Photo by B. Shakyaver
The Municipality of South Huron has officially adopted its 2026 budget, outlining plans to manage rising costs while continuing to invest in services and infrastructure.
South Huron residents will see a property tax increase in 2026 as the municipality deals with higher operating costs and ongoing investments. The general government tax levy is increasing from $11.74 million in 2025 to $12.28 million in 2026, an increase of $534,318. This means property taxes will rise by about 1.4% in Wards 1 and 3 (rural) and by around 2.48% in Ward 2 (urban). For the average South Huron home, this means an annual increase of about $26.12 in the rural wards and $52.57 in the urban ward. These amounts apply only to the municipal portion of property taxes and do not include education or County of Huron taxes, which are set separately.
Transportation services, which include roads, bridges, and sidewalks, will also see a small levy increase, rising from $143,971 to $144,793 (0.57%).
Municipal staff say the increase is mainly due to higher costs for wages, materials, and emergency services. Several major services, including fire protection, recreation, and planning, continue to cost more than they generate in revenue and rely on property taxes to operate.
The 2026 operating budget supports day-to-day municipal services, including general government, fire services, planning, recreation, transportation, and cemetery operations. These funds pay for staffing, supplies, and contracted services needed to keep the municipality running.
South Huron’s capital budget focuses on building, repairing, and replacing important infrastructure. Tax-supported capital projects include investments in Fire halls and emergency service facilities, road resurfacing, sidewalks, bridges, and culverts, recreation facilities and parks and cemetery expansions and equipment
Out of approximately $12.7 million in tax-supported capital spending, only about $2.46 million comes directly from property taxes. The remaining funding comes from reserves and grants, helping to limit the impact on taxpayers.
Municipal officials say the 2026 budget reflects the challenge of rising costs while planning ahead. By investing now in infrastructure and setting money aside for future repairs, the municipality aims to avoid larger and more expensive problems in the years ahead.
