$215,209increase in the OPP bill from 2024 to 2025 (17.5%)
The Township does not run its own police force. It pays the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP), and the province sends a yearly bill. The Township's budget book says the 2025 bill was $1,443,614, up from $1,228,405 in 2024, an increase of $215,209. It also says the OPP's email did not explain the increase. The book adds that, for 2026, the OPP told municipalities increases would be capped at 11%.
$23,942,969in proposed 2026 capital projects, with $15.6M from the province and $8.4M from reserves
Capital spending means building or replacing things that last, such as roads, water pipes and buildings. The 2026 budget book proposes $23,942,969 in capital projects. It says $15.6 million of that is provincial funding and $8.4 million is from the Township's own savings (reserves). The largest piece is the second phase of George Street reconstruction. The Township says it was approved for a provincial water-systems grant of $8,050,016.60 for it. The book also marks the wastewater plant upgrade as depending on a grant: "IF FUNDING IS APPROVED".
$1,002,662projected Roads Reserve, against roads in poor condition worth $9,609,000 to replace
A reserve is money set aside for later. The 2026 budget book says the Roads Reserve may have a projected balance of $1,002,662. It also says roads worth $9,609,000 to replace are in poor condition, and roads worth $6,154,000 are in fair condition, according to the Township's asset management plan. The Township is open about this gap, and says it has no debt, with room to borrow of about $2.7M a year in repayments. It has not said how it plans to close the gap.
$17,758,536estimated capital cost of Council's priorities not in the 2026 budget
In October 2025 Council named priorities for the 2026 budget. The budget book's appendix lists an estimated cost, not included in the 2026 budget, that totals $17,758,536 for capital items and $1,113,087 for operating items. The items include repairs to the Old Town Hall (estimated total $2,462,440), a possible medical centre in Havelock, a baseball diamond, a larger sewage plant and a new water well. The appendix is headed "2026 DRAFT", so the final list may differ.