January 2026

2026 Budget Approved by Council

The 2026 Town Budget was approved by Council at the December 1, 2025 Council meeting.

The budget, which is available on the Town’s website, reflects the Town’s ongoing commitment to fiscal responsibility, service excellence and long-term sustainability. Following discussions that began with the release of the draft budget on October 7, 2025, the 2026 Budget will see a 4.34% increase in the municipal levy.

The budget increase of 4.34%, which incorporates a $345,000 contribution to the Asset Management Reserve, would see the median home assessed at $530,000 have an increase of approximately $97.55 annually, or $8.13 per month.

“The 2026 Budget gives us a solid foundation not just for next year, but for the future of The Blue Mountains. Council has had difficult discussions and decisions to make over the past two months, and this Budget is a reflection of our priorities,” said Deputy Mayor Peter Bordignon. “I want to thank our Treasurer, Monica Quinlan, and her team for delivering a document that balances short-term affordability with the long-term investments required to ensure financial stability, and I want to thank all the members of the public who took the time to share their thoughts by participating in the Budget process.”

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Expanded Recycling Starts January 1

As of January 1, 2026, residents can now use their blue and grey boxes for even more! Expanded collection has been put in place through Ontario's Extended Producer Responsibility framework and now includes:

• Paper laminate packaging
• Tubes (toothpaste, deodorant, creams)
• Flexible plastic (bags, bubble wrap, liners)
• Polystyrene foam (food trays, packaging)
• Small item packaging (medication bottles, blister packs, plant pots)

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Save The Date: Volunteer Recognition Awards and Fair

Mark your calendar for Wednesday, April 22, 2026, at the Beaver Valley Community Centre for the Town’s Volunteer Recognition Awards and Volunteer Fair. Connect with local groups, explore volunteer opportunities and help celebrate the people and groups making a difference in our community.

Stay tuned for more details and nomination information.

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Carbon Monoxide Alarm Requirements Expanded

The Ontario Fire Code has been updated with new requirements related to carbon monoxide alarms. As of January 1, 2026, carbon monoxide alarms are now required on every storey of your home, not just near sleeping areas.

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Council Cafe Returns on February 13

Join Council at the L.E. Shore Library on Friday, February 13, 2026, from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. for a Council Cafe. This free event is an opportunity for members of the public to have casual conversations with members of Council in a relaxed atmosphere.

Light refreshments, including coffee, tea and snacks, will be provided.

No registration is required, and attendees can join the event at any time.

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Help Shape the Future of Regional Transportation

The County of Grey, along with Bruce County, County of Dufferin and County of Wellington, have launched a public survey on transportation needs and priorities.

Residents can provide feedback through an online survey, open until January 25, 2026. The survey asks about current transportation patterns, priorities for service design and experiences with existing community transportation options.

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Youth-Led Climate Action Takes Root

Have you noticed the new tiny forest taking root at Moreau Park? This tiny forest follows the ‘Miyawaki method’, a Japanese method that involves planting diverse varieties of trees and shrubs in a small space to spur competition and rapid growth, and to provide much needed habitat for insects and pollinator species.Thanks to the efforts of one of our Round 1 Youth Climate Acton Fund grant recipients along with Beaver Valley Outreach and the Climate Action Now Network!

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