Summary of draft 2025 budget available: Public consultation ongoing

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:

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.

Oct. 25 - Mayor’s Proposed Budget Report will be shared with the community and posted on this page and 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 in the key dates section of this page

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.