Mayor Liggett presents Council with proposed 2026 Strong Mayor Budget

Property tax increase set at 4.86%

City of Cambridge Mayor Jan Liggett presented Council with the proposed 2026 Strong Mayor Budget this evening, which outlines funding for more than 140 city services, resulting in a total property tax increase of 4.86 per cent, or $85 per household for the year.  This levy includes 2.06 per cent for the opening of the new recreation complex, an incremental infrastructure levy of 1 per cent, and 1.8 per cent for base budget and other growth-related impacts net of assessment growth, inclusive of 0.47 per cent for the new library branch.

“The city’s budget is so much more than numbers on a page, it reflects the strategic priorities of the community and shapes the Cambridge of the future as a premier destination for families to call home, businesses to succeed, and visitors to enjoy festivals, events, and recreation – the full Cambridge experience,” said Mayor Jan Liggett. “We have worked hard ensure the budget reflects both fiscal responsibility and community priorities. We know times are tough for many, and this plan strikes the right balance between affordability today and investment in tomorrow.”

The proposed 2026 tax-supported budget maintains all existing service levels while funding important initiatives to support top priorities, including maintaining the City’s assets with a focus on roads and bridges, the opening of the new multi-purpose recreation complex and library branch, preserving City owned heritage assets and strengthening the City’s fire services, and reflects the full implementation of the City’s dedicated stormwater utility rate.

For 2026, the Water Utility Budget proposed rate increase affecting water utility bills totals 4.21 per cent or $50 annually for water, wastewater and stormwater services, of which $28 is the cost to treat wastewater and purchase water from the Region of Waterloo.

Public engagement is a vital part of the City’s budget process, helping ensure decisions reflect community priorities and that residents have a voice in how their tax dollars are invested. Members of the public who wish to delegate to Council regarding the proposed budget may do so on Thursday, November 6 in Council Chambers or virtually by registering as a delegate for either the afternoon or evening. Members of the public wishing to have their voices heard that are unable to delegate may also send written correspondence to clerks@cambridge.ca.

The City has prepared various communication materials for the public to access including videos, timelines and infographics, along with the complete proposed Mayor’s Budget document.

For more information, visit cambridge.ca/MayorsBudget.