Work is underway to develop the 2026 City of Burlington budget, and community input is a key part of the process. With rising costs and global economic shifts, this year’s budget aims to balance affordability while maintaining the essential services that support a high quality of life—safe streets, reliable transit, resilient infrastructure, welcoming parks and community centres, flood protection, and swift emergency response.
On July 15, 2025, City Council approved the 2026 Financial Forecast report, which outlined the economic pressures and service needs shaping next year’s budget. Council also endorsed a Mayoral Direction for staff to prepare a proposed budget with a total tax increase of about 4.5%, with the City of Burlington’s share being less than 3%.
What the forecast means for residents (based on $100,000 current value assessment):
Burlington: $528.07 (↑ $28.96 / 2.98%)
Halton Region: $334.17 (↑ $14.70 / 4.60%)
Education: $153.00 (no change)
Total: $1,015.24 (↑ $43.66 / 4.49%)
Get Involved
Your voice matters in shaping the 2026 budget. Share your feedback and priorities through a range of engagement opportunities:
Online Budget Survey – Aug. 25 to Oct. 5 at getinvolvedburlington.ca/2026budget
Food for Feedback – Sat. Sept. 13, noon to 4 p.m., Central Park (2299 New St.)
Town Halls with Mayor & Councillors:
Sept. 18 – Ward 6, Haber Community Centre
Sept. 22 – Ward 1, LaSalle Park Pavilion
Sept. 23 – Ward 2, Burlington Seniors’ Centre
Sept. 24 – Ward 3, Brant Hills Community Centre
Sept. 29 – Ward 4, Tansley Woods Community Centre
Oct. 2 – Ward 5, Appleby Ice Centre
Committee & Council Meetings (in-person at City Hall or livestream at burlington.ca/calendar)
Nov. 3 – Committee of the Whole
Nov. 5 – Telephone Town Hall
Nov. 13 – Divisional Budget Presentations
Nov. 24–25 – Budget Committee Review
Dec. 2 – Special Council Meeting for final approval
The City is committed to building a budget that reflects the needs and priorities of the community. Now is the time to get involved and have your say.
Thoughts & Comments
Disclaimer
Please note that the information in this blog is for general guidance only and may not always be up to date or accurate. We recommend double-checking details directly with local cities, businesses, or official sources before making any plans or acting on the information. We are not a news outlet, and while we do our best to make sure information is accurate, sometimes we make mistakes. It is always best to verify with official sources. The inclusion of any business, individual, event, or service on the Burlington 365 platform does not constitute an endorsement, recommendation, or guarantee of its quality, performance, or reliability. Users are solely responsible for conducting their own research and due diligence before engaging with any third-party businesses or services listed on the platform.