Ontario Construction News staff writer
The City of Markham is ramping up its infrastructure spending with the adoption of Markham Racing Forward: Budget 2026, which includes a $160.4 million capital budget aimed at roads, flood control, parks, and city facilities.
The budget, tabled by Mayor Frank Scarpitti on Oct. 1, 2025, also includes a 3.90 per cent property tax increase — an additional $54.99 for the average household — continuing the city’s record of maintaining some of the lowest property tax rate increases in the Greater Toronto Area over the past two decades.
“Budget 2026 is about keeping Markham strong, resilient, and inclusive,” Scarpitti said. “Since 2002, we’ve invested $680 million across more than 1,000 capital projects to build the infrastructure our growing city needs. Budget 2026 further invests in key projects that enhance our quality of life and ensure our infrastructure is well maintained into the future.”
The 2026 capital budget emphasizes road construction, repair, and traffic improvements, with $53.8 million allocated. Climate resiliency is also a priority, with $34.5 million earmarked for flood control, stormwater management construction, ponds, and culverts. Parks and trails will receive $12.1 million for construction and maintenance, while city facilities are slated for $15.8 million in interior and exterior improvements. The budget also includes $8.5 million for replacement of day-to-day city assets and $3.5 million to modernize technology systems and services.
Since 2022, Markham has invested $680 million across 1,036 capital projects, with nearly 70 per cent of funds already spent, demonstrating strong project delivery and accountability. The city’s Excellence through Efficiency and Effectiveness (E3) Program, running from 2009 to 2026, has delivered $37.2 million in annual operating savings, equivalent to avoiding a 29 per cent tax increase.
“By maintaining our assets in a state of good repair and proactively planning for the future, we ensure Markham remains resilient to economic pressures, responsive to community needs, and ready to deliver high-quality services and infrastructure for generations to come,” the city said in a statement.
The operating budget for 2026 is $309.3 million, supporting the city’s ongoing commitment to efficient service delivery and fiscal responsibility.
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