Grey County Council gives first approval to 2026 budget

Grey County Council has given the first nod of approval to the 2026 budget following two days of detailed discussions and debate. The proposed budget will maintain current service levels across Grey County services and help to achieve Council’s strategic goals at a total operating and capital cost of $301.9 million. The budget was recommended at the December 12 special budget meeting.

In addition to maintaining service levels, the budget includes investments that look to the future and the changing needs of the community. In 2026 Grey County will build two paramedic services bases. One base will be built in Feversham to align with call volumes and response time targets. A second base will be built in Dundalk where Grey County currently operates a paramedic base in a shared facility with the Dundalk Fire Department. The budget also includes funding to advance the transfer of urban Grey County roads to the local municipalities, and to prepare for the uploading of some municipal roads that will improve the overall County road network. Investments will also be made to ensure Grey County roads, buildings, and infrastructure are maintained.

“Investing in reliable and effective public services, critical infrastructure, and future needs is essential,” said Grey County Warden Andrea Matrosovs. “After thoughtful discussion and debate, Council has set a direction that ensures we can continue delivering the services residents rely on while also investing in the well-being of our communities today, and into the future.”

The 2026 budget requires a municipal residential levy of $83,951,800, an increase of 4.78% compared to 2025. This amount is equal to an increase of $59.16 for an average single detached home in Grey County.

Several financial pressures beyond direct control of the County have been projected within the budget. These pressures include ongoing inflation in construction, utilities, supplies and other materials.

The Grey County Budget and Finance Committee reviewed the 2026-2035 capital project in October the draft 2026 operating budget in November. The committee recommendations were included in presentations to Grey County Council during two special budget meetings on December 5 and December 12. A by-law to endorse the 2026 budget will be brought forward to January 8 meeting of Grey County Council.

Grey County delivers essential services including delivering care at three long-term care homes, administering Ontario Works, early learning and childcare. Grey County operates nearly 1,000 units of affordable, rent-geared-to-income housing, supports 550 units of non-profit housing, and provides more than 10,500 nights of emergency shelter to individuals and families. Grey County paramedics provide emergency response, ambulance service, and community paramedicine programs, including the SOS program. Grey County supports businesses and entrepreneurs with economic development programs and services including the Grey County Business Enterprise Centre and the Sydenham Campus. Grey Roots Museum & Archives welcomes thousands of visitors each year and helps preserve local history and tells the stories of the community. Transportation services maintain more than 887km of Grey County roads and hundreds of bridges and large culverts, working around the clock to keep roadways safe for residents and visitors.

The draft 2026 budget can be found online at www.grey.ca/budget. The public can now access a new, interactive online tool to explore the budget, with additional information, visualization, maps and more. 

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For media inquiries contact Rob Hatten, communications manager, at rob.hatten [at] grey.ca (rob[dot]hatten[at]grey[dot]ca) or call 519-373-1592.