Challinor, Krantz, Minakakis Oppose 2026 Town of Milton Budget
Milton Mayor Gord Krantz, Town of Milton Ward 2 Local Councillor John Challinor II and Town of Milton Ward 1 Local Councillor George Minakakis opposed the Town’s 2026 Operating Budget, which increased Town expenditures by 6.94 percent, resulting in local property taxpayers paying 4.75 percent more for Town, Region of Halton and education services.
A typical detached home in Milton, which had a market value of $1,195,000 as of January 1, 2026, according to the Toronto Regional Real Estate Board, but with a 2016 assessed value of $671,827, will pay $5,813 in property taxes, a $263 increase over 2025.
Similarly, a typical townhouse, which had a market value of $597,100 as of January 1, 2026, according to TRREB, but with a 2016 assessed value of $439,430, will pay $3,802 in property taxes, a $172 increase over 2025.
Finally, a typical condominium, which had a market value of $523,400 as of January 1, 2026, according to TRREB, but a 2016 assessed value of $321,256, will pay $2,7803 in property taxes, a $126 increase over 2025.
While Mr. Challinor was supportive of most of the measures advocated by Town staff in the draft budget brought before Council for approval in early December, he felt that a 3.5 to 4 percent tax increase was more appropriate and, further, it could be achieved by a roughly $1.5 million reduction in discretionary spending found in the $43.5 million purchased goods and services line.
While one of the reserve funds recommended by Mr. Challinor in 2024 was established in 2025 and reduced the impact of the operating budget on property taxpayers by 1 percent or about $1 million this year, he believes the second fund he proposed two years ago, which would have a similar benefit for ratepayers while bolstering the Town’s capital reserves, needs to be implemented during the 2027 operating budget process.
In April 2025, Mr. Challinor unsuccessfully proposed to Council that all future operating budget increases be tied to two factors — Canada’s annual rate of inflation and Milton’s annual rate of housing growth. So, instead of a 6.94 percent increase in operating budget expenditures for 2026, the Town’s operating budget expenditures would be set at 5.5 to 6 percent this year, using his formula.
“Canada is technically in recession, interest rates are still too high, food inflation is continuing unchecked and an increasing number of Miltonians are defaulting on their mortgages or not paying their property taxes — or both, “ he explained. “The coming year is going to be particularly difficult for those 60 percent of Miltonians whose mortgages are coming due for renewal by the end of 2026. The Town of Milton’s 2026 Budget needed to reflect that reality and Milton Council needs to respond to the challenges faced by Milton property owners, particularly seniors and young families, by taking strategic, thoughtful and, ultimately, fiscally responsible steps to control spending.” CR
Similarly, a typical townhouse, which had a market value of $597,100 as of January 1, 2026, according to TRREB, but with a 2016 assessed value of $439,430, will pay $3,802 in property taxes, a $172 increase over 2025.
Finally, a typical condominium, which had a market value of $523,400 as of January 1, 2026, according to TRREB, but a 2016 assessed value of $321,256, will pay $2,7803 in property taxes, a $126 increase over 2025.
While Mr. Challinor was supportive of most of the measures advocated by Town staff in the draft budget brought before Council for approval in early December, he felt that a 3.5 to 4 percent tax increase was more appropriate and, further, it could be achieved by a roughly $1.5 million reduction in discretionary spending found in the $43.5 million purchased goods and services line.
While one of the reserve funds recommended by Mr. Challinor in 2024 was established in 2025 and reduced the impact of the operating budget on property taxpayers by 1 percent or about $1 million this year, he believes the second fund he proposed two years ago, which would have a similar benefit for ratepayers while bolstering the Town’s capital reserves, needs to be implemented during the 2027 operating budget process.
In April 2025, Mr. Challinor unsuccessfully proposed to Council that all future operating budget increases be tied to two factors — Canada’s annual rate of inflation and Milton’s annual rate of housing growth. So, instead of a 6.94 percent increase in operating budget expenditures for 2026, the Town’s operating budget expenditures would be set at 5.5 to 6 percent this year, using his formula.
“Canada is technically in recession, interest rates are still too high, food inflation is continuing unchecked and an increasing number of Miltonians are defaulting on their mortgages or not paying their property taxes — or both, “ he explained. “The coming year is going to be particularly difficult for those 60 percent of Miltonians whose mortgages are coming due for renewal by the end of 2026. The Town of Milton’s 2026 Budget needed to reflect that reality and Milton Council needs to respond to the challenges faced by Milton property owners, particularly seniors and young families, by taking strategic, thoughtful and, ultimately, fiscally responsible steps to control spending.” CR