Clarington Budget

On December 12, 2025, Clarington’s 2026 Budget Update was deemed adopted. Read the press release.

A message from Mayor Foster

Our budget balances keeping costs down while delivering on community priorities.

I’m proud to share the 2026 Operating Budget Update and Capital Update — a plan shaped by your priorities. This is how we deliver what’s most important to you, working towards the long-term vision in our 2024-27 Strategic Plan, informed by record-setting public engagement and feedback.

With many households feeling the pressure of rising costs, we lowered the tax levy increase to 3.00 per cent, from the previously approved 4.07 per cent. For the average household, it means a modest net increase of $1.08 weekly on Clarington’s third of the property tax bill (which translates to a 0.99 per cent taxpayer increase)—while keeping our rates among the lowest in Durham Region.

Since the levy covers about half of our total budget, we stay laser-focused on easing the burden through smart financial strategies. By pursuing grants, generating investment income, using development charges to support growth, and driving efficiencies, we’re stretching resources to deliver real value for our community.

From playgrounds to planning, we’re proud to deliver the services and programs that matter most to our residents. Clarington is growing, and we’re working hard to make sure our community stays safe, active, and well-supported.

I invite you to explore the 2026 Budget Book and join the conversation. Together, we’ll keep building a Clarington we’re proud to call home—because truly, there’s no place like it.

2026 Budget Book

Mayor Adrian Foster

Read past budgets

We’re making smart financial moves to stretch every dollar

Clarington’s 2024-27 Multi-Year Operating Budget outlines operational plans over four years. Each year, we update it to reflect changing needs—as required under the Municipal Act, 2001. These updates give us flexibility to respond to new opportunities, unexpected challenges, or special events that need extra funding. It’s how we plan responsibly while staying adaptable in a changing world.

Only about half of Clarington’s budget comes from property taxes, so we rely on a mix of funding tools to keep services strong. So far this year, we’ve secured more than $10.5 million in grants and have seen better-than-expected revenue from investments. Our Continuous Improvement Program has achieved over $2 million in operational efficiencies through 100 initiatives since launch, helping us work more efficiently and deliver better value. Learn more on page 11 of the budget book. ⬅️

Read the 2024-27 Multi-Year Operating Budget

We’re focused on what matters to you

This budget is built on Clarington’s 2024-27 Strategic Plan, reflecting record public engagement and focusing on what residents said they value most. Shaped by nearly 2,500 community responses, this approach to decision-making gives us the foresight to invest wisely to support quality of life today and create lasting impact for the future.

As Clarington continues to grow, we are committed to delivering meaningful municipal programs and services to best serve you. We’re making progress on the Strategic Plan and continue to ensure our business operations are aligned with the priorities identified by the community. Learn more on page 13 of the budget book. ⬅️

Clarington's 2024-27 Strategic Plan See the progress: Year in Review

Clarington Budget by numbers

We’re committed to taking a thoughtful, forward-looking approach to financial planning—balancing today’s opportunities with tomorrow’s responsibilities and always putting residents first. 

Overall Budget: $163.6M

Enhancing quality of life in Clarington

Operating Budget: $130.3M

Powering the day-to-day

Capital Budget: $33.2M

Investing in the future

Property Tax Levy: $86.4M

Average household will see a modest net levy increase of about $1.08 weekly

Other Revenue: $44.2M

Funding beyond taxes to help keep rates lower

Debt (New): $0

Loans are used strategically to support major investments

 

See what’s behind the numbers

Infographic titled “2026 Budget Snapshot,” listing the types of funds that make up the budget. Click to view an accessible PDF version.
Click to enlarge

Did you know?

Only 33 cents from every property tax dollar goes to the Municipality of Clarington.

This portion supports the delivery of the local service you rely on and invests in the future of our growing community.

Investing with intention

From street-level upgrades to cloud-based systems, these projects support how your family lives, plays, and moves—now and into the future.

Key highlights for 2026

A mother and child using a wheelchair in the park.

Bringing the Parks, Recreation, and Culture Master Plan to life

Across Clarington, we're investing in sports courts and diamonds, splash pads, playgrounds, and trails, as well as building a brand-new, accessible community park and splash pad in south Bowmanville, creating more opportunities to get active and connect with neighbours. 

Learn more on page 7 of the budget book

Father and son at public skate.

