Everything is costing more these days, including property taxes.
A breakdown of municipal spending shows where tax dollars are allocated, alongside a comparison of municipal property taxes on a $450,000 home shows how rates vary between Manitoba communities
Stonewall residents could face a 4.45 per cent increase to the mill rate, pending approval of the proposed 2026-27 financial plan. For a home valued at $450,000, the total increase would be $99.58, which includes the taxes as well as the special levy on garbage.
In addition, the solid waste special services levy will increase annually by $14.25 per household. Water rates won’t change this year on an average consumption bill.
In 2026, more than $4 million will be invested in capital upgrades. All capital costs will be funded by reserves or borrowing.
These funds will go towards continued work to develop the future personal care home and age-in-place campus site. Other projects include upgrades to the town office, cemetery improvements, accessibility upgrades at parks and the lake, the first phase of redevelopment at Veteran Memorial Sports Complex and the second phase of the kilns restoration project.
Looking ahead in 2026, the town also plans to reconstruct 4th Street West north of 3rd Avenue North. Additional funds will go towards asphalt patching and 12th Street West maintenance. Along 3rd Avenue South and 5th Street West, street lighting will be upgraded.
In addition, the zoning bylaw review will be completed, and a secondary plan will be created.
Facility upgrades will take place at Kinsmen Lake, and the Heritage Arts Centre will receive mechanical and security upgrades. At the Quarry Park Campground, the power upgrade will continue, and costs will be recovered from increased camping fees.
Overall, the 2026 general operating fund and utility budget is set at $26.75 million.
The bulk of the 2026 expenditures will go towards fiscal services (34.59%), followed by recreation and culture (20.35%) and general government services (11.22%). Other costs will go towards protective services (9.12%), reserves (9.06%), transportation (5.41%) and public health and wellness (3.86%). Funds will also go towards environmental health (3.45%), economic development (2.36%) and environmental development (0.58%).
As of Dec. 31, the town’s debt was $2.86 million. For 2026, debt costs increased by $55,000 for the paving of Limestone Bay, which will be covered by the assessment increase.
The final decision on the regional water project is still pending.
