York Region approves $5.2-billion budget

York Region residents will need to dig a little deeper into their pockets after Regional Council approved a $5.2-billion 2026 budget, which includes a tax levy increase of 3.28 per cent.

That increase includes the approved 3.22 per cent outlook plus a 0.06 per cent increase approved by Regional Council to support a $25-million funding commitment for the York University School of Medicine. The 3.28 per cent tax levy, combined with continuation of a separate one per cent Rapid Transit and Infrastructure tax levy, will add roughly $129 to the average residential tax bill.

The School of Medicine will help encourage expansion of health care, specifically in the primary care area, and is scheduled to open by 2028 next to the Cortellucci Vaughan Hospital, York Region reports. The Rapid Transit and Infrastructure Levy will help advance the design of priority bus rapidways and help fund additional community housing sites. Levies introduced in previous years are helping advance construction of the Yonge North Subway Extension.

The tax increase will support what the Region describes as a “landmark investment” in York Regional Police (YRP). That includes completing its two-year commitment to provide 304 sworn officers and civilian staff; an increase of 150 new positions in 2026, including 98 sworn officers and 52 civilian staff who support front-line work.

The budget includes $3.7 billion in operating costs and $1.5 billion in capital expenditures. The operating budget covers day-to-day expenses, with more than 80 cents of a Regional property tax dollar funding front-line programs and services. That includes 32 cents for YRP, 30 cents for Public Works, and 20 cents for Community and Health Services. The capital budget, meanwhile, includes spending on growth-related projects to enable or directly support new housing supply and renewal of existing assets. Those expenditures are part of York Region’s $14-billion, 10-year capital plan.

The Region reports it will invest in infrastructure required for future growth. That includes hiring 31 new paramedics and support staff; adding new affordable childcare spaces; investing in a safe, efficient and reliable road network and transit system; and delivering health and senior services.

The budget is the fourth and final year of the 2023 to 2026 multi-year budget aligning with this term of Council. “York Regional Council is committed to delivering vital services that meet priority needs of our growing communities while ensuring residents and businesses receive value for tax dollars,” says Chairman and CEO Eric Jolliffe.

“The 2026 Budget responds to current economic pressures with resilience and readiness through continued investments in priority areas of safer communities, enabling growth in our communities and keeping people, goods and information moving,” says King Township Mayor Steve Pellegrini, chair of Finance and Administration. “Through prudent management of the capital plan, reserves and use of debt, York Region ensures a balance between the needs of current and future taxpayers while maintaining triple A credit ratings.”

Additional information on the 2026 Budget is available in the following documents: Backgrounder: Operating Budget and Backgrounder: Capital Budget. For more information, visit york.ca/Budget.