2026 Operating and Capital Budget Approved by Augusta Township

Augusta – At its Special Council meeting held on March 9, 2026, the Township of Augusta Council passed the 2026 Municipal Budget, approving a tax rate increase of 4.94%.

The Augusta Township portion of the annual property tax bill will increase by $79.97 for a single-family home assessed at the Township’s median value of $203,000. Including amounts for the United Counties of Leeds and Grenville and the school boards, the total annual bill will increase by $102.47 for a blended tax rate increase of 3.60%.

“Setting a municipal budget is difficult in today’s low growth environment. Council must balance rising costs with the Township’s infrastructure needs while remaining mindful of Augusta’s residents,” says Stephen Lunn, Treasurer for the Township of Augusta. “Management believes that the approved budget with a 4.94% tax rate increase will allow continued investment in key assets such as the Augusta Township Industrial Park and road network while limiting the overall tax increase to a reasonable amount.”

Key Highlights of the 2026 Budget:

• North Augusta Ball Diamond Project to install new energy-efficient LED sports lighting on galvanized steel poles at both baseball diamonds.
• Road infrastructure improvements, including asphalt overlays, drainage upgrades, culvert replacements, stone surfacing, crack sealing, and asphalt patching.
• Enhanced firefighter safety through updated Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) and the replacement of two end-of-life Automated External Defibrillators (AEDs).
• South Nation River Bridge No. 1 Rehabilitation Project to restore curbs, guardrails, and deteriorated steel posts, along with paving and grading improvement
• North Augusta Waste Transfer Station building replacement to meet operational needs, safety requirements, and regulatory standards, along with fencing in vulnerable areas to help prevent unauthorized access.
• Maynard Waste Transfer Station installation of a sea container storage unit with a roll-up door for secure, weather-protected storage of designated recyclable materials.
• Playground mulch replenishment at five Township playgrounds in accordance with CSA Group Standard Z614 – Children’s Play spaces and Equipment safety guidelines.

The approved 2026 budget totals $10,479,326, with $1,859,256 allocated to capital projects, supporting infrastructure improvements and community initiatives across the Township.

“The 2026 tax rate increase is a product of quarterly financial updates and working group meetings,” says Mayor Jeff Shaver. “This year’s budget reflects the diligent work of the dedicated Staff and the forward thinking of Council. With rising costs such as policing, insurance, fuel, and the cost of goods and services, Augusta Township’s tax increase was very much in line with our neighbouring municipalities. Council’s plan to attract more industry into its borders will build a sustainable tax base for future years as well as providing homes for the employment sector.”

The Township of Augusta is dedicated to responsible financial management while continuing to invest in the infrastructure, services and facilities that residents and businesses rely on. As Council moves forward, it will prioritize projects and initiatives that support both current community needs and future growth.