Town of Bradford West Gwillimbury Approves 2026 Municipal Budget

Council has approved the 2026 Municipal Budget, balancing fiscal responsibility with continued investment in community safety, infrastructure, and long-term service sustainability.

The approved budget reflects the Town’s ability to manage significant external financial pressures, including the loss of $1.5 million in provincial funding following the cancellation of Automated Speed Enforcement programs. When accounting for this loss, the overall tax-supported budget results in a 3.71 per cent increase.

The following graph illustrates the distribution of tax dollars for 2026. Only about 40 per cent of all tax dollars stay with the Town of BWG to pay for Town services, the Public Library, and capital infrastructure projects – as compared to 43.4 per cent in 2025. The remaining 60 per cent goes to South Simcoe Police Service, County of Simcoe, and education (via the Province) to cover the Town of BWG’s portion of their respective budget (56.6 per cent in 2025).

Key operating investments in the 2026 Budget include:

• Increased funding to the South Simcoe Police Service to support the hiring of five new officers
• Funding to launch a Red Light Camera (RLC) program to enhance road safety
• Increased investment in infrastructure maintenance and replacement
• Funding for an initial condition assessment to support the development of a future Gravel Roads Paving Program
• Funding to improve illumination at additional rural road intersections

The 2026 Capital Budget also advances several major projects across the community, including:

• Barrie Street Culvert rehabilitation
• McArthur Bridge rehabilitation
• Replacement of a Fire Pumper/Tanker to support emergency services
• Road rehabilitation projects on key corridors, including Northgate Drive, Roughley Street, Simcoe Road, and Professor Day Drive
• Replacement of the dasher boards at the Bradford and District Community Centre
• An update to the Town’s financial software to improve efficiency and service delivery

“This budget reflects Council’s commitment to making thoughtful, responsible decisions while continuing to invest in the safety, infrastructure, and services our residents rely on,” said Mayor James Leduc. “Despite the loss of provincial funding, Council worked collaboratively to minimize impacts on taxpayers while ensuring Bradford West Gwillimbury remains well-positioned for growth and long-term sustainability.”

The 2026 Budget supports Council’s strategic priorities by maintaining essential services, advancing critical infrastructure projects, and investing in community safety, while remaining mindful of affordability for residents.