Clarington Budget
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A message from Mayor Foster
Our budget balances keeping costs down while delivering on community priorities.
I’m proud to share the 2026 Draft Operating Budget Update and Capital Update — a plan shaped by your priorities. This is how we deliver what’s most important to you, working towards the long-term vision in our 2024-27 Strategic Plan, informed by record-setting public engagement and feedback.
With many households feeling the pressure of rising costs, we’re proposing to lower the tax levy increase to 3.00 per cent, from the previously approved 4.07 per cent. For the average household, it means a modest net increase of $1.08 weekly on Clarington’s third of the property tax bill (which translates to a 0.99 per cent taxpayer increase)—while keeping our rates among the lowest in Durham Region.
Since the levy covers about half of our total budget, we stay laser-focused on easing the burden through smart financial strategies. By pursuing grants, generating investment income, using development charges to support growth, and driving efficiencies, we’re stretching resources to deliver real value for our community.
From playgrounds to planning, we’re proud to deliver the services and programs that matter most to our residents. Clarington is growing, and we’re working hard to make sure our community stays safe, active, and well-supported.
I invite you to explore the 2026 Draft Budget Book and join the conversation. Together, we’ll keep building a Clarington we’re proud to call home—because truly, there’s no place like it.
2026 Draft Budget Book Read the press release
Read past budgets
Adrian Foster
Mayor of Clarington
What happens next?
1️⃣ On November 12, Council received the proposed budget for review.
2️⃣ On November 17, the Regular Council Meeting will include an overview of the budget and how it aligns with community priorities.
3️⃣ The Special Council Meeting scheduled for November 24, 2025, has been cancelled because no amendments were put forward in accordance with the budget process.
4️⃣ Under Ontario’s strong mayor powers and Clarington’s Procedural By-law, Council has 30 days from November 12 to suggest amendments or waive the review period.
5️⃣ If no changes are made during those 30 days, the budget is deemed adopted.
We’re making smart financial moves to stretch every dollar
Clarington’s 2024-27 Multi-Year Operating Budget outlines operational plans over four years. Each year, we update it to reflect changing needs—as required under the Municipal Act, 2001. These updates give us flexibility to respond to new opportunities, unexpected challenges, or special events that need extra funding. It’s how we plan responsibly while staying adaptable in a changing world.
Only about half of Clarington’s budget comes from property taxes, so we rely on a mix of funding tools to keep services strong. So far this year, we’ve secured more than $10.5 million in grants and have seen better-than-expected revenue from investments. Our Continuous Improvement Program has achieved over $2 million in operational efficiencies through 100 initiatives since launch, helping us work more efficiently and deliver better value. Learn more on page 11 of the budget book. ⬅️
We’re focused on what matters to you
This budget is built on Clarington’s 2024-27 Strategic Plan, reflecting record public engagement and focusing on what residents said they value most. Shaped by nearly 2,500 community responses, this approach to decision-making gives us the foresight to invest wisely to support quality of life today and create lasting impact for the future.
As Clarington continues to grow, we are committed to delivering meaningful municipal programs and services to best serve you. We’re making progress on the Strategic Plan and continue to ensure our business operations are aligned with the priorities identified by the community. Learn more on page 13 of the budget book. ⬅️
Clarington’s 2024-27 Strategic PlanSee the progress: Year in Review
Clarington Budget by numbers
We’re committed to taking a thoughtful, forward-looking approach to financial planning—balancing today’s opportunities with tomorrow’s responsibilities and always putting residents first.
Overall Budget: $163.6MEnhancing quality of life in Clarington
Property Tax Levy: $86.4M
Average household will see a modest net levy increase of about $1.08 weekly
Operating Budget: $130.3MPowering the day-to-day
Other Revenue: $44.2M
Funding beyond taxes to help keep rates lower
Capital Budget: $33.2MInvesting in the future
Debt (New): $0
Loans are used strategically to support major investments
See what’s behind the numbers
Did you know?
