2026 Lanark County Budget Approved

Press Release – Lanark County

Lanark County Council has approved the 2026 Lanark County budget – themed “Sustain the Momentum” – with an overall budget increase of 2.9 per cent after accounting for an estimated assessment growth of 1.3 per cent.

The county will collect $47 million from property taxpayers this year, up from $45 million last year. Estimated gross expenditures are $146 million with revenues coming in at $99 million. On the county portion of the tax bill, this represents an increase per household of about $34 based on the 2016 average assessed value of a house at $285,000. 

At the special budget meeting held November 21, CAO Kurt Greaves said the levy has been impacted by inflation, which has increased over the last few years.

“The 2026 budget is designed to respond to community needs while maintaining fiscal responsibility. It builds on previous budgets to ‘sustain the momentum.’”

Greaves said 86 per cent of the total assessment is residential. “Since 2016, Lanark County has experienced 9 per cent growth in residential properties and 31 per cent in multi-residential properties.”

Carleton Place has experienced the highest rate of growth. 

Some highlights in the 2026 budget include:

• Better Homes Lanark: Offers $3 million in low-interest loans and grants for energy efficient upgrades for homeowners. This is funded by a low-interest loan and a grant from the Federation of Canadian Municipalities, as well as a 50-per cent county contribution.
• Public Works:17 km of road rehabilitation with paved shoulders, 17 km of road preservation and the Five Span Bridge rehabilitation.
• Long-term Care: A $2.4-million investment at Lanark Lodge, including a generator project and a new call bell system.
• Social Services: $2.9 million in energy retrofit projects for housing stock (30 per cent funded by the National Co-Investment Fund); development of a Universal Childcare Waitlist; renewal of the 10-Year Housing Strategy Plan and adding 15 units of rent-geared-to-income housing in partnership with Carebridge Community Support.
• Corporate Services: Two long-term debts for downloaded housing stock are maturing in 2026, meaning a $190,000 reduction next year and $272,000 going forward; implementation of new financial software system.
• Settlement Services: Immigration, Refugees, Citizenship Canada program fully staffed and operating with federal funding and cost sharing with Renfrew County.

Greaves said budget pressures include increased costs related to the amalgamation of health units, recommended enhancements in paramedic services, provincial funding not keeping pace with collective agreements for Lanark Lodge wages and benefits, homelessness initiatives, social housing unit maintenance costs, and the county taking on community safety and police services board administration.

The public works budget represents 36 per cent of the county levy, followed by emergency services at 23 per cent, social services at 18 and long-term care at 11. Administration/governance and economic development make up the remainder. Across all departments, including Lanark Lodge, the county employs 445 full- and part-time staff.

Greaves noted that to meet asset replacement costs, $17.1 million needs to be invested annually into capital, and $17.7 million is allocated in 2026. No debt has been issued since 2010, but Greaves explained there will be $3.75 million in new debt due to the Better Homes Lanark programming. The projected reserve balance at the end of 2026 is $53 million, with several major projects receiving funding from reserves in 2026. 

Tax rates and ratios for 2026 will be set by county council in the new year. For more information, contact Kurt Greaves, CAO, at 1-888-9-LANARK, ext. 1101.