New Tecumseth 2026 budget put to bed, combined tax hike to average $155
November 5, 2025
New Tecumseth council has ratified its first budget crafted under the 'strong mayor' power that wil add $100 to the average property tax bill for local purposes.
When combined with the County's four per cent increase, the total hike is $155 in 2026 on a home with an average market vallue assessment of $459,000, raising the total avg tax bill to approximately $4,960.
Among the most significant changes from the first draft, is the decision to open the door on full-time firefighters, beginning with four in the second half of 2026. Currently New Tecumseth Fire Rescue has 120 part-time on-call firefighters in Alliston, Beeton, and Tottenham stations.
The department has had a difficult time recruiting enough firefighters to staff the fourth station being constructed to service the east end of Alliston - Treetops, the Briars commmunities. NTFR's administration is full-time officers.
Another change since the first draft is the water rates on April 1, 2026 will increase by 10 per cent, down from the original 12.5 per cent. Wastewater increase wil remain at 8.5 per cent.
Working session gives councillors opportunity to shape Mayor's draft budget
Posted October 20, 2025
New Tecumseth councillors will get their turn Wednesday to shape the draft 2026 municipal budget, the first under 'strong mayor' powers, by offering amendments to the package which opened with a proposed $87, or 3.3 per cent tax hike over 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.
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.
The catch under the new authority, is Mayor Richard Norcross can veto any or all amendments over the next 10 days. But councillors can override any veto with a two-thirds vote. In New Tecumseth with 10 councillors, it would take seven votes to kill the mayor's veto. The overall budget process is legistated to a maximum of 55 days.
An alternative option is Council could choose not to shorten the 30 day review and amendment period, which is currently scheduled to end on October 30. The 10-day veto period for the Mayor would begin after completion of the 30 days.
Click to view the draft budget https://shorturl.at/UPq6x
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.
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.
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.
First budget under 'strong mayor' powers proposes 3.3 per cent tax hike
Posted October 2, 2025
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.
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.
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.
Councillors can propose amendments but the mayor has veto power which can only be undone with a two-thirds vote of council.
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.
The OPP contract will climb to $7,182,091 an increase of $556,815 up 8.4 per cent.
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.
Click to view the draft budget https://shorturl.at/UPq6x