Huron County, Ontario – On March 18, 2026, Huron County Council passed the 2026 Budget. This was a particularly challenging budget year. In order to maintain a 4.55% tax levy increase and support long-term financial sustainability, Council was required to identify opportunities for significant cost savings and make difficult decisions.
“These decisions were not made lightly,” said Huron County Warden Jamie Heffer. “While the tough choices made in this budget will impact some County services, the 2026 Budget reflects a responsible, forward-looking approach that will strengthen the County of Huron’s ability to serve our community well into the future.”
As a result of Council’s decision, the following programs will be significantly scaled back or cancelled:
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- Huron Multicultural Festival
- Main Street Arts Festival
- artLAB programming
- Jane’s Walks
- National Indigenous Peoples Day programming
- Huron County Museum Summer Day Camps
- Cultural Summit
- Limited participation in Treaty Tour to commemorate 200th anniversary of Huron Tract
- Huron Clean Water Project
- Huron County Climate Change Report
- Sustainable Huron Steering Committee
- Sustainable Huron Action Plan
- Water Protection Steering Committee
- Octoberfest on Ontario’s West Coast
- Coordination of Vine and Ale Trails
- Maple Mania
- Huron County Community Calendar
- Supporting Local Economic Development (SLED) Initiative
- Diminished digital marketing and engagement for Ontario’s West Coast
In addition, the participation of the County of Huron in numerous projects including those listed below will no longer be possible.
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- Counties EV Charger Network
- Huron Stewardship Council
- Healthy Lake Huron Steering Committee
- County Climate Action Plan
- Reduced support for sector organizations such as Huron Manufacturing Association (HMA)
The County recognizes these changes may impact residents and community partners. The County remains committed to working collaboratively with partners as these changes take effect.
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