Kitchener Council Finalizes Affordability Budget at 2.2% for 2026

Kitchener, ON – The City of Kitchener this afternoon approved its 2026 budget, “Affordable Today, Ready for Tomorrow,” delivering a property tax rate increase of 2.2 per cent, or $29 for the average household, and themes of affordable city services, smart infrastructure investments and focusing on the future. This budget continues the City of Kitchener’s trend of delivering budgets that average below Ontario inflation, both during this term of Council and over the past decade. 

 “This budget once again delivers what will likely be the lowest rate increase in Waterloo Region, without sacrificing necessary investments that will allow us to meet the needs of a growing community,” said Kitchener Mayor Berry Vrbanovic. “We’re continuing to invest in the shared community priorities outlined in our strategic plan, finishing construction of the new Cowan Recreation Centre and ensuring that residents can continue to rely on our more than 50 essential services across our community.” 

City Council unanimously supported giving staff direction to implement the 2026 budget, and for the third year in a row there were no amendments proposed for the final budget session. The budget once again demonstrated the high degree of collaboration amongst Council, as well as the professionalism and fiscal discipline demonstrated by City staff. Key highlights of the final 2026 budget include: 

The City’s operating budget supports services ranging from snow removal and recreational programs to fire protection and library services. It also incorporates funding for growth-related needs, such as the full operating costs of the new Cowan Recreation Centre.  The capital budget outlines more than 400 projects valued at $1.8 billion over the next decade, with $201 million allocated in the first year.  

Affordability remained a priority for Kitchener Council in 2026, and was reflected in a pause on new staff positions and a continued commitment to fiscal discipline. At the same time, strategic investments have been directed toward infrastructure to preserve and enhance Kitchener’s $15 billion worth of assets—including roads, bridges, water systems, parks, and public facilities. 

Looking ahead, the budget aligns with the City of Kitchener’s 2023–2026 Strategic Plan, channeling resources into long-term priorities that foster a vibrant, inclusive, and sustainable community (see appendix for highlights). 

“This budget process has reaffirmed my confidence in our approach to financial planning,” said Ward 1 Councillor and Finance & Corporate Services Committee Chair Scott Davey. “This budget does the important work of keeping costs as low as possible without kicking the can down the road on important long-term investments.” 

For more information, visit Kitchener.ca/budget. 

For more information, contact:     

Kayla Snyder  
Manager, Corporate Communications  
City of Kitchener  
media@kitchener.ca