Exploring a new twin ice pad at South Courtice Arena

A feasibility study will inform expansion opportunities, supporting future recreation needs and the long-term vision of the Parks, Recreation and Culture Master Plan. 

Learn more on page 7 of the budget book. ⬅️

Public Works staff at the works yard.

Making investments in priority infrastructure

We're strengthening emergency preparedness and improving local services by upgrading roads, parks, buildings, and more. Key projects include the South Bowmanville Recreation Centre, a new operations depot and fire training facility, and roadwork to support the Bowmanville Hospital expansion. 

Learn more on page 8 of the budget book. ⬅️

Woman on a cell phone.

Modernizing technology to serve you better

New customer service and financial systems will make it easier to access services and track requests, while improving efficiency, reducing financial risk, and safeguarding your data. 

Learn more on page 8 of the budget book. ⬅️

Explore the Capital Budget on page 25

Older adults playing pickleball at Diane Hamre Recreation Complex.

We’re investing in the lifestyle you love

Watch Clarington’s Parks, Recreation and Culture Master Plan come to life—our 10-to-15-year roadmap shaped by community priorities. Construction is underway on the highly anticipated South Bowmanville Recreation Centre, which will soon include a new Aquatics Centre and a new accessible community park with a splashpad. To support growing demand for ice time, we’ll also begin exploring future expansion at South Courtice Arena with a feasibility study that includes a conceptual design and high-level cost estimates to help guide future decisions.

Fun for all ages

  • Conducting a feasibility study and conceptual design for a twin ice pad expansion at South Courtice Arena
  • Building a new accessible community park with a splashpad at the South Bowmanville Recreation Centre
  • Constructing a new neighbourhood park in the Foster Creek Northwest subdivision in Newcastle
  • Upgrading playgrounds and parks at Barlow Court Parkette, Glanville Parkette, and Cecil B. Found Parkette across Bowmanville and Courtice, in accordance with Resolution #C-407-21
  • Replacing backstops at Clarington Fields in Bowmanville to improve safety, visibility, and accessibility for spectators
  • Reconstructing the splashpad at Guildwood Park in Bowmanville to meet current standards and enhance accessibility
  • Upgrades that enhance the functionality and safety of the sports fields at Optimist Park in Newcastle
  • Resurfacing tennis and pickleball courts at Orono Park to enhance durability, safety and playability in line with current standards for both sports
  • Improvements to Elliot Park in Hampton including replacement of boundary fencing at the Old Scugog Road entrance, reconstruction of the basketball half court with a new backboard, and reconstruction of the trail
  • At the Port of Newcastle, replacing wood pergolas with metal structures and upgrading the surrounding area to enhance durability and aesthetics

Community spaces and gathering places

  • Improving acoustics, hot water systems, and Pad B washrooms at the Garnet B. Rickard Recreation Complex in Bowmanville
  • Renovating Orono Park washroom entrance and interior to meet current accessibility standards
  • Upgrading pool deck lighting at the Diane Hamre Recreation Complex in Newcastle
  • Installing columbarium at the Bowmanville Cemetery to expand interment options and provide more choices for families
  • Replacing fitness equipment and event furniture at the Courtice Community Complex
  • Refurbishing squash courts and replacing cleaning equipment at the Alan Strike Aquatic and Squash Centre in Bowmanville

Library access and heritage

  • Expanding the library collection with new books, multimedia resources, periodicals, and electronic resources

  • Preservation and digitization of the archival collection will allow future generations to access heritage documents such as photographs, diaries, and maps
  • New book lockers will offer residents a convenient self-service point where they can access books, holds and returns

We’re taking care of the essentials

As more people choose to call Clarington home, we’re strengthening the infrastructure our community depends on—today and for the future. A new Fire Training Centre in north Bowmanville will help keep residents safe and first responders prepared. In 2026, we’re investing in roads, sidewalks, lighting, and traffic calming, along with upgrades to stormwater systems to protect our shoreline and reduce flood risk

Roads and infrastructure

  • Work to support future road reconstruction on Baseline Road (Mearns Avenue to Lambs Road), Mill Lane, Caroline Street (Baldwin Street to Beaver Street South), Third Street (High Street to Bernard Street)
  • Support future culvert installation and road extension of Grady Drive over Foster Creek in Newcastle (a future project will complete the road and crossing)
  • Support Bowmanville Hospital Expansion with road reconstruction on Queen Street (Liberty Street to St. George Street), Lambert Street (King Street East to Queen Street), and St. George Street (King Street East to Queen Street)
  • Resurfacing rural roads prioritized through a 10-year road needs study to ensure safe and efficient travel
  • Construction of safety improvements as part of Clarington’s roadside protection program
  • Pavement rehabilitation program to improve roads across Clarington
  • A design assignment for Newtonville Road bridge is required to rehabilitate the structure

