Lincoln, ON – (November 27, 2025) – The Town of Lincoln has officially adopted its 2026 Budget following the close of the Budget Deliberation Period on November 24, 2025. With no amendments proposed by Council, the 2026 Budget was deemed adopted under the Strong Mayor Powers granted to the Town earlier this year.
The 2026 Budget reflects a thoughtful balance of community priorities, long-term planning, and financial responsibility. Built through year-round analysis and informed by resident, business, and stakeholder input, the budget maintains essential services while advancing strategic investments that support Lincoln’s growth and quality of life.
Because the Town is responsible for approximately 37% of the total property tax bill, residents will see a 1.84% increase in the Town portion of property taxes. This measured approach supports affordability for households while ensuring the resources needed to deliver reliable services and plan for the future. Education and Regional government components make up the remainder of the tax bill.
Despite uncertainty in funding from senior levels of government, the Town continues to apply disciplined financial management. The 2026 Budget reinforces our commitment to:
- High-quality local services
- Long-term financial sustainability
- Strategic, community-benefitting investment
- Responsible stewardship of public assets
The 2026 capital program focuses on targeted investments that maintain Lincoln’s infrastructure in a state of good repair and support community well-being, including:
- Road and right-of-way renewal
- Fleet replacement to ensure service reliability
- Fire and emergency services equipment
- Inflow and infiltration reduction to mitigate the risk of basement flooding
- Sports field and arena improvements to support recreation and community use
Together, these investments position Lincoln for continued success, ensuring that our community remains vibrant, resilient, and well-prepared for the opportunities ahead.
Quotes
“Each year, our budget is shaped by the voices and priorities of the people who call Lincoln home. Thank you to residents and businesses for your continued engagement. The 2026 Budget reflects a thoughtful balance of affordability, sustainability, and the delivery of quality services that contribute to a resilient and thriving community.”
~ Mayor Sandra Easton
“The 2026 Budget demonstrates strong financial stewardship and a commitment to maintaining high-quality services while keeping affordability top of mind. I want to thank Council, staff, and our community for their collaboration throughout this process. An overall 1.84% increase on the Town portion is prudent, responsible, and positions Lincoln well for the year ahead.”
~ Ward 1 Councillor Adam Russell, Budget Chair
“Our staff work diligently year-round to develop a budget that aligns with Council’s direction and supports the programs, infrastructure, and services residents rely on every day. The 2026 Budget focuses on long-term stability and responsible growth, as we continue to advocate to upper levels of government to reduce the infrastructure gap and secure a new deal for municipalities.”
~ Michael Kirkopoulos, Chief Administrative Officer
The Town of Lincoln will continue to share updates on 2026 projects and initiatives to keep residents informed and engaged throughout the year.
Many thanks to the community members who provided input through our 2026 Budget engagement process via Speak Up Lincoln and in person.
For more information and background on the 2026 Budget, visit speakuplincoln.ca/2026budget.
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For media inquiries, please contact:
Liliana Busnello
Manager of Corporate Communications
905-563-2799 ext. 230
Backgrounder:
Understanding the Budget: Operating, Capital, and Rate-Supported
Each year, the Town prepares the Operating Budget, the Capital Budget, and Rate-Supported Budgets.
Capital Budget
The Capital Budget funds major, long-term investments in infrastructure, facilities, and community amenities. These projects are supported through a mix of tax revenues, reserves, debentures, development charges, and government grants. Examples include road resurfacing, facility upgrades, and the construction of parks and public spaces.
Operating Budget
The Operating Budget provides for the Town’s day-to-day services, staffing, maintenance, utilities, programs, repairs, administrative services, and more. Primarily funded through the Town’s share of property taxes and program revenues, the Operating Budget is what determines the Town’s portion of the municipal tax rate.
Rate-Supported Budgets
Water and wastewater services operate as rate-supported systems, meaning their operating and capital costs are funded directly by user fees collected through water/wastewater bills. These revenues support the delivery, maintenance, and long-term renewal of the Town’s water and wastewater infrastructure.
Understanding Your Property Tax Bill
Property taxes consist of three components:
- Town of Lincoln portion (37%) – funds local services, programs, and municipal assets
- Niagara Region portion (53%) – funds regional services such as Public Health, waste management, policing, transit, and regional roads
- Education portion (10%) – set by the Province of Ontario to support public education
For a home assessed at $385,000 in 2025, approximately $5,977 in total taxes were paid, of which:
- $2,234 stayed with the Town of Lincoln
- $3,154 was collected on behalf of Niagara Region
- $289 was collected on behalf of the School Boards
The Town’s portion of the property tax bill (37%) is broken down as follows:
| Town of Lincoln Breakdown | |
| $921 | Public Works (Roads, Infrastructure, Parks and Facilities) |
| $349 | Legislative, Administrative and General Government |
| $230 | Fire and Emergency Service |
| $225 | Capital Contribution |
| $153 | Economic Development, Communications, Tourism & Culture |
| $112 | Library |
| $54 | Recreation Programming |
| $37 | Lincoln Community Hub (Former BDSS) |
The Finalized Rate:
Key highlights of the 2026 Budget Town of Lincoln include a 4.98% increase, dedicated as follows:
- 2.5% dedicated to infrastructure reserves (money in the bank), strengthening our ability to maintain and renew critical assets.
- 2.48% to support daily operations, service enhancements, and priority projects.
As noted above, the Town is responsible for approximately 37% of the total property tax bill, which means that residents will see a 1.84% increase in the Town portion of property taxes.
Once all three levels of government have set their rates, they are combined into one finalized rate. That rate is then calculated against the assessed value of a home or property to generate a total of taxes owed on the property for the year.
Once the amount owed has been calculated, the Town of Lincoln administers billings and collections for all properties within its borders. Taxes are collected by the Town and then divided between the Town, Region and Province.