Community input in 2026 budget ‘essential’

Stouffville residents and local stakeholders are invited to help shape the 2026 municipal budget.

“Municipal budgets are more than numbers; they represent the services and spaces that impact our everyday lives,” says Mayor Iain Lovatt. “The 2026 Budget should reflect the values and aspirations of our community, and we are committed to listening and responding.”

Residents are encouraged to take part in an online survey and join conversations with the budget team at Library Discovery Day on Saturday, July 5; Symphony in the Park on Friday, July 18; and The Stouffville Market on Saturday, Aug. 16.

An interactive online budget tool that launches this summer will allow residents to explore trade-offs and help prioritize municipal services. In addition, Lovatt will host a town hall in September to further discuss budget priorities, answer questions and engage directly with residents on key community needs.

In October 2023, the Province of Ontario granted Strong Mayor Powers to Stouffville’s Mayor in support of provincial housing and infrastructure priorities. Those powers provide the Mayor with authority to propose the annual municipal budget and reorganize municipal departments.

Under the Strong Mayor framework, Council may propose amendments to the Mayor’s proposed budget, the mayor may veto those amendments and council can override a veto with a two-thirds majority vote. “While I have the authority to propose the budget under the Strong Mayor framework, community input remains essential,” Lovatt says. “This is still your budget and we’re committed to listening.”

To access the survey, stay informed about key budget milestones and learn more about the engagement process, visit townofws.ca/budget. “For 2026, our goal is to keep municipal taxes low and continue to deliver the quality services that make Stouffville a great place to live, work and play,” the site says.