Getting around safely

  • Constructing a multi-use path along the south side of Baseline Road between Green Road and Bowmanville Avenue
  • In response to resolution #C-033-24, undertake a comprehensive review of municipal parking practices to address increasing on-street parking pressures in both new and existing neighbourhoods to inform updated municipal policies and standards
  • Installing pedestrian crossovers at two locations (to be determined based on ongoing safety analysis)
  • Sidewalk replacement and improvements, prioritized based on safety, connectivity, and accessibility
  • Adding streetlights in areas where illumination is required
  • Implementation of traffic calming initiatives to improve road safety and enhance the living environment in affected areas, as recommended by the Traffic Calming Policy
  • Complete the design for future rehabilitation of the Orono Arena and Community Centre parking lot, as assessed and prioritized through the Municipality’s parking lot assessments

Emergency preparedness and public safety

  • Implement a new dispatch provider for Clarington Emergency and Fire Services (CEFS)
  • Equip CEFS with safety needs including portable radios, bunker gear, inspection technology, training aids, and additional key items
  • Conduct a Clarington-wide whistle cessation study, as part of report LGS-020-25, to understand potential implementation and operating costs, develop policies to address future requests, and consider performance information from the Cobbledick Road and Bennett Road CN Rail crossings (post-whistle cessation)

Protecting our environment

  • Bond Head Jetty and beach erosion protection with restoration work intended to reinstate the rock protection to extend the life of the structure and will include improved pedestrian access
  • Cleanout and maintenance of the Robinson Ridge stormwater pond in Bowmanville
  • Tree inventory to collect data on boulevard trees including species, size, health, location, hazards, and more, in accordance with the Clarington Urban Forest Strategy endorsed by Council in 2018
Snow plow on a Clarington street in winter conditions.

We’re improving how we serve you

This budget invests in tools and systems that power even better service, protect public finances with enhanced cybersecurity, and optimize how we respond to your everyday needs. It’s all part of our commitment to service excellence at every level. 

Reliable equipment and fleet

  • Pre-approving five new snowplows for 2027 delivery
  • Fleet replacements across Roads, Parks, Fire, and Community Services
  • Adding new fleet vehicles and equipment, including a water trailer, mini excavator, lift, and utility tractor and attachments

Technology upgrades and enhanced cybersecurity

  • Implement a customer relationship management system that will centralize service request intake, unify communications across more than 75 resident-facing services and enable real-time dashboards for performance reporting
  • Implement enterprise resource planning software to replace fragmented financial systems to automate workflows, consolidate five legacy applications, and improve financial reporting and transparency
  • Replacing computer hardware and investing in software resources
  • Replace outdated technology to modernize and stabilize the CLMA IT environment, as part of the Municipality of Clarington’s Information Technology Modernization Strategy 2025-27
  • To preserve the integrity and functionality of critical tools and infrastructure, Clarington Library, Museums & Archives (CLMA) is maintaining its IT systems through scheduled replacements, including two new vending machines

Facility improvements

  • Roof replacements at Courtice Community Complex, Garnet B. Rickard Recreation Complex, and Fire Station 1
  • Building studies that include electrical load analysis at 33 facilities, accessibility audits, and space optimization work for the Municipal Administrative Centre, and building condition assessments to align with the Asset Management Plan
  • Building improvements to Sarah Jane Williams Heritage Centre, Hampton Operations Centre, Municipal Administrative Centre, Kendal Community Centre, Visual Arts Centre, Haydon Community Centre, Brownsdale Community Centre, Memorial Park Clubhouse, Animal Shelter
  • Accessibility improvements based on studies such as Rick Hansen Accessibility Audits
  • Interior improvements to Orono Library Branch, Solina Community Hall, Animal Shelter, Sarah Jane Williams Heritage Centre, Community Resource Centre, and Fire Station 2

Bringing you services and programs that make life better

Only about one-third of your total property tax bill goes to the Municipality of Clarington. From that portion, we deliver the services you rely on and invest in the future of our growing community. Here’s how Clarington spends every $100 of its share:

Frontline Services –  We invest in fire protection, road and park maintenance, winter response, building inspection, crossing guards, and municipal law enforcement—services that keep Clarington safe, prepared, and connected.

