City Approves 2026 Budget Investing in Safety, Infrastructure and Community Growth

Greater Sudbury City Council approved the 2026 municipal budget on December 3, 2025, achieving a reduction of nearly 2 per cent from the tax levy increase originally tabled on November 4. The budget includes targeted investments in infrastructure, public safety and employee well-being.

Originally presented as a two-year budget, Council opted to approve funding for 2026 only due to recent organizational changes and upcoming elections. However, the capital budget was readopted for 2026-2027.

Impact on Property Taxes

For a homeowner with a property assessed at $350,000 the approved budget means a monthly change of approximately $19.

The 3.9 per cent property tax increase can be broken down as:

• 0.5 per cent increase to support municipal operations
• 0.8 per cent for capital funding
• 2.3 per cent increase for Greater Sudbury Police Service
• 0.3 per cent increase for other service partners

Municipal Services

The 0.5 per cent operating increase will ensure effective delivery of essential municipal services. Additional service enhancements approved through business cases include:

• Funding to support enhancements at Kalmo Beach, with a focus on improving accessibility, circulation and lighting.
• Improvements to community safety and well-being through increased staff in Fire and Paramedic Services.
• Enhancements to corporate security, including the establishment of a dedicated mobile security enforcement team to support Housing Operations.

The 0.8 per cent capital funding increase will support key investments including:

• $140.1 million for road construction to repair and maintain our transportation network.
• $52.2 million for Fire and Paramedic Services including ambulances, medical equipment, emergency response vehicles, construction of a new station and renovations to various community safety stations.
• $22.9 million for transit projects.

Service Partners

Council also approved the 2026 municipal share of the City’s service partner budgets:

• $92.0 million for the Greater Sudbury Police Service.
• $10.6 million for the Greater Sudbury Public Library.
• $10.1 million for Public Health Sudbury & Districts.
• $1.4 million for Conservation Sudbury.

Water/Wastewater Budget

The Water and Wastewater user rate increase of 4.8 per cent in 2026 aligns with the objectives outlined in the Water/Wastewater Long-term Financial Plan. These services are fully funded by water/wastewater customers, as mandated by the province, with no impact on property taxes. For the average homeowner, the cost increase in 2026 is approximately $6.79 per month or $81.48 per year.

Quotes

“City Council approved a budget that puts your tax dollars to work while making smart, sometimes difficult decisions to keep increases to municipal operations to just 0.5 per cent. At the same time, we are making historic investments in policing and emergency services, and funding critical capital projects, including roads and infrastructure that support our growing community. I thank staff and Council for their collaboration and commitment in bringing this budget forward.”

• Paul Lefebvre, Mayor, City of Greater Sudbury

“This budget reflects our commitment to making thoughtful, forward-looking decisions that deliver real value for our community. We know the cost of living is top of mind for residents, and we are confident that this final budget is the best possible balance of needs and aspirations. It maintains fiscal responsibility, protects the effective delivery of essential services, and invests in the infrastructure that supports our future. My sincere thanks to staff and my colleagues on Council for their dedication and support throughout this process.”

• Deb McIntosh, Ward 9 Councillor and Chair of the Finance and Administration Committee

For more information about the budget, visit greatersudbury.ca/budget.