Only 33 cents from every property tax dollar goes to the Municipality of Clarington.
This portion supports the delivery of the local service you rely on and invests in the future of our growing community.
Investing with intention
From street-level upgrades to cloud-based systems, these projects support how your family lives, plays, and moves—now and into the future.
Key highlights for 2026
Bringing the Parks, Recreation, and Culture Master Plan to life
Across Clarington, we're investing in sports courts and diamonds, splashpads, playgrounds, and trails, as well as building a brand new accessible community park and splashpad in south Bowmanville, creating more opportunities to get active and connect with neighbours.
Exploring a new twin ice pad at South Courtice Arena
A feasibility study will inform expansion opportunities, supporting future recreation needs and the long-term vision of the Parks, Recreation and Culture Master Plan.
Making investments in priority infrastructure
We're strengthening emergency preparedness and improving local services by upgrading roads, parks, buildings, and more. Key projects include the South Bowmanville Recreation Centre, a new operations depot and fire training facility, and roadwork to support the Bowmanville Hospital expansion.
Modernizing technology to serve you better
New customer service and financial systems will make it easier to access services and track requests, while improving efficiency, reducing financial risk, and safeguarding your data.
We’re investing in the lifestyle you love
Watch Clarington’s Parks, Recreation and Culture Master Plan come to life—our 10-to-15-year roadmap shaped by community priorities. Construction is underway on the highly anticipated South Bowmanville Recreation Centre, which will soon include a new Aquatics Centre and a new accessible community park with a splashpad. To support growing demand for ice time, we’ll also begin exploring future expansion at South Courtice Arena with a feasibility study that includes a conceptual design and high-level cost estimates to help guide future decisions.
| Capital budget highlights ⬇️ |
Fun for all ages
Community spaces and gathering places
Library access and heritage
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We’re taking care of the essentials
As more people choose to call Clarington home, we’re strengthening the infrastructure our community depends on—today and for the future. A new Fire Training Centre in north Bowmanville will help keep residents safe and first responders prepared. In 2026, we’ll invest in roads, sidewalks, lighting, and traffic calming, along with upgrades to stormwater systems to protect our shoreline and reduce flood risk
| Capital budget highlights ⬇️ |
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Roads and infrastructure
Getting around safely
Emergency preparedness and public safety
Protecting our environment
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We’re improving how we serve you
This budget invests in tools and systems that power even better service, protect public finances with enhanced cybersecurity, and optimize how we respond to your everyday needs. It’s all part of our commitment to service excellence at every level.
| Capital budget highlights ⬇️ |
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Reliable equipment and fleet
Technology upgrades and enhanced cybersecurity
Facility improvements
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Bringing you services and programs that make life better
Only about one-third of your total property tax bill goes to the Municipality of Clarington. From that portion, we deliver the services you rely on and invest in the future of our growing community. Here’s how Clarington spends every $100 of its share:
Frontline Services – We invest in fire protection, road and park maintenance, winter response, building inspection, crossing guards, and municipal law enforcement—services that keep Clarington safe, prepared, and connected.
Lifestyle and Wellbeing – We support the programs and spaces that make Clarington feel like home. This includes recreation, libraries, museums, cultural initiatives, animal services, and local grants—enhancing quality of life and creating places where people come together.
Clarington’s Backbone – We power the systems and strategies that support every service and shape our future. This includes planning and infrastructure to guide sustainable growth, economic development to attract investment, communications to keep you informed and engaged, technology to protect data and deliver modern services, and finance teams that manage public dollars with care and transparency. It also includes the internal teams that support everything from resident and Council service to legal, HR, and long-term planning.
