2026 Budget Process Begins with a Focus on Limiting Tax Impacts
Earlier this month, Council took the first step in this year’s budget process by approving the 2026 Financial Forecast. As always, our focus is on keeping tax impacts as low as possible while continuing to provide the services our community depends on. Right now, the combined estimated tax increase is 4.49%. That includes the City of Burlington, Halton Region (which oversees Police Services), and the Boards of Education. The City’s portion of that is projected at 3%.
As we shape this year’s budget, four key priorities will guide our approach: keeping things affordable, ensuring long-term sustainability, supporting a high quality of life, and maintaining transparency throughout the process.
My main priority as your Mayor is to ensure that Burlington remains a great place to live—while also being a city people can afford to call home. That means continuing to invest in the services and infrastructure you count on every day, like community centres, parks, and roads, while making smart and fiscally responsible choices with your tax dollars.
You’ll also have opportunities to weigh in and share your thoughts. This fall, we’ll be hosting budget town halls in every ward. These are open to all residents, and you’re welcome to attend whichever one works best for your schedule. I’ll be joining each session along with City staff and local Councillors to answer questions and hear your feedback directly.
Your input plays an important role in shaping the final budget and helping us build a Burlington that reflects the values and priorities of the people who live here.
Join the conversation and find upcoming 2026 Budget engagement opportunities here.
Stay informed with important updates regarding the 2026 Budget process at getinvolvedburlington.ca/2026budgetYou can find the City's media release here.
I hope to see you at one of the sessions—and I look forward to continuing this important conversation with you. Let’s build a strong, affordable Burlington together.