Woolwich eyes 7.8 per cent tax increase after ‘overwhelming frustration’
Posted Jan 13, 2026 10:35:18 AM.
Last Updated Jan 13, 2026 11:25:05 AM.
Woolwich Mayor Sandy Shantz is now eyeing a potential 7.8 per cent property tax increase for the 2026 budget.
That increase would lead to the average homeowner paying around $100 more on property taxes throughout the year.
While it’s a number that’s been brought forward by Shantz, it’s not a number that has come easily for the local township. In November, there were discussions around a potential 22 per cent increase as councillors looked to develop various options to correct some of its financial difficulties.
“The Township has maintained very low tax rates and is among the lowest of its comparators,” said the township in its initial budget outline. “While this may appear to be a positive fact for taxpayers in the short term, this approach has caused long-term fiscal harm. The Township has taken a short-term approach to budgeting, which has meant depleting reserves each year to fund essential operating or capital activities without replenishing them.”
When the possible 22 per cent increase was initially discussed, the township stated that it would be the fastest option to correct it back towards a more fiscally responsible area.
It also dove into the potential of a 13 per cent increase, but Shantz stated that it would come at the cost of certain services across Woolwich Township.
“Woolwich continues to face upward pressures resulting from the historic inflationary environment,” said the township. “Unsustainable budget reductions in previous years have led to a number of structural deficits and have made the 2026 Budget development an incredibly challenging budget to address these defects while keeping tax rates low.”
In its budget outline, Woolwich Township stated that it sent out a survey to residents to get reactions and feedback on its budget over recent years, as well as the overall quality of life that residents have seen from it.
The township said that it found a few key consistencies across the community, particularly around a dissatisfaction with tax increases, “unacceptable” road conditions and infrastructure maintenance, excessive spending, and a better allocation of funds across all township areas, “not just larger towns.”
“Overwhelming frustration with the scale and frequency of tax increases; many cite increases of 20-30 per cent over the past few years while not seeing corresponding improvements in services,” said the township. “Several residents state taxes are becoming ‘unaffordable,’ especially for seniors, single-income families, and lower-income households.”
It said that it’s still working to develop the best budget option it can for its residents, but continues to stress the overall difficulty of pleasing everyone as it battles through inflation, political uncertainty, and unsustainable budget reductions.
“Staff are continually striving to deliver quality service while maintaining affordability for residents. This goal is made more difficult trying to manage significant growth pressures and navigating a changing political landscape.”
Some key areas of the proposed budget include a $100,000 increase to its winter control budget, along with an increase in annual contributions to its infrastructure levy, and around $6.5 million in projects focused on its vehicles and equipment.
Budget discussions are expected to continue as the month progresses, with a presentation and public delegation meeting set for Tuesday, Jan. 13, before continuing Jan. 27, with amendments to the budget needing to be considered before Feb. 5.
