Photo by B. Shakyaver
The Municipality of South Huron has released its proposed operating and capital budgets for 2026. The plan outlines how the municipality expects to raise money and where it will be spent to support local services, roads, recreation, and major infrastructure.
For 2026, South Huron is proposing just under $15 million in operating revenue for general government. This includes tax dollars, grant funding, investment income, and user fees. The tax levy is expected to increase from $11.7 million in 2025 to $12 million in 2026. General government expenses will rise to about $2.4 million, mainly due to wage and benefit increases.
Cemetery services are expected to operate at a small deficit again in 2026, with costs slightly higher than last year. Planning services also show a similar trend, with expenses higher than revenues as the municipality continues to support development review and staff time.
Protection services, which include fire services and bylaw enforcement, remain one of the largest areas of spending. Expenses are projected at $4.1 million, with funding coming from grants, user fees, and transfers from reserves. Wages and contract costs make up much of the increase for 2026.
Recreation services will continue to operate at a deficit as well, with higher wages, maintenance costs, and long-term debt payments for local facilities. User fees for recreation programs are expected to rise, bringing in more revenue next year.
Transportation services remain one of the highest-cost departments, with more than $4.3 million in operating expenses. This includes road maintenance, winter control, and equipment costs. The municipality also plans to transfer nearly $1 million into reserves to support future road and bridge projects.
Environmental services, which include water, wastewater, and waste collection, are funded mainly through user fees. Revenues and expenses are nearly balanced at just over $11 million, with no expected deficit.
Along with the operating budget, South Huron has also proposed a detailed capital plan for 2026. Capital investments will focus heavily on roads, bridges, emergency services equipment, and recreation facilities. Major transportation projects, including resurfacing, sidewalk work, and bridge improvements, total close to $7 million. Emergency services projects, including station upgrades and new equipment, total more than $4 million.
Water and sewer systems represent another significant investment. The municipality plans to spend more than $12 million on watermains, sewer upgrades, and treatment facilities. Most of the sewer work will be funded through outside grants and user fees.
The municipality says the proposed budget aims to maintain service levels while continuing to invest in long-term infrastructure that supports growth and safety in South Huron.
Council will review the proposed budget in the coming weeks before making final decisions.
