Victoria County Council Approves Budget

On May 5, 2025, Victoria County Council approved the Municipality’s 2025–26 budget, including an operating budget of $15,560,858 and a five-year capital budget of $23,659,260. This is the first budget of the newly elected Council.

Both the residential and commercial tax rates remain unchanged at $1.15 per $100 of assessment for residential and $2.09 per $100 for commercial properties. 

“We know people are feeling the cost of living right now,” said Warden Jackie Organ. “Council worked hard to keep tax rates the same while still supporting important services that help our communities every day.” 

Council and staff carefully reviewed the County’s priorities to ensure this year’s budget is fair, responsible, and responsive to community needs. 

The approved budget supports ongoing work in priority areas, including support for volunteer fire services, enhanced emergency preparedness, community development, and waste management. It also includes several strategic investments, such as increased funding for public washrooms, earmarked funds for housing initiatives, and continued investment in trails, recreation, and tourism. Community-focused programs like the property tax relief program, municipal grants, and seniors’ safety initiatives remain a key focus, all without adding financial pressure to taxpayers.

Victoria County also offers a tax relief program for residents with lower incomes. Property owners with a household income under $35,000 a year may be eligible for up to $300 off their tax bill. For more information, visit www.victoriacounty.com or call 902-295-3231. 

What is the Municipal Budget All About?

Through the budget process, Council must consider provincial and federal requirements, available funding opportunities, immediate needs, long-term goals and feedback from residents.

Every year, the Municipality of the County of Victoria goes through the process of setting the annual operating and five-year capital budgets.

These budgets outline financial inflows and outflows, shaping the level of service offered to Victoria County residents.

They serve as crucial guides for decision making and spending. Approval of these budgets reflect Council and staff’s commitment to the strategic priorities and to delivering quality municipal services.

Learn more about how the municipal budget is determined in the short video below (created in 2024):