Council in Bradford West Gwillimbury has approved the Town’s 2026 Municipal Budget, outlining continued investments in community safety, infrastructure and essential services while managing external financial pressures.
The approved budget results in an overall 3.71% increase to the tax-supported budget, factoring in the loss of approximately $1.5 million in provincial funding following the cancellation of Automated Speed Enforcement programs. Of every tax dollar collected, about 40% will remain with the Town to fund municipal services, the public library and capital infrastructure projects, while the remaining 60% will be directed to the South Simcoe Police Service, the County of Simcoe and education through the Province.
Key operating investments in the 2026 budget include additional funding for the South Simcoe Police Service to support the hiring of five new officers, the launch of a Red Light Camera program to improve road safety, increased investment in infrastructure maintenance and replacement, an initial condition assessment to support a future gravel roads paving program, and improved lighting at additional rural road intersections.
The 2026 capital budget also advances several major projects across the community, including rehabilitation work on the Barrie Street culvert and McArthur Bridge, replacement of a fire pumper/tanker to support emergency services, road rehabilitation on Northgate Drive, Roughley Street, Simcoe Road and Professor Day Drive, replacement of dasher boards at the Bradford and District Community Centre, and updates to the Town’s financial software to improve efficiency and service delivery.
Mayor James Leduc said the budget reflects council’s focus on balancing fiscal responsibility with long-term planning. He noted that despite the loss of provincial funding, council worked collaboratively to limit impacts on taxpayers while continuing to invest in infrastructure, safety and services residents rely on.
