Mayor Dilkens Tables 2026 City of Windsor Budget That Holds The Line on Taxes; 0% Tax Levy Increase Proposed With Continued Focus on Investment, Growth and Sustainability

Mayor Drew Dilkens tabled the 2026 City of Windsor budget today as part of his legislated responsibilities under the Municipal Act. 

Mayor Dilkens’ fiscally prudent and responsible proposed budget holds the line on taxes and recommends a 0% municipal tax levy increase. Through this continued commitment to fiscal responsibility, the City has saved Windsor taxpayers a cumulative $1.57 billion from 2008 to 2026, which translates into $104 million in perpetual annual savings. Since 2006, Windsor residents have experienced a total increase in the tax levy of only 24% against the provincial average of 87%.

In October, Mayor Dilkens issued Mayoral Decision (MD) 23-2025, directing City administration to prepare a 2026 budget that holds the line on taxes while maintaining funding for the City’s Asset Management Plan and continuing to invest in infrastructure, growth, and development through the 10-year capital plan that includes the largest local road rehabilitation and repair program in the City’s history.  

In addition to the annual budget review of all City expenses, this budget includes anticipated additional tax revenue of $5 million from new development and growth and over $8 million in annualized revenue increases. 

The proposed budget, previewed before the holidays and tabled today, continues to focus on investment, growth, and sustainability while continuing to strategically manage reserves, debt levels, and debt servicing primarily from non-tax revenue sources. When compared to the average tax levy increases reported by local municipalities and the province for cities of a similar size, the proposed tax levy is significantly lower.

The 2026 recommended 10-Year Capital Budget is $2.26 billion – representing the largest capital budget in the City’s history – to sustain the city’s continued sharp growth trajectory. This includes $317.3 million in capital investments for 2026. The City’s increase in total annual capital investment is 162% since 2016.

The budget also includes the largest local road rehabilitation and repair program in the City’s history, with a 13% increase over 2024 in the overall investment in roads infrastructure, including the local road rehabilitation and repair program.

Contemplated in the overall investments for 2026 are:

• $163.8 million for roads
• $60.0 million for sewers
• $29.2 million for community services (parks, recreation, facilities, and culture)
• $5.4 million capital investment in public transit

Notable 2026 investments through the capital plan include many significant road rehabilitation projects and other projects that support development around the NextStar Energy EV battery manufacturing facility, the site of the future regional acute care Fancsy Family Hospital, and further development of the Sandwich South lands, including the servicing of airport lands. These, along with other noteworthy 2026 capital investments, include:

• $45.7 million for Banwell Road Corridor improvements
• $20.7 million for Lauzon Parkway and Cabana Road East infrastructure improvements
• $8.0 million for the Windsor Essex Community Housing Corporation Capital Repair and Renewal Program
• $7.6 million for works under the Sewer and Coastal Flood Protection Master Plan
• $7.0 million for the Playgrounds Replacement Program
• $5.1 million for upgrades to the Homelessness and Housing Help Hub (H4)
• $3.8 million for the Minor Road Deficiencies Rehabilitation Program
• $3.1 million for Provincial Road / Division Road Corridor improvements
• $6.0 million for Howard Avenue Corridor infrastructure improvements, South Cameron Boulevard to Herb Gray Parkway
• $2.2 million for Walker Road infrastructure improvements
• $3.7 million for Tecumseh Road East infrastructure improvements
• $7.7 million for University Avenue / Victoria Avenue infrastructure improvements
• $2.8 million for Riverside Drive Vista improvements
• $2.4 million for Roseland / Little River Golf Courses Asset Replacement / Improvement
• $1.5 million for a Sandpoint Beach Splashpad

Pursuant to provincial legislation, City Council has 30 days to propose amendments to the 2026 proposed budget. The public will have two weeks to review the budget. Council will then hear from delegations on January 12, 2026. At the conclusion of that meeting, Council will decide on the frequency of subsequent deliberations on the budget up to January 26, 2026. Council will meet to deliberate the budget on January 26, 2026.

As has been Mayor Dilkens’ process throughout his time leading Council, each member of City Council was once again this year consulted and provided the opportunity to make suggestions for the budget during the preparation period. Additionally, Mayor Dilkens and members of City administration participated in each Ward Meeting again this year to hear directly from residents as part of the public consultation process. As a result of those consultations and work undertaken to date, the proposed tax levy would see Windsor remain one of the most affordable cities of its size in Ontario.

2026 budget documents have been posted on CityWindsor.ca, in the Budget section under the City Hall menu.

Quotes:

“This proposed 2026 City of Windsor budget continues to focus on investment, growth, and sustainability, while ensuring that we are moving forward together. In holding the line on taxes and proposing an attainable 0% taxlevy increase, we are working to ensure a budget that reflects, acknowledges and works to minimize the pain that is being felt in our community. As a border city and international gateway between Canada and the United States, we are walking a tight rope when it comes to the automotive, tool, die and mold, and advanced manufacturing sectors that have built our community, sustained our economy, and contributed to the livelihoods of so many residents. It is crucial that this year’s budget keep affordability top of mind while continuing to invest in growth and delivery of services. When I knocked on doors, I promised to maintain the tax levy increase at or below the rate of inflation. I promised to honour my record of fiscal prudence, and my commitment to delivering responsible budgets that support our city’s evolution, while ensuring quality of life. At a time when the cost of living is high, we are facing uncertainties in the global economy, and folks are working hard to make ends meet – this proposed budget sends a strong signal to Windsorites that we have your back. As always, the City budget should empower progress, strategically bolster and streamline services, and build a stronger and more resilient city for the future. I look forward to hearing from delegations and deliberating with City Council as we work together to maintain and sustain our growth trajectory, while ensuring Windsor remains one of the most affordable communities in Ontario.
- Windsor Mayor Drew Dilkens

“The proposed 2026 City Budget demonstrates a commitment to delivering quality services to our residents while leveraging growth opportunities and simultaneously acknowledging the local impacts of global economic challenges. With thanks to the joint efforts of Mayor Dilkens, City Council, and administration, we have a proposed 2026 budget that continues to both prioritize and balance fiscal accountability with sustainable growth. I am proud to lead a corporate administrative team that continues to efficiently allocate resources and prioritize essential investments that are helping to build Windsor’s future.”
- Ray Mensour, Chief Administrative Officer, City of Windsor

“Once again this year, the City of Windsor received a strong rating from S&P Global Ratings that reflects our robust financial health, effective management practices, and our commitment to maintaining fiscal responsibility. S&P indicated they expect the City of Windsor will continue to generate strong operating surpluses, and that reserves will be the main funding source for our capital plan, with modest reliance on new debt. This strong rating, a testament to our strategic planning, underscores our ability to meet financial obligations and sustain long-term growth. We relied on that recognized expertise when preparing the proposed 2026 Operating and Capital Budgets that Mayor Dilkens has now endorsed and tabled. Through strategic analysis with the Mayor, City administration has worked collaboratively to review all expenditures, explore all opportunities for non-tax revenue enhancements linked to strategic growth and development, and delivered an attainable and strong budget that reflects Windsor’s commitment to fiscal responsibility.”
- Janice Guthrie, City Treasurer, Commissioner of Finance, City of Windsor