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.

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:

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:

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 in the key dates section of this page

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.

Work has started on the City of Burlington’s 2025 budget. As part of this annual work, please visit this page for updates on the budget and opportunities to provide feedback. This feedback is presented to City Council to help them prioritize projects and services.

The 2025 Financial Forecast and Budget for Burlington aims to inform you about the budget process and its outcomes. Each year, the City of Burlington reviews the annual budget to make sure we have the funds needed for city operations, programs and services. These investments keep a high quality of life for Burlington residents and businesses. Budgets aren't just about money; they directly affect residents through city programs and services. Whether it's road plowing, using a park, or cooling off in a pool, your tax dollars are at work.

This year there are four main principles for the 2025 budget. They balance providing for today while preparing for our future:

• Affordability
• Livability
• Sustainability
• Transparency

As we plan this year’s budget, we’re facing inflation, much like you. We forecast that we need to spend three per cent more on the same products and services this year to maintain the services we have now.

Affordability

Balance providing for today while preparing for our future with things like:

Investments in:

• transit,
• Active Transportation facilities and
• recreation facilities.

Enhanced community services like more:

• public washrooms,
• community outreach,
• bylaw enforcement.

Livability

Making sure quality of life for the residents of Burlington is upheld, and the services that they depend on are enhanced. We need to make up for past deficits and commitments.

Some City buildings, roads, parks, and systems need urgent repairs that have been delayed through the years.

There are also projects that were approved in the 2024 budget that are ongoing. These multi-year projects will continue to need an investment in 2025:

• $808,000 for delayed costs at Skyway Arena, Robert Bateman Community Centre, and other recreation facilities.
• $4.22M for ongoing costs like IT software, expanding transit, debt charges, Bateman Community Centre programs and other projects.
• Investments to improve services like bylaw compliance, urban forestry, more park washrooms, fire safety and speed enforcement.

Sustainability

The City meets emerging needs. It is always working to keep Burlington a great place to live, work and play. This takes ongoing investments. And while we plan for many things, unexpected needs can arise. We need to make sure the budget provides a sustainable future and not burdening future generations. 

This year’s budget will also plan for unforeseen events like COVID-19, natural disasters and local flooding. The 2025 budget includes $100,000 to manage these unplanned risks.

Burlington’s population is expected to grow by over 40 per cent in the next 25 years. Future budgets will need to prepare the city’s infrastructure and services to support this growth.

By planning for the unplanned and the future, we can work to reduce the City's tax increase rate. It is expected to slow down in the coming years as we reach a more sustainable financial position.

Transparency

The City is going to do its best to make sure the budget material is presented in a way that is understandable, that is clear, that is transparent, and helps residents give us their feedback.

Summary of the draft budget will be presented on September 13. The final budget will be presented on November 4. 

There will be ongoing engagement opportunities to make your voice heard on this budget.