The Township of Leeds and the Thousand Islands has accepted the first draft of its 2026 municipal budget. Council received the Mayor’s Draft Operating and Capital Budgets, which include a proposed net levy requirement of $13,520,300 and a residential property tax rate of 0.00565325.
The draft also includes a capital budget of $5,251,700. Council approved the budgets as presented and waived the 30-day amendment period required under provincial regulations.
In addition, the 2026 Mayor’s Draft Water and Wastewater Operating and Capital Budgets were approved.
The water operating budget is set at $401,300, the wastewater operating budget at $369,700, and the combined capital budget totals $6,057,300.
Council also approved increases to water and wastewater rates in line with a recent rate study, effective with the January 2026 billing cycle.
Township officials say the budgets support ongoing municipal services while maintaining infrastructure and meeting the community’s needs. Further discussions will take place at their next meeting in January, before a final decision is made.
(By: Tim Baltz)