The City of Kitchener has released its draft 2026 budget, with themes of affordable city services, smart infrastructure investments and focusing on the future. With a strong commitment to fiscal responsibility, City staff have prioritized affordability, resulting in the lowest proposed rate increase in the Waterloo Region.
Key highlights of the proposed 2026 budget include:
- Property Tax Increase: 2.20 per cent, or approximately $29 annually.
- Water Utility Rate Increase: 4.90 per cent, or $24 annually.
- Sanitary Sewer Utility Rate Increase: 7.00 per cent, or $45 annually.
- Stormwater Utility Rate Increase: 7.40 per cent, or $19 annually.
- Total annual impact: $117 annually.
These figures are based on the average assessed value of a detached home in Kitchener.
The City’s operating budget delivers around 50 services to the community including things like snow clearing, recreational programming, and fire suppression.
The capital budget includes more than 400 projects with a total cost of $1.8 billion over 10 years, with $201 million of spending in the first year. Take a look at the Capital Projects 2026-2035 map.
The proposed property tax increase aligns with Ontario’s two-year inflation average of 2.2 per cent, continuing the City’s longstanding commitment to keeping rate increases affordable for residents. The budget also accounts for growth-related operating pressures, including the full operating costs of the new Cowan Recreation Centre.
The focus on affordability is reflected in a pause on the addition of new staff positions and a consistent emphasis on fiscal restraint. At the same time, smart investments in infrastructure are being made to maintain and improve Kitchener’s $15 billion in assets, including roads, bridges, water systems, parks and public facilities.
The budget is also focusing on the future through investments in the priorities outlined in the City of Kitchener’s 2023–2026 Strategic Plan, ensuring resources are aligned with long-term goals to build a thriving, inclusive and sustainable community.
For more details, read the full budget summary.
Read the full budget summary and share your feedback. Answer our short survey by Wednesday, November 26.
