On November 24 Council agenda there is the 2026 operating and capital budget for review: if there are no motions for amendments it will be approved. The proposed increase in property tax is 3.74%. But, as our rate is blended with York Region’s budget increase of 4.25% and the school boards’ assumed increase of 0% the estimated overall increase for King is 3.2%. For a residential property with assessed value of $1 million estimated tax is $9,169; of that 40% ($3,721) stays with King and 43% is given to YR and 17% to school boards.

Consistent with recent previous budgets any proposals to increase spending with a new program/initiative and/or increase in headcount there is a program change report which provides the justification/rationale and how it will be funded. The draft budget presented at the November 24 Council Includes >10 program change reports but none are being put forward to be approved by Council.  In the draft budget there are no new initiatives in order to achieve the minimum King property tax increase of 3.74%.

I am aware that some will say that the proposed blended increase of 3.2 % is too much. Having said that I have spent time considering proposing amendments to do some of the identified possible program changes as they offer future savings and/or would be an increase in service which I think would be welcomed.  Given the rationales presented there is no question, in my mind, that in some cases it is the right thing to do and we are pushing the problem to next Council term as opposed to paying a little now. (Note:  there is much that I like about how the budget is presented but I regret that program change reports are not consolidated; you need to scroll through to locate.)

There are some exceptions to my comment that no program changes are being implemented. i)One report identifies that there will be two new building inspectors; as these roles are funded by building permit fees it has no impact on the tax levy. ii)  Another report identifies that there will be increase in operating costs as well as a requirement for additional operating staff associated with the Nobleton sports park upgrade; this was covered in the recommendation associated with doing this significant park upgrade.

The capital budget for 2026 is $16,524.298.  Page 48 of 339 shows how capital is funded.  As shown $7.5 million is the tax levy.  To review the capital projects scheduled for 2026 and to see how it is spread across the different service areas go to page 47 of 339 and go to page 189-227 to see full information on each capital project. Any capital showing in the out years which has not been approved in the 2026 budget will still require approval in the out year where it is showing.

Of particular interest to Ward 5 the following capital projects are in the budget

• gravel road conversion for 17th Sideroad from Jane to west end (see page 202 of 339 for others)
• road improvements in accordance with minimum maintenance standards for McKellar Lane from Kingscross to end of cul-de-sac.
• design for road improvements in 2027 for Manitou from Kingscross to the fork and Manitou from fork to east and south o the cul-de-sac; also will incorporate replacing existing watermains
• design for road improvements in 2027 for Station Road from Keele to West St.

General Comments

Like last year the budget is reviewed with a service based approach as opposed to by department. Services are as follows: Greening King, Keeping King Safe, Maintaining King, Planning and Growing King, Governing King. To see descriptions of these services (i.e. what is included in that category) go page 18 of 339.

 

Strong Mayor Powers (SMP) were granted to King Township effective May 1, 2025; as I have already posted I do not see SMP enabling what the Province purported was the objective; specifically to “to enable the Mayor to advance prescribed Provincial Priorities.” The legislated authority of SMP includes directives as to how municipal budgets should be done. At our June 7,2025 Council specifics for our (i.e. King) timeline were approved; It includes time allotted for the Mayor’s veto, time interval for a resolution to override the mayor’s veto etc etc.

I am interested to hear what my colleagues think about this draft budget which per SMP is the Mayor’s budget.

As always deputations can be made. To do so please register at clerks@king.ca by noon on  November 24 or If you prefer you can e-mail your comments to clerks@king.ca and they will be distributed to Council members and appropriate staff.