Lifestyle and Wellbeing – We support the programs and spaces that make Clarington feel like home. This includes recreation, libraries, museums, cultural initiatives, animal services, and local grants—enhancing quality of life and creating places where people come together.

Clarington’s Backbone –  We power the systems and strategies that support every service and shape our future. This includes planning and infrastructure to guide sustainable growth, economic development to attract investment, communications to keep you informed and engaged, technology to protect data and deliver modern services, and finance teams that manage public dollars with care and transparency. It also includes the internal teams that support everything from resident and Council service to legal, HR, and long-term planning.

 

Factors influencing this year’s budget

Clarington’s 2026 Budget was developed with a strategic mindset, including the following key factors that are influencing the Municipality’s finances:

Icon representing parks.

Parks, Recreation and Culture Master Plan

Informed by over 3,000 residents, staff, and Council, this 10-to-15-year roadmap guides future decisions about parks, programs, and public spaces. Since its adoption in late 2024, Clarington has made significant progress on many of its 113 recommendations. In September 2025, Council endorsed an implementation and financing plan to advance short-term priorities through 2028, with many already underway.

Learn more on page 15 of the budget book. ⬅️

Icon representing facilities

Asset Management Plan

Approved by Council in 2025, this long-term strategy addresses Clarington’s infrastructure gap and ensures public assets—like roads, parks, and facilities—are maintained responsibly. By investing now, we avoid costly disruptions and build long-term stability for the services residents rely on every day. 

Learn more on page 15 of the budget book. ⬅️

Development Charges

Like many Ontario municipalities, Clarington saw a drop in Development Charge revenue in 2025 due to fewer housing starts. These fees help fund growth-related infrastructure like roads, parks, and water systems. Staff are monitoring trends and adjusting budgets—ready to support growth as it returns.

Learn more on page 16 of the budget book. ⬅️

Icon representing inflation

Inflationary Impacts

Costs for asphalt, building materials, and equipment are rising faster than inflation. Clarington is responding with smart planning and continuous improvement—investing in tools and systems that stretch every dollar and protect service levels. We’re looking ahead with confidence and a commitment to long-term value.

Learn more on page 16 of the budget book. ⬅️

Operating Budget amendments to meet evolving needs

There are two main amendments to the 2024-27 Multi-Year Operating Budget. All other cost pressures have been offset with increased revenues, decreased expenses, or reserve fund transfers.

Maintaining what matters for years to come

Approved by Council in 2025, the Asset Management Plan outlines how Clarington maintains thousands of public assets—roads, parks, stormwater systems, and facilities—responsibly and sustainably. It introduces a 20-year financing strategy to close a $10.4 million 10-year annual infrastructure gap, ensuring safe, reliable services and avoiding costly disruptions for residents. Learn more on page 22 of the budget book. ⬅️

Delivering direct savings to residents with investment income

At the end of 2024, Clarington recorded a $2.3 million surplus—driven by stronger-than-expected investment returns from reserve funds (like savings earmarked for future projects), not from overtaxing. This is being used to reduce planned tax increases in 2026 and 2027, helping offset infrastructure costs while maintaining service levels. It reflects Clarington’s commitment to prudent financial stewardship and long-term planning. Learn more on page 23 of the budget book. ⬅️

Frequently asked questions

Understanding your tax bill

With Clarington’s 2026 Budget Update, the average household will see a net levy increase of approximately $1.08 weekly (about $56.40 annually) for an average residential property. This represents a 1.76 per cent increase in the average overall property tax bill.

Your tax bill is divided into three portions to deliver valuable services to residents:

  • The Municipality of Clarington’s portion is 33 per cent.
  • The Region of Durham’s portion is 50 per cent.
  • Education’s portion is 17 per cent.

The Region of Durham has not yet announced its budget for 2026, so potential property tax bill impacts are unknown at this time. Visit durham.ca/budget to learn more.

Compared to other nearby municipalities, Clarington has provided, and continues to provide, similar services at a significantly lower cost to the taxpayers. Clarington now, and historically, has had among the lowest property taxes in Durham Region.

Your MPAC assessment is just one of the factors used to calculate your property taxes. An increase or decrease in your property assessment doesn't necessarily mean your property tax will change in the same way.

