City launches 2026 Budget process with a focus on limiting tax impacts
Burlington City Council approved the 2026 Financial Forecast report (FIN-24-25) on July 15, 2025, with a focus on limiting tax impacts for residents.
The forecast report is one of the first steps in the annual budget process and provides a preliminary look at the economic pressures and service needs that will shape the 2026 city budget.
As part of the budget process, Council endorsed a Mayoral Direction for City staff to prepare a proposed budget with 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 the total tax increase being less than 3 per cent.
Forecasted impact on your property taxes
To understand how the budget will impact the property taxes you pay, we need to look at the budgets for the City of Burlington, Halton Region and the Boards of Education. Each of these organizations delivers services to Burlington residents and determines their own budgets.
Budget projections as of July 15, 2025:
Join the conversation
The next step in the budget process is to hear from you.
Take part in an upcoming public engagement opportunity for the 2026 budget to help City Council understand the priorities and needs of the community. Let’s work together towards a budget that remains affordable while making smart investments for today and in the future.
Date |
2026 Budget engagement |
Opens late August |
2026 Budget survey |
Sept. 13, 12 – 4 p.m. |
Food for Feedback, Central Park, 2331 New St. |
Sept. 18, 7 – 8:30 p.m. |
2026 Budget Townhall, led by Mayor Meed Ward, with participating Ward Councillor and city staff in Ward 6 Haber Community Centre (Community Room 1), 3040 Tim Dobbie Dr. |
Sept. 22, 7 – 8:30 p.m. |
2026 Budget Townhall, led by Mayor Meed Ward, with participating Ward Councillor and city staff in Ward 1 LaSalle Park Pavilion (Main Ballroom), 50 North Shore Blvd. |
Sept. 23, 7 – 8:30 p.m. |
2026 Budget Townhall, led by Mayor Meed Ward, with participating Ward Councillor and city staff in Ward 2 Burlington Seniors Centre (Community Room 3), 2285 New St. |
Sept. 24, 7 – 8:30 p.m. |
2026 Budget Townhall, led by Mayor Meed Ward, with participating Ward Councillor and city staff in Ward 3 Brant Hills Community Centre (Community Room 1), 2255 Brant St. |
Sept. 29, 7 – 8:30 p.m. |
2026 Budget Townhall, led by Mayor Meed Ward, with participating Ward Councillor and city staff in Ward 4 Tansley Woods Community Centre (Community Room 1), 1996 Itabashi Way |
Oct. 2, 7 – 8:30 p.m. |
2026 Budget Townhall, led by Mayor Meed Ward, with participating Ward Councillor and city staff in Ward 5 Appleby Ice Centre (Community Room 1), 1201 Appleby Line |
Nov. 3, 9:30 a.m. |
Overview of Proposed 2026 Budget at Committee of the Whole City Hall, 426 Brant St. or watch a livestream at burlington.ca/calendar |
Nov. 5, 7 – 8:30 p.m. |
2026 Budget Telephone Town Hall |
Nov. 13, 9:30 a.m. |
Divisional Budget Presentation at Budget Committee |
Nov. 24 & 25, 9:30 a.m. |
Review of the Proposed 2026 Budget at Budget Committee |
Dec. 2, 9:30 a.m. |
Council review/approval of Proposed 2026 Budget at Special Council Meeting |
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