Ottawa Proposes Fee Increases in 2026 Budget Amid Cost Pressures

Ottawa’s proposed budget for 2026 indicates significant increases in various rates and fees, aiming to address rising cost pressures. If approved, the budget will include a 3.75 percent hike in property taxes, resulting in an additional $166 for the average urban homeowner. This increase is part of a broader strategy to enhance revenue amidst growing expenses associated with city services.

Impact on Utility and Transit Fees

Alongside property taxes, residents will see a 4.5 percent increase in water, sewer, and stormwater rates, translating to an additional $47.30 for a typical user. Garbage collection fees are set to rise by 10 percent, adding approximately $24 annually.

Transit fees will also see adjustments, with an average increase of 2.5 percent. Specific changes include adult single-ride fares rising from $4.00 to $4.10 when paid by card, while monthly passes will increase from $135 to $138.50. Senior monthly passes and various day and weekly passes will also experience modest increases.

Additionally, the municipal accommodation tax levied on hotel guests will rise from five percent to six percent, aimed at supporting the Lansdowne Park redevelopment project.

Recreation and Licensing Fee Adjustments

Most recreation fees will see a three percent increase. For example, the cost for adults to rent an arena for one hour will rise from $341.67 to $351.75, while the minor rate will increase from $204.81 to $210.85. Public swimming and skating fees will also reflect this increase, as will museum admission prices.

On the licensing front, numerous permits and business licenses will face price hikes. Most application processing fees will increase by 8.3 percent. Specific examples include food premise licenses rising from $226 to $233, and pet shop licenses increasing from $127 to $131.

Some fees will see more substantial increases, such as the application fee for removing a “distinctive tree,” which will rise by 7.5 percent from $186 to $200.

While the city is increasing costs to manage service provision, pet registration fees will remain unchanged, offering some relief to pet owners.

As the budget is reviewed, city officials assert that these changes are necessary to sustain essential services and address ongoing fiscal challenges. Ottawa’s residents are encouraged to engage in discussions regarding the proposed budget, which will be finalized in March 2026.