Property taxes are based on the budget needed to provide services and programs to Clarington residents. Market reassessment values don't create new revenue for the Municipality. Reassessment is considered revenue-neutral; as assessment values go up, tax rates are adjusted to ensure the Municipality only collects the amount of money it needs. This results in a shift in the share of the tax levy, as not all property values increase or decrease by the same percentage.

The Province is currently reviewing property tax legislation and has indicated that reassessment continues to be deferred. Therefore, assessments will stay the same until at least the 2026 tax year.

Your tax bill is calculated by multiplying your property's assessed value by the tax rates determined by the municipality, the Region of Durham, and province. For more details, visit understanding your tax bill.

The Municipal Property Assessment Corporation (MPAC) is responsible for assessing and classifying more than five million properties in Ontario. Every year, MPAC provides municipalities with an assessment roll to be used for taxation purposes. If you have questions about your assessment, call MPAC at 1-866-296-6722 or visit the MPAC website. For property-specific inquiries, visit the About My Property section to view information on your property, access your property assessment notice, and compare your property to others. If you disagree with your assessment, you can file a Request for Reconsideration (deadlines applicable).

Legislation allows municipalities to allocate any surplus money at the end of each fiscal year to reserve funds. Clarington puts surplus funds in the Rate Stabilization Reserve Fund to offset any future deficits and help even out any tax rate increases.

How the budget is built

Clarington has four departments: Public Services, Legislative Services, Planning and Infrastructure Services, and Finance and Technology Services; the departments are overseen by the Chief Administrative Office. Each department prepares a budget for its area of responsibility, based on the past year's spending and forecasting costs for the coming year(s). They work to ensure that residents will enjoy either the same level of service, and in some cases, see enhanced services.

The four-year budget was prepared concurrently with the 2024-27 Clarington Strategic Plan, which outlines the Municipality of Clarington’s priorities for the next four years. The Budget supports how we implement key action items identified in the Strategic Plan. 

The operating budget outlines Clarington's spending plan for the day-to-day cost of the Municipality's programs and services, including fire services, programs, facilities, parks, arenas, road maintenance, staffing, utilities, libraries and much more. It is the equivalent of a household budget for groceries, gas, electricity, and insurance premiums.

In Ontario, municipalities are required by the Municipal Act, 2001, to plan balanced operating budgets—meaning expenses must equal revenues every year and cannot borrow money to fund operating expenses. 

The capital budget outlines significant expenditures on the acquisition and replacement of physical assets such as buildings, road repairs, bridges, and vehicles. The operating costs for these assets are included in the operating budget.

In Ontario, municipalities can borrow some funds and run a deficit, within limits, to fund capital projects. For a household, the equivalent would be buying a new car or computer, or building an addition on the house. 

Under the Strong Mayors, Building Homes Act, 2022, the Mayor has a duty to propose the Municipality’s budget and present it to Council before February 1. The proposed budget is subject to Council amendments, a Mayoral veto, and a Council override process; each step is subject to a limited number of calendar days. After that has passed, the proposed budget is deemed to have been adopted by Council.

A municipality can choose to prepare a budget covering one to five years. Clarington has prepared a four-year budget. To remain flexible and to adapt with changing needs, the budget will be reevaluated annually by Council. 

Legislation allows municipalities to allocate any surplus money at the end of each fiscal year to reserve funds. Clarington puts surplus funds in the Rate Stabilization Reserve Fund to offset any future deficits and help even out any tax rate increases. 

Where your tax dollars go

Council sets out priorities through the budget, and tax dollars are spent on those items. Some of the priorities are fire protection, road maintenance and repair, parks, facilities, programs, libraries, municipal law enforcement, long-term capital projects, and much more. 

The municipal levy is the part of your property taxes that helps pay for Clarington’s local services and programs. In 2026, it makes up about 52.8 per cent of Clarington’s overall budget, with the remaining funding coming from other sources.

Here are some of the local services we’re proud to bring you:

  • Animal services
  • Building inspection
  • Capital investments
  • Economic development
  • Fire and emergency services
  • Libraries
  • Local planning
  • Local road maintenance
  • Municipal law enforcement
  • Parks and sports fields
  • Recreation facilities and programs
  • …and more! 
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Stay in touch

From upcoming park openings to local events, development proposals, things to do in Clarington, construction notices and service interruptions – we invite you to learn what’s happening in your neighbourhood right from the source.

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