Budget and Reports

During a special meeting of Rosemère Town Council on December8,2025, Mayor Marie-Elaine Pitre presented the budget adopted for 2026. The budget takes into consideration factors such as the tax shift resulting from the 2024–2026 assessment roll and an increase in the Town’s contributions to its partner organizations, and reflects several responsible choices made to ensure sound financial management. Every financial decision is aligned with the long-term vision set out in the Town’s strategic plan covering the period through 2030 in order to meet the needs of future generations. The “Naturally Responsible” focus of the 2026 budget underpins each of the investments planned for high-impact projects in keeping with the Town’s aspirations and budgetary realities.

“Given the current budget challenges, we worked together to limit the financial impact on Rosemerites,” said Mayor Pitre. “Thanks to rigorous, collaborative efforts, we managed to keep the tax rate at an acceptable level for our residents. Our revised tax strategy, a reduction in municipal spending and the introduction of property value tiers to support Rosemère’s small businesses demonstrate our commitment to sound financial management while maintaining high-quality services for the community.”

Highlights

• Operating budget of $43,567,000.
• Increase of 3% in the general property tax for the average homeowner.
• Average infrastructure fund contribution of $54 (1.5% of the tax bill) for the residential sector.
• Increase of 5% in the Town’s contribution to the Autorité régionale de transport métropolitain (ARTM), which translates to a 0.5% increase in the special public transit tax.

Responsible choices for long-term sustainability

To balance long-term ambitions with present-day budget realities, the Town has taken concrete steps that reflect a responsible, forward-looking approach to management. The primary aim of these decisions is to maintain the quality of the services provided to residents while ensuring the Town’s ongoing financial stability:

• $100,000 annual budget earmarked for the creation of a climate resilience fund to help improve preparedness for environmental challenges;
• Implementation of a five-year capital plan in July instead of a three-year plan, allowing for better project organization;
• A revised tax strategy to mitigate the impact of the tax shift arising from the 2024–2026 assessment roll;
• Use of funds and financial reserves to stabilize expenditures and reduce budget pressures;
• Maintenance of the special infrastructure tax to help stabilize debt;
• A new water pricing system to encourage residents to adopt environmentally responsible behaviours.

The revised tax strategy introduces a two-tiered structure for non-residential properties to mitigate the impact of the tax shift resulting from the 2024–2026 assessment roll on Rosemère’s smaller businesses. Drinking water pricing has also been changed to encourage the responsible consumption of this precious resource. The new progressive pricing system applies to volumes exceeding the basic amount of 40,000imperial gallons. Rates increase in steps, with exceptions for certain businesses and larger families.

More effective capital planning

In July 2025, the Town adopted a five-year capital plan instead of a three-year plan in an effort to ensure sound financial management over the long term, allowing for more balanced project timelines, greater efficiency in securing funding and flexibility to adjust priorities as needed.

The projects included in the capital plan reflect several of the aspirations in the Town’s strategic plan, such as taking action on climate issues, consolidating and adapting our territory and increasing community engagement.