City approves 3.9 per cent property tax hike

The average Markham household will need to fork out an extra $54.99 in taxes next year after city council approved a $677.9-million budget that represents a 3.9 per cent property tax hike.

Markham continues to have the lowest average tax rate increase in the Greater Toronto Area over the past two decades, says Mayor Frank Scarpitti.

“Budget 2026 is about keeping Markham strong, resilient and inclusive. Since 2002, we’ve invested $680 million across more than 1,000 capital projects to build the infrastructure our growing city needs,” Scarpitti says. Nearly 70 per cent of those funds have already been spent, demonstrating strong project delivery and accountability, the city notes. From 2009 to 2026, its Excellence through Efficiency and Effectiveness (E3) Program will have delivered $37.2 million in annual operating savings, equal to a tax rate increase avoidance of 29 per cent.

“Budget 2026 further invests in the key projects that enhances our quality of life and ensures our infrastructure is well maintained into the future. Markham is racing forward with purpose, vision and accountability,” Scarpitti says. The City of Markham adopted Markham Racing Forward: Budget 2026 on October 31, which the mayor had tabled on October 1.

The city’s 2026 capital budget is $160.4 million and includes investing in new road construction, repairs, rehabilitation and traffic improvements at $53.8 million and ensuring climate resiliency with $34.5 million investment in flood control, stormwater management construction, ponds and culverts.

It also includes constructing and maintaining parks and trails at $12.1 million, keeping facilities in good condition with $15.8 million earmarked for exterior and interior improvements and repairs; replacement of day-to-day city assets to serve the public at $8.5 million, and incorporating leading-edge technology to modernize systems and services at $3.5 million for systems and technology infrastructure.

The primary operating budget of $309.3 million is primarily funded through property taxes and supports general day-to-day operations and service delivery.

For more information about the budget, visit: markham.ca/budget.

Photo: Markham Mayor Frank Scarpitti tabled the 2026 budget in October.