2026 Mayor's Budget | Township of Southgate

Mayor Milne has formally tabled the Township of Southgate’s 2026 Municipal Budget as of January 30, 2026. In accordance with the Strong Mayor Powers framework, the Mayor is required to table the budget, which initiates Council’s formal review process and provides members with the opportunity to consider the proposed financial plan.

While the Strong Mayor framework does not provide for traditional budget deliberations, Council members have participated in three financial forecasting meetings which served as a forum for members to engage with the Mayor and staff, ask questions, and gain clarity on the Township’s strategic direction and allocation of resources.

"The 2026 Southgate Budget reflects the Township’s commitment to fiscal responsibility, strategic investment, and long-term sustainability. This budget prioritizes essential services, maintains core infrastructure, and plans thoughtfully for future growth while remaining mindful of the impact on residents and businesses. I want to extend my sincere thanks to Staff and Council for their dedication, expertise, and hard work in developing a balanced and forward-looking budget that positions Southgate to meet today’s needs and tomorrow’s opportunities." – Mayor Brian Milne

Mayor Milne has waived his statutory veto period through Mayoral Decision MDE2026-003. By waiving the veto period, following the end of the 30-day amendment window, the budget will be deeded to be passed on March 1, 2026.

Current Budget (as of February 4, 2026):

Amendments to Proposed Budget:

Meeting Date	Amendment	Approved by Majority Vote
February 4, 2026	That $40,000.00 be added to General Reserves	Yes
February 18, 2026	None	N/A

Documents:

Budget Presentation
(as of February 4, 2026)

Capital Budget Summary

Capital Budget by Department

Mayors Proposed Budget (as of January 30, 2026):

Budget Timeline

Friday, January 30, 2026	Mayors Budget Tabled - Members of Council may propose amendments to the Mayor's Budget within a 30-day amendment window.
Wednesday, February 4, 2026 9:00 AM	Council may propose amendments to the Mayor's Budget by a majority resolution.
Wednesday, February 18, 2026 1:00 PM	Council may propose amendments to the Mayor's Budget by a majority resolution.
Sunday, March 1, 2026	30-day Amendment Period Ends - If NO amendments are received, the budget is deemed to be adopted by the Municipality. Mayor Milne waived his statutory veto period on Thursday, February 19, 2026, through Mayoral Decision MDE2026-003. By waiving the veto period, following the end of the 30-day amendment window, the budget will be deeded to be passed on March 1, 2026.

Strong Mayor Powers

On April 9, 2025 the Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing announced the expansion of strong mayor powers to the Township of Southgate. As a result, Part VI.1 of the Municipal Act, 2001, along with O.Reg. 530/22 was applied to the Township of Southgate.

Under Part VI.1 of the Municipal Act, 2001, the Mayor is responsible to propose the municipal budget, which would be subject to Council amendments and a separate Head of Council Veto and Council override process.

More information on Strong Mayor Power's in the Township can be viewed here.

2025 Budget Recap

At the Township of Southgate Council meeting held on April 3, 2025, the Council adopted the 2025 budget at a 5.31% increase.