Factors influencing this year’s budget
Clarington’s 2026 Budget was developed with a strategic mindset, including the following key factors that are influencing the Municipality’s finances:
Parks, Recreation and Culture Master Plan
Informed by over 3,000 residents, staff, and Council, this 10-to-15-year roadmap guides future decisions about parks, programs, and public spaces. Since its adoption in late 2024, Clarington has made significant progress on many of its 113 recommendations. In September 2025, Council endorsed an implementation and financing plan to advance short-term priorities through 2028, with many already underway.
Asset Management Plan
Approved by Council in 2025, this long-term strategy addresses Clarington’s infrastructure gap and ensures public assets—like roads, parks, and facilities—are maintained responsibly. By investing now, we avoid costly disruptions and build long-term stability for the services residents rely on every day.
Development Charges
Like many Ontario municipalities, Clarington saw a drop in Development Charge revenue in 2025 due to fewer housing starts. These fees help fund growth-related infrastructure like roads, parks, and water systems. Staff are monitoring trends and adjusting budgets—ready to support growth as it returns.
Inflationary Impacts
Costs for asphalt, building materials, and equipment are rising faster than inflation. Clarington is responding with smart planning and continuous improvement—investing in tools and systems that stretch every dollar and protect service levels. We’re looking ahead with confidence and a commitment to long-term value.
Operating Budget amendments to meet evolving needs
There are two main amendments to the 2024-27 Multi-Year Operating Budget. All other cost pressures have been offset with increased revenues, decreased expenses, or reserve fund transfers.
Maintaining what matters for years to come
Approved by Council in 2025, the Asset Management Plan outlines how Clarington maintains thousands of public assets—roads, parks, stormwater systems, and facilities—responsibly and sustainably. It introduces a 20-year financing strategy to close a $10.4 million 10-year annual infrastructure gap, ensuring safe, reliable services and avoiding costly disruptions for residents. Learn more on page 22 of the budget book. ⬅️
Delivering direct savings to residents with investment income
At the end of 2024, Clarington recorded a $2.3 million surplus—driven by stronger-than-expected investment returns from reserve funds (like savings earmarked for future projects), not from overtaxing. This is being used to reduce planned tax increases in 2026 and 2027, helping offset infrastructure costs while maintaining service levels. It reflects Clarington’s commitment to prudent financial stewardship and long-term planning. Learn more on page 23 of the budget book. ⬅️
Did you know?
We are one of the first municipalities in Ontario to take a multi-year approach to budgeting our operating costs.
This helps us better align our resources to deliver on our strategic vision while ensuring financial sustainability and predictability for tax rates over the four-year period.
Frequently Asked Questions
Understanding your tax bill
| How is Clarington's 2026 Budget Update going to affect my property tax bills? |
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With Clarington’s 2026 Budget Update, the average household will see a net levy increase of approximately $1.08 weekly (about $56.40 annually) for an average residential property. This represents a 1.76 per cent increase in the average overall property tax bill. Your tax bill is divided into three portions to deliver valuable services to residents: The Municipality of Clarington’s portion is 33 per cent. The Region of Durham’s portion is 50 per cent. Education’s portion is 17 per cent. The Region of Durham has not yet announced its budget for 2026, so potential property tax bill impacts are unknown at this time. Visit durham.ca/budget to learn more. Compared to other nearby municipalities, Clarington has provided, and continues to provide, similar services at a significantly lower cost to the taxpayers. Clarington now, and historically, has had among the lowest property taxes in Durham Region. |
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How does my MPAC assessment impact my taxes? |
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Your MPAC assessment is just one of the factors used to calculate your property taxes. An increase or decrease in your property assessment doesn't necessarily mean your property tax will change in the same way. Property taxes are based on the budget needed to provide services and programs to Clarington residents. Market reassessment values don't create new revenue for the Municipality. Reassessment is considered revenue-neutral; as assessment values go up, tax rates are adjusted to ensure the Municipality only collects the amount of money it needs. This results in a shift in the share of the tax levy, as not all property values increase or decrease by the same percentage. The Province is currently reviewing property tax legislation and has indicated that reassessment continues to be deferred. Therefore, assessments will stay the same until at least the 2026 tax year. |
