Aurora Adopts Council-Amended 2026 Budget, Final of Council Term

The Town of Aurora adopted its 2026 Operating Budget and 10-Year Capital Plan, maintaining all existing programs and services, and investing only in the critical infrastructure, amenities and other essentials needed to maintain Aurora’s high quality of life. The 2026 Budget was tabled by Mayor Tom Mrakas earlier this fall as part of Aurora’s multi-year budgeting framework.

The approved tax-levy increase for 2026 is 2.2 per cent, which includes 0.6 per cent for Town operations, 0.6 per cent for Central York Fire Services (CYFS), and a one per cent contribution to capital reserves that helps fund long-term projects. For an average home assessed at $800,000, that works out to an annual increase of about $56.94.

The 2026 tax-levy increase is lower than the 2.9 per cent forecast in last year’s multi-year plan, achieved through reduced discretionary spending, a temporary hiring freeze, and a needs-based approach to major investments, ensuring funding went only to the most critical priorities for the community. During deliberations, Council passed four amendments to the Mayor’s budget, with the Mayor vetoing two of them: one proposing to pause funding for the Aurora Sports Hall of Fame until they produce audited financial statements, and another proposing a 0 per cent tax-levy increase for 2026.

The Mayor noted that the amendment relating to the Aurora Sports Hall of Fame sought to impose a requirement that does not exist in Town policy, and that any review of those policies should occur through the proper, transparent process and apply fairly to all organizations.

“This year’s budget keeps more money in people’s pockets while making smart, responsible investments in our community,” added Mayor Tom Mrakas. “That’s why I’ve dubbed it the ‘People’s Budget,’ a financial plan that recognizes the pressures families are facing, manages our costs without cutting services, and invests in the projects that keep Aurora one of the best places to live, work, and raise a family.”

Mayor Mrakas went on to say that while some had called for a 0 per cent increase to the tax levy, such a move would have come at a long-term cost.

“When municipalities freeze taxes, it often means deferring maintenance or cancelling needed work,” he said. “Residents end up paying a lot more later to catch up. This budget avoids that, and instead makes forward-looking, sustainable investments that benefit residents today and in the future.”

In addition to maintaining all existing service levels – from recreation and special events to snow clearing and park and trail maintenance – the 2026 budget also continues funding for key community partners including CYFS, the Aurora Public Library, and the Aurora Cultural Centre.

Operating spending in 2026 totals $131.7 million, funded through property taxes and user rates for water, wastewater, and stormwater services.

Investing in Aurora’s Future

The Town’s 10-Year Capital Plan totals $372 million, with $67.8 million allocated in 2026 for projects that enhance community spaces, improve infrastructure, and strengthen long-term sustainability. Highlights include:

• Rehabilitation of local roads to improve safety, connectivity, and reliability
• Playground replacements and upgrades at Atkinson Park, Fleury Park and Optimist Park
• Completion of a six-court pickleball complex at Fleury Park, and work to expand the volleyball courts at Lambert Willson Park from two to four courts
• Trail expansion to make it easier for residents to get around and stay active, including the completion of the Benjamin Pearson Parkette boardwalk, as well as the Mattamy and DeGraff trails, and Shining Hill trails
• Sediment removal and rehabilitation of several stormwater ponds to strengthen flood protection and environmental resilience
• Ongoing modernization of Town facilities and renewal of the municipal fleet
• Continued work on the Yonge streetscape redesign, an important step in Aurora’s downtown revitalization

About the Budget Process

Aurora continues to use a multi-year budget process, which provides more stability for residents and greater financial predictability for the Town.

Residents, businesses, and community groups also had the opportunity to share feedback through the Town’s online Budget Survey, helping Council and staff better understand local priorities and shape the final budget.