The Mayor of Laurentian Valley says 2025 was an exciting year of growth for his community.
Steve Bennett explained in an interview that there were multiple significant new developments in Laurentian Valley which are expected to progress further and bear fruits in 2026.
The community has also been working with the Ministry of Transportation on the reconstruction of Pembroke Street East, which Bennett said is expected to start in 2026 and last for two to three years.
Laurentian Valley’s greatest challenge in 2025, Bennett said, was the need to increase tax rates for residents in its 2026 budget.
Overall, the budget – which has been finalized – will see residents’ tax rates rise by roughly 7.5 per cent according to Bennett.
Part of the challenge his team deals with is that only about 35 per cent of residents’ property taxes actually go towards the township itself.
Laurentian Valley’s motto is “grow with us,” and Bennett said maintaining growth and attracting new businesses and opportunities is a continuing challenge.
2026 will be the last year for this current Laurentian Valley council. While Bennett hasn’t made a firm decision on running for re-election yet, he says he’s feeling good about it.
(Written by Steve Berard)