2026 Mayor’s Proposed Tax Levy Supported Budget Book and Variance Report available for viewing

NIAGARA FALLS, ON - The Mayor and City Staff have released the 2026 Mayor’s Proposed Tax Levy Supported Budget Book as well as Report CS-2026-03 Mayor’s Proposed 2026 Tax Levy Supported Budget – Variance Analysis, a report summarizing key changes in the 2026 budget in comparison to the 2025 budget; copies of which can be found at the following link: niagarafalls.ca/city-government/budget-and-finances/budgets/

Staff presented the mayor with a draft 2026 Tax Levy Supported Budget recommending a 4.48% increase to the operating levy and a 3.00% increase to the capital levy. The mayor has reduced the budget to an operating levy increase of only 2.93% and a capital levy increase of 2.00%.
 
“We continue to maintain a high level of service for Niagara Falls residents with a lower level of taxes and are proud of our position having the 8th lowest property tax in the Region and the lowest among municipalities with a full-time fire service (which accounts for approximately 30% of the budget).”
-- Mayor Jim Diodati 

In 2023, the Province of Ontario’s Strong Mayor’s Act required mayors to propose a draft budget before February 1. Finance Staff will present the 2026 Mayor’s Proposed Tax Levy Supported Budget at the City Council Meeting on Tuesday, January 27, 2026, at 4:00 pm. 

The budget is being elevated in three critical areas: 

1. Software costs for the City to invest in increased Cyber Security measures to protect the City against cyber attacks.
   As the trend for software moves to “Software as a Service” or SAS, initial investments will increase operating costs for software, but eventually decrease capital charges. Software costs are increasing at a higher rate than inflation.
   Budgeted Increase: $864,000
2. Sidewalk repair materials and contracted services.
   The City is making a targeted investment to meet regulatory requirements for keeping sidewalks safe, accessible, and in good condition by investing in repairs to eliminate trip and fall hazards caused by ongoing natural challenges, such as tree roots and frost.
   Budgeted Increase: $270,000
3. Storm sewer maintenance, including increased catch basin cleaning, flushing and CCTV inspection.
   The City is increasing the frequency of roadside catch basin cleaning to ensure that storm drainage and sewer systems remain clean and functional, allowing cleaning to increase from once every 15 years to once every five years to minimize flooding and damage to property. This will help ensure that our systems are functioning as designed.
   Budgeted Increase: $276,000

The Mayor’s Proposed Budget Book includes a comparison to 2025 budget amounts for all City Departments funded by the Tax Levy. 

• Total revenues: $174,966,158 / Total expenses: $179,743,119
• Operating tax levy increase is approximately $4 per month, based on average households (2.93% increase on the City’s operating levy)
• Capital levy increase is approximately $3 per month based on average households (2.00% increase on the City’s capital levy).

Written correspondence related to the 2026 Mayor’s Proposed Tax Levy Supported Budget, or requests for delegations, should follow the guidelines below:

• Requests for Delegations to Council shall be submitted in writing to the Clerk 24 hours before the commencement of the Meeting via the following link: Deputation Request
• Written correspondence shall be submitted to the City Clerk via email to clerk@niagarafalls.ca or by mail to 4310 Queen Street, Niagara Falls, ON L2E 6X5, Attn: City Clerk, no later than 12 noon the day preceding the Council Meeting.

For more information, contact: 
Tiffany Clark
Director of Finance/Treasurer
City of Niagara Falls
905-356-7521 ext. 4223
finance@niagarafalls.ca