Back to Search
Burlington, Ont.—Sept.19, 2024—A summary of the draft 2025 budget is now available as public consultation continues for this year’s budget review. The summary provides preliminary information to residents about proposed changes to the 2025 budget, in order to seek public input early in the process. This will help shape the budget when presented to City Council and the community for deliberation in October and November. The summary also provides information on capital projects and key investments as well as reserve funds. The 2025 budget is not finalized. Budget approval is Nov. 25 at the Special Council Meeting. Visit Burlington.ca/proposedbudget for the summary of the draft 2025 budget.
Each year, the City of Burlington reviews the annual budget to make sure the City has the funds needed for City operations, programs and services. These investments keep a high quality of life for Burlington residents and businesses. Funding will ensure roads, parks and community centres are in a state of good repair. Upgraded infrastructure helps manage the impacts of climate change, including flooding, ice and wind storms and excessive heat.
This year, there are four main principles to help balance today’s needs while investing in our future:
-
Affordability
-
Livability
-
Sustainability
-
Transparency
Budget Process
On June 10, the 2025 Financial needs and multi-year forecast report went to Committee of the Whole. On July 16, the Mayoral Direction on the 2025 budget was endorsed by City Council and provided additional information on the four main principles.
These are upcoming key dates in the budget process the public is encouraged to participate in:
-
Sept. 19 - Summary of the draft 2025 budget releases with preliminary information for the community. Available at Burlington.ca/proposedbudget and Getinvolvedburlington.ca/2025budget
-
Oct. 25 - Mayor’s Proposed Budget Report will be shared with the community and posted at Getinvolvedburlington.ca/2025budgetand on the Nov. 4 Committee of the Whole agenda
-
Nov. 4 – Burlington Committee of the Whole meeting. Delegates welcome. Register by noon the previous business day.
-
Nov. 7 – Budget Telephone Town Hall, 7 to 8:30 p.m.
-
Nov. 18 and 21 – Budget Committee Meetings. City Council amendments to the budget. Delegates welcome. Register by noon the previous business day.
-
Nov. 25 - Special Council Meeting for budget approval. Delegates welcome. Register by noon the previous business day.
Learn more about how to delegate at burlington.ca/delegate
Budget Public Engagement Opportunities
Whether people provide their input at a meeting, online or direct to their Council representative, their input is an important part of the budget process. There are various ways to have your say including:
Mayor’s Upcoming Pre-Budget Consultations
The Mayor’s Pre-Budget consultation meetings are hybrid. The public is welcome to attend in person, online or via phone. The links to join live online or via phone are available at Getinvolvedburlington.ca/2025budget
-
Monday, Sept. 23, 7 to 8:30 p.m., La Salle Park Pavilion, 50 North Shore Blvd. E.
-
Tuesday, Sept. 24, 7 to 8:30 p.m., Haber Recreation Centre, 3040 Tim Dobbie Dr., Room 1
-
Wednesday, Sept. 25, 7 to 8:30 p.m., Central Arena, 519 Drury Ln., Auditorium
-
Thursday, Oct. 3, 7 to 8:30 p.m., Appleby Ice Centre, 1201 Appleby Line, Community Room 1
-
Tuesday, Oct. 8, 7 to 8:30 p.m., Brant Hills Community Centre, 2255 Brant St., Community Room 1
We thank residents who participated in the Wednesday, Sept. 11 Mayor’s Pre-Budget consultation meeting and the Food for Feedback event Saturday, Sept. 14 to share their thoughts on the proposed 2025 budget.
2025 Budget Get Involved page and survey
The survey is open until Oct. 9, 2024.This survey will help the City to understand resident priorities and the value individuals place on services. Results will be shared with City Council.
Residents and businesses are encouraged to participate in these ongoing community engagement activities. Feedback is welcome. People are also welcome to contact the Mayor or Ward Councillor with their input.
Quick Facts
-
This year’s budget will be the second under the Strong Mayors legislation from the Province of Ontario which requires mayors to present a budget for Council consideration.
-
The Financial needs and multi-year forecast report is prepared by City staff. The Mayor uses this report and input received from the public and members of Council to prepare the proposed 2025 budget. The Mayor presents the proposed budget to Council for review. A final budget will be adopted and implemented by City staff.
-
There are many major capital projects planned for 2025. Every ward in Burlington will benefit from these investments.
-
Burlington’s population is expected to grow by over 40 per cent in the next 25 years. To ensure a sustainable financial future, City budgets should prepare for growing resident needs. This includes investing in more infrastructure and services for long-term community benefits.
-
Burlington is anticipating an approximate three per cent increase in the cost of maintaining current products and services as it manages the effects of inflation. Based on the most recent forecast the City expects a total tax increase of 5.25 per cent for 2025, inclusive of City, Halton Region and Education taxes. The budget is yet to be finalized and the City is presenting information to be transparent and inviting feedback along the way.
-
The City should have between 10 and 15 per cent of our revenues in its Stabilization Reserves. The City is well below this target at 7.6 per cent. The City uses these funds to pay for unplanned expenses.
-
Major infrastructure projects are needed to prepare us for our future. In 2025, we are spending an additional $4.88 million in renewing City infrastructure in neighourhoods across the city.
-
All new investments in 2025 will be considered based on how they satisfy the four principles.
Burlington is a city where people, nature and business thrive. Sign up to learn more about Burlington at burlington.ca/subscribe and follow @CityBurlington on social media.
Quote
Mayor Marianne Meed Ward
“We have heard your requests for clear, understandable and transparent budget information, earlier in the process. To that end, we are providing this summary of the draft budget. This is a new addition to our process based on your input. The numbers we are sharing are projected and not finalized - this gives you an opportunity to shape the budget before it is formally presented to the community and council for deliberation. We hope this preliminary look helps residents understand the priorities and pressures we are facing in the 2025 budget. Burlington City Council and City staff invite public input as we strive to balance immediate needs with long-term investments in Burlington's future.”
Links and Resources
-30-
Media contact:
City of Burlington Communications
communications@burlington.ca
Subscribe