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Property Tax & Water Budgets and Annual Reports

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Members of Council and City staff aim to give Markham residents value for their tax dollars.

Markham Mayor Scarpitti presented Budget 2026 of $677.9M, continuing its focus on community building while keeping Markham affordable. The tax rate increase of 3.90% means $54.99 for the average Markham home.

As part of the City’s ongoing efforts for budget transparency, a Public Meeting will be scheduled for Budget 2026 at the Markham Civic Centre on October 9 at 7 PM. Both in-person and virtual attendance will be available.

You can also provide feedback via email at budget2026@markham.ca or leave a comment on our Your Voice Markham Budget 2026 Consultation page.

Understand Your City Budget & Stay Informed!

Understand Your Water Rate 

2026 Budget

On October 1, 2025, Mayor Scarpitti presented the City of Markham’s Budget 2026 of $677.9M.

Resources:

2026 Budget Highlights

Responsible Markham

The City of Markham’s proposed budget for 2026 is $677.9 million. 

  • Markham will have a $309.3 million primary operating budget. It is primarily funded through property taxes and supports general day-to-day operations and service delivery.
  • The proposed property tax rate increase in 2026 is 3.90%. This represents an increase of $54.99 on the City portion of the tax bill for the average home in Markham. Markham continues to have the lowest average tax rate increase in the GTA over 21 consecutive years.
  • $160.4 million in capital funding to deliver 233 projects supporting a wide array of City programs and services.
  • $71.1 million of the capital budget relates to new infrastructure to service Markham’s growing communities. This includes projects such as new storm sewer, watermain and road network construction, parks, green spaces, and pedestrian crossings and traffic signals.
  • $89.3 million is to keep the existing community infrastructure in a good state of repair. This includes projects to repair and refurbish existing roads, recreation, library and cultural facilities and amenities.
  • A 4.98% water rate increase is included to support water and wastewater services, representing an increase of $52.99 for the average home in Markham. The majority of this increase results from the cost of purchasing water from the City of Toronto, through York Region.

Building Markham

Markham will continue to manage growth by building infrastructure that builds complete, safe and connected communities. Investments include:

  • $12.3M for new trails (Rouge Valley Trail Phase 4B from 14th Ave. to Donald Cousens Parkway Trail Construction)
  • $8.1M for Highway 404 North Ramp Extension & Collector Roads for the MiX - Design
  • $3.1M for 2026 Playground Replacements & Court Rebuild/Resurface – Construction
  • $2.9M for new parks (York Downs Main Park and Unionville Home Society Parkette)
  • $2.4M for Victoria Square Boulevard Phase 2 - Design

Resilient Markham

$89.3 million of the 2026 capital budget will maintain our existing assets in a state of good repair, prepare for changing climate conditions and support our goal of net-zero emissions by 2050. Key examples include:

  • $27.4M for Markham Village Flood Control Construction & Design
  • $21.3M for asphalt resurfacing and curb, sidewalk and parking lot repairs 
  • $12.3M for Cast Iron Watermain Replacement - Construction 
  • $10.9M for fleet replacement 
  • $9.3M for repair and rehabilitation for recreation, libraries, cultural facilities and related amenities 
  • $5.1M for facility upgrades at recreation, library, and cultural facilities 
  • $3.3M for Wet Storm Water Management Pond Sediment Cleaning 
  • $2.1M to increase Markham’s tree canopy by planting trees and supporting the Trees for Tomorrow Program

Inclusive Markham

The City strives to be welcoming, inclusive and accessible to meet the needs of our diverse community. Highlights include:

  • $2.5M for Active Transportation Master Plan construction and programs
  • $2.3M will fund upgrades and improve accessibility in parks and playgrounds to meet AODA requirements
  • $0.4M for IT upgrades to modernize and improve customer service (Building Permit Pre-Application AI Forms Reader and Contract Administration Software)
  • $0.3M for Culture Public Art Master Plan Implementation
  • As the Flato Markham Theatre celebrates its 40th Anniversary, it will present a milestone season that places Canadian talent at the forefront—with over 70% of its programming featuring Canadian artists. There will be a gala to support Theatre’s 40th Anniversary.
  • Markham will enter the fast lane in the summer of 2026, hosting the largest sports and cultural celebration in York Region’s history. The Ontario Honda Dealers Indy will now call Markham its home with the first race taking place the weekend of August 16, 2026.

Budget 2026 Schedule

  • October 1, 2025 – Mayor Frank Scarpitti tables proposed Budget 2026. 
  • October 9, 2025 at 7 PM - Residents will have an opportunity to provide feedback on the budget, including the water/wastewater rate, during a Public Meeting at Markham Civic Centre.
  • October 31, 2025 – Discuss any budget amendment(s) and Council vote.
Budget News Releases

Markham 2026 Budget News Release

Prior Years:

Budget Archive

For the past 20 years in a row, the City of Markham's annual budget document has received The Distinguished Budget Presentation Award. This award is given by the Government Financial Officers Association (GFOA):

Previous Budget Documents:

Annual Reports

City of Markham annual reports include audited financial statements as well as a look at how the City is spending money and delivering services.

For 22 years in a row, the City of Markham’s annual reports have received the Canadian Award for Excellence in Financial Reporting. This award is given by the Government Financial Officers Association (GFOA).

Annual Report Documents

Annual Report Archive

Municipal Performance Measurement Program

Municipal Performance Measurement Program

The Municipal Performance Measurement Program (MPMP) is an Ontario government project. Cities measure their performance in several areas and show the results to taxpayers.

The program helps you understand what you get for your tax dollars. It also helps cities share and compare results.

The City of Markham gives its MPMP results to the province each year. We also publish a report with our results.

Please note:

For more information, please contact the Financial Services Department at 905.477.7000.

City of Markham MPMP Results

Federal Gas Tax Projects

Permanent and Predictable Funding for Municipal Infrastructure

The Federal Gas Tax Fund is a permanent source of funding established in 2005 to support investments in local infrastructure. The Fund currently transfers $2.1 billion to Canadian municipalities each year; the City of Markham received over $85 million between 2005 and 2017.

Funds are distributed to the City of Markham through the Association of Municipalities of Ontario (AMO). AMO administers the federal Gas Tax Fund to all Ontario municipalities except the City of Toronto and allocates funding to municipalities on a per capita basis.

The predictable and flexible funding provided by the federal Gas Tax Fund allows municipalities to plan for the future and address local priorities. The City of Markham has invested its share of the federal Gas Tax Fund in 64 projects to date – extending the reach of district energy plants to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, constructing new paths and trails to increasing opportunities for cycling and walking, and supporting the City’s efforts to keep infrastructure in a state of good repair.

Contact

Legislative Department

Markham Civic Centre

101 Town Centre Boulevard

Markham, ON, L3R 9W3

Phone 905.477.7000.ext..2366
Fax 905.479.7771

Hours

Monday to Friday
8:30 AM to 4:30 PM