Hamilton’s Conservation Authority plans to keep its 2026 budget changes as close to inflation as possible.
The HCA released its draft budget outlook as part of its September 4, 2025, agenda package.
The HCA Board approved the 2026 user and membership fees.
Slight Changes to Membership Fees; Seniors Fee Calculation Changing
The plan includes a $5.00 increase to the HCA’s general annual membership fee, which will be $130 in 2026.
Renewing members will receive a 10 per cent discount.
The HCA’s senior discount will now be calculated as a percentage of the regular rate. Seniors will receive a 15 per cent discount. In the past, the seniors rate was manually determined. The change means seniors with annual memberships will experience a $5.50 increase in 2026.
In the report to the HCA Board, Director of Finance Scott Fleming wrote, “Transitioning to a percentage-based discount model will offer fair and scalable savings as fees change over time.”
Daily admission fees will not change. Fleming wrote the freeze is to keep this fee “within the range of neighbouring comparator prices.”
Other fees, such as rentals and camping, will increase by a few dollars.
Overall Budget Increase Expected to be Around 3 to 4 Per Cent
Fleming’s report states the HCA expects an increase of around three to four per cent to its overall budget for 2026. The increases are to cover employment wage increases, inflationary costs of goods and services, and capital projects.
The HCA’s 2025 levy increase was three per cent. The operating budget was $17.7-million.
In 2026, the Hamilton Conservation Foundation, the charitable wing of the HCA, will begin making an annual contribution to the HCA’s land acquisition fund.
Budget to Be Finalized Later
The HCA will consider its budget once Hamilton Mayor Andrea Horwath issues budget guidelines.
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Published: September 6, 2025
Last updated: September 6, 2025
Author: Joey Coleman
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