Durham Region Caps 2026 Property Tax Increase at $19 Monthly for Average Homeowner

Durham Regional Council has approved the 2026 Property Tax Supported Business Plans and Budget Guideline, capping the regional property tax increase for the average homeowner at roughly $19 per month. According to the Region of Durham, this equates to a 3.5 per cent increase on the overall property tax bill for 2026.

The tax increase is divided so that about $9 is allocated for police services and $10 for regional services such as transit, housing, paramedic services, and regional roads and bridges, according to the Region. Regional officials cited increased costs to deliver existing services, higher demand for frontline services and infrastructure, inflation, tariffs, and the need for more provincial and federal funding as factors affecting the budget process.

Setting this guideline is the first step in the Region’s annual budget process. The Region of Durham stated that opportunities for cost savings, efficiencies, and sources of revenue aside from property taxes are being reviewed. The final budget for 2026 is expected to be presented to Regional Council in December.

The Region has also announced that residents will be invited to participate in the budget development through a Budget Town Hall planned for the fall. Information about the budget process, updates, and opportunities for input will be available at yourvoice.durham.ca/budget.