Public engagement for 2026 Budget begins: Provide feedback on investment priorities

Burlington, Ont.— Aug. 25, 2025 — The City of Burlington invites residents to take part in public engagement opportunities planned for the 2026 Budget. Work to build the 2026 Budget is underway and hearing from residents and business owners is an important step in the budget process. The City of Burlington's annual budget process impacts important services like welcoming parks and community centres, swift emergency response, resilient infrastructure, reliable transit, flood protection, and safe streets. Opportunities to share your feedback on investment priorities for the 2026 Budget are open now until Dec. 2. Visit getinvolvedburlington.ca/2026budget for locations, dates and times.

Engagement opportunities

• Online budget survey – open Monday, Aug. 25 – Sunday, Oct. 5 at getinvolvedburlington.ca/2026budget
• Food for Feedback event - Saturday, Sept. 13 at Central Park (2299 New St.), from noon – 4 p.m.
• In-person 2026 Budget Town Hall meetings, with Mayor Meed Ward and participating Councillors:
  • Thursday, Sept. 18, from 7 – 8:30 p.m. – Ward 6 at Haber Community Centre (3040 Tim Dobbie Dr.)
  • Monday, Sept. 22, from 7 – 8:30 p.m. – Ward 1 at LaSalle Park Pavilion (50 North Shore Blvd.)
  • Tuesday, Sept. 23, from 7 – 8:30 p.m. – Ward 2 at Burlington Seniors’ Centre (2285 New St.)
  • Wednesday, Sept. 24, from 7 – 8:30 p.m. – Ward 3 at Brant Hills Community Centre (2255 Brant St.)
  • Monday, Sept. 29, from 7 – 8:30 p.m. – Ward 4 at Tansley Woods Community Centre (1996 Itabashi Way)
  • Thursday, Oct. 2, from 7 – 8:30 p.m. – Ward 5 at Appleby Ice Centre (1201 Appleby Line)
• Overview of proposed 2026 Budget at Committee of the Whole Council meeting - Monday, Nov. 3 at 9:30 a.m. at City Hall, 426 Brant St., or watch a livestream at burlington.ca/calendar. Register to speak to Council.
• 2026 Budget Telephone Town Hall - Wednesday, Nov. 5, from 7 – 8:30 p.m., by phone
• Divisional Budget Presentations at Budget Committee - Thursday, Nov. 13 at 9:30 a.m. at City Hall, 426 Brant St., or watch a livestream at burlington.ca/calendar
• Review of the Proposed 2026 Budget at Budget Committee - Monday, Nov. 24 and Tuesday, Nov. 25 at 9:30 a.m. at City Hall, 426 Brant St., or watch a livestream at burlington.ca/calendar. Register to speak to Council.
• Council review/approval of Proposed 2026 Budget at Special Council Meeting - Tuesday, Dec. 2 at 9:30 a.m. at City Hall, 426 Brant St., or watch a livestream at burlington.ca/calendar. Register to speak to Council.

2026 Budget priorities

• Investing in city operations and asset maintenance, including forestry service for improved air quality and vibrant outdoor recreational spaces; transit maintenance to limit service disruptions; and support to protect against cyber security threats to ensure continuity of essential city services and safeguarding of personal information.
• Capital program needs as identified in Burlington’s 2025 Corporate Asset Management Plan, including renewal of our aging roads to ensure they remain safe and reliable now and into the future; and stormwater system improvements and related infrastructure to help reduce the risk of flooding.
• Improving services, including better waste management in parks, for cleaner parks and public spaces now and in the future; an expansion of the windrow removal program to support accessibility and community well-being; new active transportation facilities to provide a wide range of safe, accessible options for getting around Burlington as our city grows; and the revitalization of aging recreation facilities to improve accessibility and enhance customer experience.
• Supporting the operations of new infrastructure investments made in previous budget years, such as expanded transit service to provide efficient, sustainable options for getting around Burlington as our city grows; and information technology capital projects to enhance City operations and proactively meet customer needs.
• Meeting inflationary pressures, including higher construction costs and tariffs on materials.
• Identifying efficiencies and establishing clear priorities to find savings, avoid unnecessary costs, and make the most of available resources.
• Addressing assessment growth which brings more tax revenue and increases the need for expanded services and infrastructure to support a growing community, such as roadways, parkland and facilities.

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.

Quick Facts

• City Council approved the 2026 Financial Forecast report (FIN-24-25) on July 15. This report is one of the first steps in the annual budget process and provides a preliminary look at the 2026 Budget, including economic pressures and service needs that could shape the 2026 Budget.
• Also on July 15, Council endorsed a Mayoral Direction for City staff to prepare a budget that results in a total tax increase (including the City, Halton Region, and Boards of Education) in the order of 4.5 per cent, with the City of Burlington share of taxes being less than 3 per cent.
• The final tax bill is made up of several components covering services delivered by the City of Burlington, Halton Region, including Police Services, and the Boards of Education. Each has their own forecasted budget increase amount.
• The current projected total tax increase for 2026 is 4.49 per cent.

Quotes

Mayor Marianne Meed Ward
"Economic pressures are making life harder for everyone in our community. That’s why every dollar spent must go further and deliver more for our shared quality of life. Council understands this, and setting the city budget involves many factors — especially your priorities. Get involved and tell us what matters most to you. Whether through a townhall, a survey, or delegating at a Council meeting, your voice will help guide our decisions."

Paul Sharman, Deputy Mayor for Strategy and Budgets and Ward 5 Councillor
"Every budget decision reflects City Council’s responsibility to deliver a budget that is affordable and plans for the future. Your participation is important in helping Council to find this balance. Attend an engagement session, be part of the conversation and share your perspectives. This input will help Council better understand your priorities to ensure we are focusing on the programs and services you depend on."

Links and Resources

• Visit getinvolvedburlington.ca/2026budget for more information about 2026 Budget public engagement opportunities.
• Learn more about the City’s budget process at burlington.ca/budget.

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