Kincardine mayor slated to prepare and propose annual budget, under strong mayor powers

As of May 1, the Province of Ontario expanded strong mayor powers to several municipalities, including the Municipality of Kincardine.

This change means mayor Kenneth Craig will prepare and propose the annual budget to council and the public. Council may then make amendments to the proposed budget, following the process set out in the legislation.

In preparation for next year’s budget, Craig is inviting the community to be part of the process of building the 2026 budget.

“I am looking forward to hearing the opinions and recommendations of our municipal council, our staff, our community organizations, and our community residents and visitors,” said Craig. “Budget preparation has changed, and the change was unexpected. Community participation is really important again this year.”

Here’s how you can contribute:

Participate in the on-line community survey

Share your thoughts, anonymously, on-line by filling in the survey at www.kincardine.ca/2026-Budget-Survey or pick up a paper copy at the municipal administration centre. It will take you only 10 minutes, and the deadline is 4:30 p.m., Aug. 24.

Open houses

There will be a presentation at the start of each open house with a question period following. Comment and feedback forms will be available at all four open houses.

In Kincardine in the Penetangore Room at the Davidson Centre, 601 Durham Street:
 

• Wednesday, July 16, from 4-7 p.m.
• Saturday, Aug. 23, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.

In Tiverton at the Whitney Crawford Community Centre, 6 McKay Street:
 

• Saturday, July 26, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.
• Thursday, Aug. 14, from 4-7 p.m.

Service groups and organizations that would like to make a budget request from the Municipality of Kincardine, can make a submission by 4:30 p.m., Aug. 24, at www.kincardine.ca/2026-Budget-Request.

For more information about the budget process and how to provide input visit www.kincardine.ca/mayorsbudget or use the QR code (right).