Round 2 of 2026 city budget deliberations is on tap for Monday’s (Dec.8) council meeting.

Several amendments are being presented by the city’s Director of Finance, Adam Boylan; however, they will not lower the projected six per cent hike to the municipal property tax levy next year.

A major consideration is the rescoping of the Emslie Field grandstand project.

Boylan notes city staff are exploring a ‘fresh start’ approach that would entail demolition of the grandstand, to be replaced by “modern, accessible amenities at a significantly reduced cost.”

These would include new, concrete bleacher pads, accessible bleachers, a barrier-free ramp, equipment storage, replacement player benches and protective netting.

The approximate price tag is $600,000, well below the original estimate of $1.2 million to fully rehabilitate the grandstand.