Double digit increase to 2026 water rates in New Tecumseth

Posted October 3, 2025

New Tecumseth's urban water rates will increase 12.5 per cent on April 1, 2026, down from 15 per cent in 2025. Wastewater rates will hold steady at 8.5 per cent hike, matching last year's rate hike.

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The Town's proposed price structure through to 2028 is following a 2024 rate study based on a typical household (averaging 200 m3 per year). Water charge is also expected to increaes 12.5 per cent 2027, and 10 per cent in 2028.​ The total charge annually per typical household is expected to reach $1,700 by 2028 and $2,168 by 2033.

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The Town funds its water and wastewater costs through user fees charged to its customers on the basis of a full cost recovery system. These rates are only charged to urban customers. Residents on well water and septic systems are not impacted.

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First budget under 'strong mayor' powers proposes 3.3 per cent tax hike 

 

Posted October 2, 2025

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New Tecumseth council will meet Oct. 8 to begin deliberations on the draft 2026 municipal budget which comes out the gate with an increase of $87, or 3.3 per cent more than last year on a home with an average market assessment of $459,000. The municipal portion of the tax bill would climb to $2,813.

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When the estimated four per cent increase by Simcoe County, and a zero hike for education, the combined proposed hike is $142 or 2.95 per cent, raising the total average tax bill to $4,945.

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What's different about the 2026 municipal budget is it's the first drafted under the new 'strong mayor' powers bestowed on Richard Norcross back in May. Among his new authority is the budget package is proposed by the mayor, then presented to council for its input.

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Councillors can propose amendments but the mayor has veto power which can only be undone with a two-thirds vote of council.

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Among some of the budget highlights, salaries and benefits will increase $1.7M overall, broken down as $1.42M in salaries and $277K in benefits, including WSIB. It's also anticipated about nine new staff additions in 2026.

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The OPP contract will climb to $7,182,091 an increase of $556,815 up 8.4 per cent.

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Among the proposed and ongoing Capital Projects: Reconstruction of Church Street North (including the bridge between Victoria and Fletcher Cres);  Enhanced Preventative Maintenance Program, Fire Station #4, Honey Hill Park Development (Alliston), Willowglen Park Development (Tottenham), Trans Canada Trail Wayfinding Signage Project, and Tottenham Pickleball Courts.

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Click to view the draft budget https://shorturl.at/UPq6x