Lambton County Council is practicing strong fiscal restraint.
Councillors approved a recommendation during Wednesday's Committee of the Whole meeting, to extend the moratorium on any new capital grants for the 2027 budget.
A report from the Finance, Facilities and Acquisitions Division indicated the county continues to face financial challenges in key service areas, including affordable housing, homelessness, long-term care and court services, and potential funding support for the County of Lambton Community Development Corporation (CLCDC).
Additionally, U.S. tariffs have curtailed cross-border trade, fueling uncertainty for key local businesses and industries tied to Lambton's economy. As higher costs and diminished competitiveness pressure regional employers, demand for local social services is expected to rise.
Warden Kevin Marriott called it a necessary move.
"Personally, I do feel it's the right decision considering the strain on the budget coming up with inflation the way it is," said Marriott. "We're trying to keep the increase to the inflation rate."
The moratorium was originally adopted in 2021, and was extended ahead of the 2026 budget.
"We really do need to take it one year at a time," said Marriott. "Things happen fast sometimes, and hopefully something good will happen sooner than we think to be able to end the moratorium, but the affordable housing issue is still our number one priority."
County budget deliberations will be held on February 3, 2027.
