2026 Property Tax Increases: What Windsor-Essex Homeowners Can Expect

As Windsor-Essex municipalities release their draft budgets for 2026, homeowners are starting to see where local property taxes may be headed. Some communities are targeting modest increases, while others are signalling larger adjustments driven by infrastructure needs, inflation, and growth pressures.

Below are the proposed 2026 tax changes across the region.

City of Windsor: 0% Proposed Increase

Windsor’s Mayor has directed administration—through strong-mayor powers—to prepare a budget with no municipal tax increase for 2026.

This marks the second consecutive budget cycle targeting a freeze. Final approval will still depend on council debates and any veto periods, but the direction is clear: hold taxes at 0% if possible.

County of Essex: About a 3% Levy Increase

The County of Essex is projecting about a 3% overall increase to the county tax levy, equating to approximately $3.97 million in new levy requirement.

Since county taxes apply to all municipalities except Windsor and Pelee Island, this increase factors into the final blended tax bill for most homeowners in the region.

Amherstburg: Proposed 2.86% Tax-Rate Increase

Amherstburg’s 2026 draft budget proposes a 2.86% increase to the municipal tax rate.

This works out to roughly $85 more per year, while council may still adjust the percentage during deliberations, this is the official starting point.

LaSalle: 5.98% Increase for the Average Home

LaSalle’s draft 2026 budget includes a $4.3 million increase to the municipal levy.

Property taxes would increase by 5.98%, or about $189 annually. With ongoing population growth and major infrastructure needs, LaSalle is currently proposing one of the largest increases in the region.

Town of Essex: Awaiting Release

The Town of Essex will release its full 2026 draft budget on November 21, 2025. Until that document is public, no tax-rate or levy percentage has been announced.

Lakeshore: Proposed 4% Property Tax-Rate Increase

Newly released budget details show that Lakeshore’s 2026 draft budget proposes a 4% increase in the municipal property tax rate.

Here’s what that means for residents:

~$76 per year more for the average homeowner
$2.1 million increase to the municipal tax levy (totaling $44.6 million)
Overall expenditures projected at $65.7 million, up from 2024

This is now one of the region’s mid-range proposed increases and reflects growing infrastructure demands across the community.

Kingsville: Budget Direction Issued, Numbers Not Released Yet

Kingsville’s Mayor has issued the required strong-mayor budget directions, but no specific 2026 tax-rate or levy increase percentage has been made public.

More clarity is expected once the draft budget is officially released.

Tecumseh: Increase Expected, But Not Published

Tecumseh’s administration has warned that the 2026 budget will need to address a longstanding structural deficit.
Municipal reports suggest the budget will likely involve a significant increase, but no exact percentage has been released yet.

Leamington: Budget Direction Issued, Awaiting Numbers

Leamington’s strong-mayor budget direction has been issued, but the municipality has not yet published any 2026 tax-rate or levy projections.

Township of Pelee: No 2026 Budget Posted Yet

As of now, the Township of Pelee has not posted any 2026 tax-rate documents.

What This Means for Homeowners

At this stage, the municipalities with confirmed 2026 tax figures are:

Windsor – 0% proposed increase
Essex – ~3% levy increase
Amherstburg – 2.86% increase
LaSalle – 5.98% increase
Lakeshore – 4% increase

All others are still preparing draft budgets or have not released details.

Final Thoughts

2026 is shaping up to be a mixed year for property taxes across Windsor-Essex. While some communities are pushing for moderation or freezes, others are facing increasing financial pressures tied to infrastructure, staffing, and service demands.

As more municipalities publish their draft or final budgets, this guide can be updated again so you always have the most accurate numbers for your clients, followers, and content.

Have questions about taxes? Curious how these tax shifts might influence your home’s value? Whether you’re thinking of buying or selling, Jump Realty can walk you through exactly how these changes could play out in your neighbourhood.

Here at Jump Realty our agents will give you honest advice on what course of action is best for you in their professional opinion and will always put taking care of your best interests first! With offices in Windsor, Kingsville, LaSalle, Harrow, and Chatham, no matter where you are, a Jump agent is ready to help. Please contact us for any housing needs and let us give you a better real estate experience!