Oakville Council approves 2023 Budget with a focus on strengthening infrastructure

3.79 per cent overall tax increase keeps taxes below inflation; Free public transit for youth and seniors

On February 27, 2023, Town Council unanimously approved the 2023 Budget that sees keeping the property tax increase of 3.79 per cent well below the Consumer Price Index and the lowest in comparison with the town’s neighbours. The Town of Oakville’s 2023 capital and operating budgets will maintain and increase programs, services, and infrastructure that residents and businesses value, while ensuring the town’s long-term fiscal sustainability.

By the numbers

• Operating budget of $348.5 million to maintain all programs and services such as recreation and culture, seniors services, libraries, fire services, transit, parks, trails
• Capital budget of $178.3 million to support infrastructure renewal, growth and program initiatives
• The approved budget reflects a residential property tax increase of 6.07 per cent to the town’s portion of the tax levy which results in an overall property tax increase of 3.79 per cent when combined with the regional and educational tax levies, keeps the overall increase below inflation
• The approved budget reflects a residential property tax increase of $27.72 per $100,000 of assessment, meaning that the owner of a home assessed at $800,000 would pay an additional $221.76 per year
• For every tax dollar collected, the town receives 42 per cent, while the remainder goes towards regional and educational services

Key investments

• Free public transit for youth (ages 13 to 19) and seniors starting in May (with the use of a valid PRESTO card)
• Free transit for kids under 12 (introduced as a pilot in 2021) is now a permanent offering (with the use of a valid PRESTO card for children 6-12 years old)
• $18.0 million transit facility expansion for electric vehicle charging infrastructure
• $12.1 million for Khalsa Gate urbanization and streetscape with active transportation
• $10.7 million for conventional and specialized transit electric vehicles
• $9.3 million for the continued construction of the community centre and library and geothermal retrofit at Sixteen Mile Sports Complex
• $9.0 million for the road resurfacing and preservation program
• $8.3 million as part of the town’s share of funding for the multi-year construction of Burloak Drive Grade Separation with active transportation
• $6.7 million for parks, trails and parks facilities renewal and rehabilitation
• $6.4 million to develop new neighbourhood parks, parkettes and trails
• $4.7 million to support the health of the tree canopy and natural environment through the Emerald Ash Borer program, invasive species audit/control, woodlot preventative maintenance and tree planting
• $4.2 million for stormwater and erosion control infrastructure improvements
• $2.4 million for emergency vehicles and equipment
• $1.0 million for development of the Downtown Cultural Hub plan to create more vibrancy and attraction for residents, businesses and visitors

Throughout the budget process, the town encouraged public engagement, and received resident and business input through a virtual open house, in-person ward meetings and delegations at Budget Committee meetings.

Visit the 2023 Budget page for more information.

Quotes

“I am proud of the way in which town staff, Council and the Budget Committee responded to the thoughtful delegations and requests from the public and from each other. This budget is proof that we are an organization that continuously improves and innovates while being fiscally prudent and responsible.” 

Mayor Rob Burton

“Through the collaborative efforts of Council, public and staff, we are pleased to deliver the 2023 Budget that will support our economy and maximize value for taxpayers. From parks, recreation and roads to new facilities and the electrification of our transit, we are continuing to make important investments for a brighter future.”

Regional Councillor Janet Haslett-Theall, Budget Committee Chair