Budget 2026: Seeking Input from our Business Community
In recent weeks, Burlington businesses and residents—like many across Canada—have been facing heightened uncertainty due to global trade tensions and the ongoing threat of tariffs on Canadian exports. While these developments unfold at the national and international levels, their real-world impact is felt right here at home by the people who drive our local economy: our entrepreneurs, employers, and workers.
At the City of Burlington, we recognize the pressures this uncertainty places on businesses of all sizes. From manufacturers and exporters to local retailers and service providers, many are navigating difficult questions about how to plan for the future amid shifting global conditions. This latest volatility only compounds ongoing challenges like inflation, high interest rates, and supply chain disruptions.
To our business community: we see you, we hear you, and we thank you.
While municipalities do not set international trade policy, we play a vital role in shaping the local environment where businesses operate—and we take that responsibility seriously. My main priority as your Mayor is to ensure that Burlington remains a great place to live and work, while also being a city people can afford to call home.
We’re already taking concrete steps to reduce costs for local businesses, including launching a “buy local” campaign, creating a tariff task force, introducing security bonds to support cash flow, reducing development charges, offering tax payment deferrals, streamlining permitting processes, and expanding access to free transit for many residents to help them get to work.
Earlier this month, Burlington City Council launched the 2026 Budget process with the approval of the Financial Forecast. As always, our goal is to limit tax increases while continuing to deliver the reliable, high-quality services our community expects. The combined estimated tax increase for 2026 currently sits at 4.49%, which includes the City of Burlington, Halton Region (including Police Services), and the Boards of Education. The City’s portion of that is projected at 3%.
You can learn more about the process and timeline here: City launches 2026 Budget process with a focus on limiting tax impacts
We want to hear from you
I invite our local business community to connect directly with me to share your feedback, challenges, and ideas related to the City budget and economic outlook. Whether you're concerned about tax impacts, city services, or broader economic resilience, your input is essential.
I can be reached at mayor@burlington.ca or residents and businesses are encouraged to participate in one of the upcoming town halls.
We have faced tough times before—and come through them stronger. By staying connected, informed, and engaged, we can continue building a Burlington economy that is resilient, inclusive, and ready for the future.