MUNICIPAL BUDGET 2026

2026 Municipal Budget Announcement

The Town of Bay Bulls is pleased to announce the completion of the 2026 Municipal Operating Budget. Council is proud to confirm that there will be no increase to residential or commercial mill rates for the upcoming year. This marks the third consecutive year with no mill rate increase.

While some taxpayers may notice changes to their property tax amounts, these changes are due to updated property assessments completed by the Municipal Assessment Agency, not changes to Town tax rates.

2026 Mill Rates

Residential: 5.0 mils
Commercial: 14.75 mils

Council and staff remain committed to maintaining stable taxation while continuing to deliver quality municipal services and community investments.

2026 Tax Incentive Programs

To support residents, encourage growth, and promote long-term sustainability, the Town will offer the following incentives in 2026:

1. Residential Property Tax Assistance Program

Provides a 25% tax reduction for eligible residents experiencing financial difficulty. Applicants may qualify for one program per tax year and must apply annually.

Guaranteed Income Supplement (GIS) Tax Reduction Program
Low-Income Tax Reduction Program (family income under $51,408)

2. Residential Early Payment Discount

Residential property owners who pay their tax invoice in full by March 31, 2026 will receive a 12% discount.

3. Interest-Free Payment Plan

Allows residents and businesses to pay taxes interest-free if paid in full by November 30, 2026. A signed payment agreement is required. Missed payments will void the agreement and standard interest will apply.

4. New Residential Construction Incentive

New homebuilders receive a one-year property tax exemption during the first year of occupancy. This incentive is applied automatically.

5. New Business Development Incentive

Newly established businesses may qualify for a one-year business tax exemption, subject to Council approval. An application is required. NEW BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT INCENTIVE APPLICATION LINK

The Town of Bay Bulls remains committed to delivering quality services, maintaining and upgrading infrastructure, and supporting community programs and recreational spaces.

For questions regarding your 2026 tax invoice or Town programs, please contact the Town Office at info@townofbaybulls.com or (709) 334-3454.

To view the complete 2026 Municipal Operating Budget click HERE

To view the complete 2026 Tax and Fee Structure click HERE

RESIDENCY REQUIREMENTS

To be considered a resident of Bay Bulls the following will apply:

Your residence is the place where you live and sleep and where you intend to return if you are away.
You do not lose residency if you leave your home temporarily (for work, school, or travel).
Normally, your residence is where your family lives.
- However, if you move somewhere else and plan to stay there permanently, that new place becomes your residence.

👉 In short: Residency is based on where you truly live and intend to stay, not just where you visit or stay temporarily.

AM I ON THE VOTERS LIST?

How to Check if You’re on the Voters’ List

Before the election, the Town will have a voters’ list that shows everyone who is registered to vote.
You can contact the Town Office to confirm if your name is on the list.

If You’re Not on the List

Don’t worry — you can still vote.
On Election Day, go to your polling station and bring valid identification that shows your name and civic address.
The election officials will help you:
- You may need to take an oath to confirm you are eligible.
- Your name will then be added to the voters’ list, and you’ll be given a ballot to vote.

👉 Key Point: Being missing from the list does not mean you lose your right to vote — you can still be added at the polling station.

WHAT CAN I EXPECT ON ELECTION DAY?

Step 1: Bring Identification

You must show ID with your name and address (e.g., driver’s licence, utility bill, government-issued ID).

Step 2: Confirm You’re on the Voters’ List

At the polling station, election officials will check the list.
If you’re already listed, you can move to the next step.
If you’re not listed, don’t worry — you can still vote by:
- Showing your ID, and
- Taking an oath to confirm you are eligible.

Step 3: Receive Your Ballot

The Deputy Returning Officer will explain the directions of how to cast your ballot and pass the ballot to you.

Step 4: Vote in Private

Go to the booth and mark your ballot with an X beside your chosen candidate(s).

Step 5: Cast Your Ballot

Fold the ballot to keep it secret.
Place it in the ballot box.

Step 6: You’re Done!

Once your ballot is cast, you’re all set.

👉 Tip for Voters: Double-check your ID before you go — it must clearly show your name and civic address.

WON'T BE HERE ON ELECTION DAY

No need to worry, if you can’t make it to the polls on Election Day. You can authorize another eligible voter to vote on your behalf.

Steps:

Get the Proxy Application Form
- Available from the Town Office.
- Or here: Form MEF-11
Fill Out the Form
- Each voter must complete their own application (one per person).
- You must name a proxy (the person who will vote for you).
Who Can Be a Proxy?
- Your proxy must be an eligible voter in Bay Bulls.
- One person cannot act as proxy for more than one voter.
Submit the Form
- Return the completed application to the Returning Officer.
Proxy Certificate Issued
- The Town will give your proxy a certificate.
- On Election Day, your proxy must bring this certificate to the polling station to cast your vote.

👉 Important: Without the certificate, your proxy will not be allowed to vote for you.

2026 Municipal Budget Announcement

​

2026 Mill Rates

2026 Tax Incentive Programs

1. Residential Property Tax Assistance Program

2. Residential Early Payment Discount

3. Interest-Free Payment Plan

4. New Residential Construction Incentive

5. New Business Development Incentive

RESIDENCY REQUIREMENTS

AM I ON THE VOTERS LIST?

How to Check if You’re on the Voters’ List

​

Before the election, the Town will have a voters’ list that shows everyone who is registered to vote.

You can contact the Town Office to confirm if your name is on the list.

If You’re Not on the List

​

Don’t worry — you can still vote.

On Election Day, go to your polling station and bring valid identification that shows your name and civic address.

The election officials will help you:

You may need to take an oath to confirm you are eligible.

Your name will then be added to the voters’ list, and you’ll be given a ballot to vote.

👉 Key Point: Being missing from the list does not mean you lose your right to vote — you can still be added at the polling station.

WHAT CAN I EXPECT ON ELECTION DAY?

​Step 1: Bring Identification

You must show ID with your name and address (e.g., driver’s licence, utility bill, government-issued ID).

Step 2: Confirm You’re on the Voters’ List

At the polling station, election officials will check the list.

If you’re already listed, you can move to the next step.

If you’re not listed, don’t worry — you can still vote by:

Showing your ID, and

Taking an oath to confirm you are eligible.

Step 3: Receive Your Ballot

The Deputy Returning Officer will explain the directions of how to cast your ballot and pass the ballot to you.

Step 4: Vote in Private

Go to the booth and mark your ballot with an X beside your chosen candidate(s).

Step 5: Cast Your Ballot

Fold the ballot to keep it secret.

Place it in the ballot box.

Step 6: You’re Done!

Once your ballot is cast, you’re all set.

👉 Tip for Voters: Double-check your ID before you go — it must clearly show your name and civic address.

WON'T BE HERE ON ELECTION DAY

Steps:

Step 1: Bring Identification