Peterborough City Council is beginning its work on the 2026 municipal budget, with preliminary presentations scheduled during a General Committee meeting at City Hall this morning at 9 a.m.
City staff from Finance, Community Services, Infrastructure, Planning and Growth Management, and the Peterborough Police Service will provide early insights on factors that could influence the upcoming budget. The meeting will be livestreamed at peterborough.ca/WatchCouncil.
The draft 2026 budget is expected in November, with the full adoption process to follow in December.
Residents will have their first opportunity to weigh in during a community meeting on Thursday, June 19 from 6:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. at Healthy Planet Arena. The event will include a brief presentation, survey results, and initial details on anticipated financial impacts.
Mayor Jeff Leal has directed staff to maintain existing service levels from the 2025 budget while adjusting for inflation and legislated requirements. That includes a projected 10 per cent increase in the police budget.
Under Ontario’s Strong Mayor powers, Leal will ultimately present the budget for adoption. Council can propose amendments, but the mayor holds veto authority that can only be overturned by a two-thirds vote.
More information and opportunities to submit feedback are available at peterborough.ca/budget and connectptbo.ca/2026Budget.
(Written by: Scott Arnold)
