Today, the Mayor’s 2026 Budget and Business Plan was officially adopted, marking an important step forward for a growing community focused on strategic investments, fiscal sustainability, and keeping services strong. Although the 2026 budget was developed under Ontario’s Strong Mayor framework, Mayor Maloney directly engaged with Council all year to shape the major building blocks of the plan. This collaborative approach has resulted in a practical, community-focused budget that protects essential services, looks after the Town’s assets, and puts taxpayer dollars to work responsibly.
This year’s budget includes a 4.9% tax rate increase, a figure that represents disciplined financial planning in the face of rising costs, inflationary pressures, and the full operational integration of the Muskoka Lumber Community Centre, the largest municipal asset in the Town’s history.
Since COVID-19, Bracebridge has maintained an average annual tax rate increase of 3.7%, only slightly above the provincial average inflation rate of 3%. This demonstrates the Town’s ability to absorb major economic shocks and make considerable investments, while continuing to prioritize affordability and reliable service delivery.
The 2026 Budget and Business Plan keeps service levels strong and moves key community priorities forward. Highlights include:
- Downtown revitalization efforts, including funding to modernize and restore the historic Carnegie Building (former library), and facilitating the redevelopment of the former Memorial Arena site;
- Major infrastructure investments, with important road, bridge, and storm sewer upgrades planned across the community; and
- Continued contributions to reserves to help the Town meets its local share commitment towards the future construction of a new hospital.
These investments will help ensure Bracebridge residents continue to have access to dependable services, improved public spaces, and the infrastructure needed to support both current and future growth.
From the Town of Bracebridge
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How much do we spend on interest payments? I haven’t read the fine details of the budget but I hear a lot of comments about how far in debt we are. Can someone at the town answer the question? (in actual dollars as well as percentages) Eliminating debt and only spending on what you need not want is best way to achieve financial stability. Thanks, Norm Raynor