Haldimand County Council Approves 2026 Capital Budget

Haldimand County Council reviewed and approved the 2026 Tax-Supported Capital Budget and 10-year forecast on February 2, 2026. The Capital Budget outlines $46 million of infrastructure investments in 2026, with a total investment of $382 million over the next 10 years. 

The Capital Budget pays for major assets and long-term investments, and is heavily focused on enhancing and building new municipal infrastructure like roadways, public facilities, parks and recreation amenities. In total, 301 capital projects are slotted for this year. 

2026 Capital Budget Highlights:

• $22.6 million towards roadway infrastructure improvements like road reconstruction & resurfacing, urban paving, bridge/culvert rehabilitations and other structure-related projects;
• $4 million towards the replacement of the Dunnville parks & facilities maintenance workshop;
• $2.8 million towards playground replacements, design and upgrades, as well as construction of the new Village Green park in Cayuga;
• $1.7 million in scheduled upgrades/maintenance activities at arenas, parks, pools and splash pads;
• $1.2 million towards corporate technology/security system upgrades and enhancements to core IT infrastructure;
• $1 million towards tree conservation and re-forestation initiatives, such as the Downtown Street Tree Revitalization Program;
• $1.1 million towards the design & engineering phase of the Dunnville Fire Station and Paramedic Base replacements and $1.8 million to construct Jim Gregory Drive which will service the new Fire/EMS base and future affordable housing development near the existing arena;
• $1 million towards accessibility improvements at Edinburgh Square Heritage & Cultural Centre and other public spaces;
• $1.5 million towards essential Emergency Services equipment/gear and station upgrades.

“The 2026 Capital Budget addresses our community’s immediate needs and provides an actionable plan that will allow us to keep pace with infrastructure demands while being mindful of inflation, changing provincial legislation and other factors that can impact our long-term financial strategy,” said Haldimand County CAO Michael Di Lullo.

“This year’s Capital Budget reflects our commitment to fiscal responsibility and the future of Haldimand County. Staff have developed a budget that focuses on maintaining and improving critical infrastructure while making smart, strategic investments for the future. Most importantly, it takes into account what matters to the community and ensures that we continue delivering high-quality services that stay affordable for residents over the long term,” stated Haldimand County Mayor Shelley Ann Bentley.

The total municipal levy for 2026 will be determined once the 2026 Tax-Supported Operating Budget is approved by Council.

The 2026 Tax-Supported Operating Budget will be presented to Council on Thursday, February 12, 2026 – 9:30 a.m. at the Haldimand County Administration Building.

More information on budgets is available at www.haldimandcounty.ca. A detailed list of approved capital roadway construction and restoration projects happening in 2026 can be viewed at www.haldimandcounty.ca/construction.