Municipalities across Essex County are moving forward with their financial planning for the coming year, with the release of several draft budgets for 2026. The County of Essex itself, along with the towns of Kingsville and Lakeshore, have published their preliminary spending plans, outlining proposed tax increases and key capital projects. In a separate community development, the Town of LaSalle is set to inaugurate a new multi-use recreational facility.
Essex County Proposes Modest Tax Increase
The Essex County draft budget for 2026 proposes a 2.65 per cent tax increase. This would support total budget requirements of $145.7 million, with net capital spending planned at $48.9 million. A significant portion of the budget increase, approximately $4 million, is attributed to contractual salary and benefit adjustments. This funding will cover eight new paramedic positions, one human resources assistant, and one HR generalist.
According to the budget breakdown, the largest share of every tax dollar, 38 cents, is directed towards infrastructure and planning services. Emergency services receive 12 cents, long-term care gets five cents, and library services are allocated five cents.
The county council will hold its budget deliberations on December 3 at 9 a.m., which will be streamed live online for public viewing. The draft budget document is available for residents to review on the county's website.
Kingsville and Lakeshore Outline Financial Plans
The Town of Kingsville has presented a draft budget that includes a 6.7 per cent tax hike. For an average household with an assessment of $250,000, this translates to an annual increase of $143.63. Facing current financial challenges, the town is not recommending any new staff positions this year, acknowledging that this decision may impact service levels.
Kingsville's budget priorities focus heavily on infrastructure, earmarking $2.6 million for road construction and resurfacing and $1.4 million for bridge replacements and rehabilitations. The plan also supports growth on the west side of town, including enhancing water distribution and creating an alternative traffic route to ease downtown congestion. A sum of $200,000 has been allocated to a reserve fund for potential property acquisition, though no decision has been made regarding closed school properties. Residents can provide feedback through the HaveYourSayKingsville.ca portal, with in-person deliberations scheduled for December 10 at the Unico Community Centre.
Meanwhile, the Town of Lakeshore's draft budget contains a four per cent tax increase, which would add $75.96 to the average tax bill. Water rates are also proposed to rise by an average of $9.75 per month, or $117 for the year, based on usage.
LaSalle's Loop Trail Set for Grand Opening
In a boost for local recreation, the Town of LaSalle will officially open The Loop Skate Trail on Friday evening, November 28, 2025. This innovative facility is a multi-use trail designed for skating during the winter months. When the ice melts, it will double as a path for walking and biking, providing year-round utility for residents and promoting an active lifestyle in the community.