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How are my taxes calculated? |
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Your tax bill is calculated by multiplying your property's assessed value by the tax rates determined by the municipality, the Region of Durham, and province. For more details, visit understanding your tax bill. |
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How are home values assessed? |
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The Municipal Property Assessment Corporation (MPAC) is responsible for assessing and classifying more than five million properties in Ontario. Every year, MPAC provides municipalities with an assessment roll to be used for taxation purposes. If you have questions about your assessment, call MPAC at 1-866-296-6722 or visit the MPAC website. For property-specific inquiries, visit the About My Property section to view information on your property, access your property assessment notice, and compare your property to others. If you disagree with your assessment, you can file a Request for Reconsideration (deadlines applicable). |
| If there is a budget surplus, where does the money go? |
| Legislation allows municipalities to allocate any surplus money at the end of each fiscal year to reserve funds. Clarington puts surplus funds in the Rate Stabilization Reserve Fund to offset any future deficits and help even out any tax rate increases. |
How the budget is built
| How does the municipality prepare the budget? |
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Clarington has four departments: Public Services, Legislative Services, Planning and Infrastructure Services, and Finance and Technology Services; the departments are overseen by the Chief Administrative Office. Each department prepares a budget for its area of responsibility, based on the past year's spending and forecasting costs for the coming year(s). They work to ensure that residents will enjoy either the same level of service, and in some cases, see enhanced services. The four-year budget was prepared concurrently with the 2024-27 Clarington Strategic Plan, which outlines the Municipality of Clarington’s priorities for the next four years. The Budget supports how we implement key action items identified in the Strategic Plan. |
| What is the operating budget? |
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The operating budget outlines Clarington's spending plan for the day-to-day cost of the Municipality's programs and services, including fire services, programs, facilities, parks, arenas, road maintenance, staffing, utilities, libraries and much more. It is the equivalent of a household budget for groceries, gas, electricity, and insurance premiums. In Ontario, municipalities are required by the Municipal Act, 2001 to plan balanced operating budgets—meaning expenses must equal revenues every year and cannot borrow money to fund operating expenses. |
| What is the capital budget? |
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The capital budget outlines significant expenditures on the acquisition and replacement of physical assets such as buildings, road repairs, bridges, and vehicles. The operating costs for these assets are included in the operating budget. In Ontario, municipalities can borrow some funds and run a deficit, within limits, to fund capital projects. For a household, the equivalent would be buying a new car or computer, or building an addition on the house. |
| How does Council decide on the budget? |
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Under the Strong Mayors, Building Homes Act, 2022, the Mayor has a duty to propose the Municipality’s budget and present it to Council before February 1. The proposed budget is subject to Council amendments, a Mayoral veto, and a Council override process; each step is subject to a limited number of calendar days. After that has passed, the proposed budget is deemed to have been adopted by Council. A municipality can choose to prepare a budget covering one to five years. Clarington has prepared a four-year budget. To remain flexible and to adapt with changing needs, the budget will be reevaluated annually by Council. |
| If there is a budget surplus, where does the money go? |
| Legislation allows municipalities to allocate any surplus money at the end of each fiscal year to reserve funds. Clarington puts surplus funds in the Rate Stabilization Reserve Fund to offset any future deficits and help even out any tax rate increases. |
Where your tax dollars go
| How is my tax money spent? |
| Council sets out priorities through the budget, and tax dollars are spent on those items. Some of the priorities are fire protection, road maintenance and repair, parks, facilities, programs, libraries, municipal law enforcement, long-term capital projects, and much more. |
| What is the municipal tax levy? |
| The municipal levy is the part of your property taxes that helps pay for Clarington’s local services and programs. In 2026, it makes up about 52.8 per cent of Clarington’s overall budget, with the remaining funding coming from other sources.
Here are some of the local services we’re proud to bring you:
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