level cuts,” he said.

Dilkens said getting to zero required difficult internal decisions, including deferring some work and determining what could wait until future years.

However, he declined to provide specifics, saying it would be unfair to councillors who have not yet seen the full budget.

Those details will not be made public until the budget is formally tabled later this month.

Under the draft plan, the city’s 10-year capital budget totals $2.26 billion, with about $317 million contemplated for 2026 alone.

The spending includes major investments in roads, sewers, parks, recreation facilities, public transit, and other city infrastructure.

City councillors say affordability is a clear concern for residents, but warn infrastructure needs remain pressing.

According to Dilkens, a zero budget would result in some staffing changes at the city.

“There are some additions. There are some subtractions,” said Dilkens. “It may be that we don’t fill certain positions, or we defer hiring of certain positions for another year.”

Ward 5 Coun. Ed Sleiman said, in a time of economic uncertainty fuelled by the ongoing trade war, he could not imagine informing his residents that property taxes for next year will increase.

He added road conditions were among the priorities he raised with the mayor during budget discussions.

“I have been advocating for one particular road, which is Central Avenue,” Sleiman said, acknowledging there are other roads across the city “in similar or worse condition.”

In Ward 7, Coun. Angelo Marignani said Sandpoint Beach was a key topic in his budget-focused conversations with the mayor.

“What I want to see is the fulfillment of the Sandpoint Beach master plan,” Marignani said.

Dilkens confirmed the draft capital plan includes funding connected to Sandpoint Beach, but said key decisions remain dependent on a pending safety review from the Life Saving Society.

Marignani added he does not support a future where access to the water is permanently restricted, even as the city considers alternatives such as splash pads.

“There’s nothing more Canadian than wading through a shoreline,” he said, describing Sandpoint as an important and accessible waterfront space.

The mayor also acknowledged that some city departments are seeking additional resources heading into 2026, creating pressure as council tries to maintain a zero-per-cent tax increase.

He said holding the line means making trade-offs across the organization.

Ultimately, Dilkens said, council will decide whether to accept those trade-offs or amend the budget.

“For the folks on council who don’t like zero, let them bring forward additions. Let council have the debate. It’s a democratic process,” said Dilkens. “Council can decide whether they want to add to the budget, and pass on more property tax to the taxpayer.

“I just know the people I’m speaking with are giving me the opposite signal. For me, zero is the right thing to do at this particular point in time.”

The mayor plans to officially table the 2026 budget on Dec. 29.

The public will then have two weeks to review it, with council hearings and delegations scheduled for January. Final decisions are expected by Jan. 26, 2026.