Durham Region approves 2026 budget with 4.8% regional property tax increase; Region estimates $14 more per month for average homeowner

Durham Regional Council approved the Region of Durham’s 2026 business plans and budget in Whitby on Jan. 29, including a 4.8% increase to the regional portion of property taxes. Durham Region said the change would raise regional property taxes by about $14 per month for an average homeowner.

For residents across Durham Region, the regional portion of the tax bill helps pay for services the upper-tier government delivers, including police services, transit, housing, paramedic services, and regional roads and bridges.

Durham Region said about $10 of the estimated $14 monthly increase for an average homeowner would fund police services, with about $4 going to other services, including transit, housing, paramedic services, and regional roads and bridges.

The Region said it held a budget town hall, conducted a public survey, and invited public feedback while developing the budget. Durham Region said it heard that residents want a focus on affordability and for essential services to keep pace with demand.

Durham Region also said it plans to carry out a Core Services Review to guide future planning. The Region said the review will assess existing service delivery, examine service level requirements, and identify opportunities for “sustainable efficiencies.”

The Region said the review will also quantify areas where regional funding exceeds senior-government mandates. Durham Region said that work is intended to inform its “ongoing advocacy for predictable and adequate funding.”

As part of its announcement, Durham Region reminded property owners that the Municipal Property Assessment Corporation (MPAC) sets the assessed value for each property, which is used to calculate property taxes.

More information about the budget is available at durham.ca/Budget.