Press Release from the Municipality of Southwest Middlesex

GLENCOE, ON – At its February 11, 2026 meeting, Council approved the Municipality of Southwest Middlesex’s 2026 Budget, continuing significant investments in infrastructure while maintaining a responsible and competitive tax rate. The approved municipal tax increase for 2026 is 4.777%. When combined with the Middlesex County increase and assuming the education portion remains unchanged, the overall blended property tax increase is estimated at approximately 4.08%. The increase results in an impact of approximately $135 per year, or about $11.25 per month on every $200,000 of residential assessment. Mayor Allan Mayhew noted that the budget reflects Council’s commitment to balancing fiscal responsibility with strategic investment. “This budget reflects Council’s focus on protecting essential services while investing in infrastructure that supports growth and safeguards our community,” said Mayor Mayhew. “We are addressing long-standing infrastructure needs while positioning Southwest Middlesex for both long-term success and sustainability.” The 2026 Budget includes $2.2 million in new capital investments in addition to approved multi-year infrastructure investments of $16.6 million dollars. A significant portion of these investment supports critical sanitary and stormwater capacity upgrades in Glencoe. These improvements will enhance system reliability, reduce flood risk, and ensure the municipality has the infrastructure in place to support both existing residents and future development. Council is also advancing servicing of the Glencoe Industrial Park, a key economic development initiative designed to attract new business investment and expand the municipal assessment base. The servicing model is structured to be largely self-funded through lot sales and developer contributions, minimizing long-term impact on taxpayers.
Over the past year and a half, the Municipality has successfully secured more than $7.5 million in external grant funding to support capital projects. These funding successes significantly offset infrastructure costs and reduce pressure on the tax base. The 2026 Budget also addresses inflationary pressures, regulatory compliance under the Asset Management Plan framework, public works infrastructure maintenance, fire and emergency preparedness needs, and continued upkeep of municipal facilities. Council is scheduled to formally pass the 2026 Budget By-law at its February 18 Council meeting.