Scugog invites residents to share their municipal budget priorities

DARRYL KNIGHT Local Journalism Initiative Reporter for The Standard

SCUGOG: With an eye toward long-term sustainability and community input, the Township has recently launched its public engagement process, for the 2026 municipal budget.

Mayor Wilma Wotten recently issued a Mayoral Directive, instructing Township staff to begin preparing the 2026 Operating and Capital Budget which will focus on core services, infrastructure renewal, and managing growth, while addressing the ongoing challenges of inflation and asset management.

"I am pleased to introduce the 2026 budget survey," said Mayor Wotten. "This survey will help us better understand the community's priorities and will inform our decisions, as we move our community forward, meeting today's challenges while respecting residents' fiscal challenges. Focus will be on our essential services and supporting our local economy."

Residents and property owners are being encouraged to visit the My Scugog website, to participate in the budget survey, offer comments, and learn more about the budgeting process. Input will be accepted, until Friday, August 22nd, and Township finance staff will be monitoring the site, to answer any submitted questions.

The Township is also expanding its outreach this year, by hosting three public town hall meetings, to gather feedback directly from residents. These sessions are scheduled for August 12th, 13th, and 21st, with full details on times and locations, to be announced in the coming weeks.

Scugog's annual budget sets funding for services, such as: road and bridge maintenance, snow clearing, parks and playgrounds, community programming, and technology upgrades. A key issue, again this year, will be addressing the Township's infrastructure deficit, a challenge municipalities across the country continue to face.

"Dedicated levies have helped us move the needle on some major projects," said Chief Administrative Officer Warren Mar. "But we want to continue making informed, strategic investments, and hearing directly from the community is an important part of that process."

Residents say they appreciate the opportunity to weigh in.

"I think it's great they're asking for our input," said Melissa Kent, a Port Perry parent. "We all use the roads, parks, and services, so we should have a say in where the money goes."

Seagrave resident James Wilson agrees. "With rising costs, the Township needs to hear what's most important to residents. Hosting public meetings shows they're serious about transparency."

Scugog's final 2026 budget is expected to be brought before Council for consideration later this year. Until then, Township staff say, they hope to hear from as many voices as possible.

To participate in the survey or submit a question, visit: my.scugog.ca/budget2026.