Oakville Budget Committee outlines path for 2026 budget with tax increase of 1.96 per cent

Mayor to present his 2026 Budget at a Special Council Meeting December 4

At its November 27 meeting, Oakville’s Budget Committee provided recommendations to Mayor Burton for consideration in preparing the proposed 2026 budget. These recommendations follow a review of the staff-prepared budget, community input through public consultations, and feedback from the public.

As recommended, the Town’s levy would increase by 0.47 per cent, which represents an increase of approximately 0.20 per cent on the overall property tax bill. When combined with regional and education rates, the overall increase is expected to be 1.96 per cent, which equals about $16.33 per $100,000 of residential property assessment. This would bring the total property tax bill to $850.96 per $100,000 of assessment.

A significant factor in achieving a modest tax increase is the introduction of a stormwater fee in 2026, which will advance the Town’s Rainwater Management Plan (RWMP), ensuring sustainable stormwater infrastructure and greater resiliency against flooding.

With the introduction of a dedicated stormwater fee in 2026, costs will shift from property taxes to a fairer and more sustainable funding model. To ease the financial impact, the Budget Committee recommended reducing the Town’s operating budget by over $12 million to reflect the removal of stormwater costs from the property tax levy. The new fee will be phased in over three years for residential properties and four years for non-residential properties, with a credit program for non-residential properties starting in 2027.

In 2026, the annual stormwater fee amount for each of the residential classes will be approximately $137 for single detached; $64 for semi-detached; $30 for townhomes and $30 for condos.

The recommendation for the Mayor’s 2026 capital budget includes funding of $2 million for resiliency improvements from the new Stormwater Management Reserve Fund. It also allocates $89.2 million for resiliency projects in the 2027–2035 forecast, supported by the same fund. These investments will enhance Oakville’s stormwater management system and promote long-term sustainability.

The Mayor will present his 2026 budget at a Special Council Meeting on December 4, 2025. Council will meet on December 11, 2025 to hear public delegations on the Mayor’s proposed budget. The proposed 2026 budget will go before Town Council for consideration on December 15, 2025.

For more information on the budget process and key dates, visit the Annual Budget page.

Quotes

"As a member of the Budget Committee, I’m proud that we conducted record public consultation and delivered a clear, thoughtful recommendation. I look forward to introducing the final budget Dec. 4, with public delegations Dec. 11, and Council consideration Dec. 15. Our unanimous recommendation reflects a shared commitment to enabling substantial completion of Council’s Four-Year Strategic Plan in the most affordable way possible.”
- Mayor Rob Burton

“We’ve worked hard to review staff recommendations and actively engage with residents throughout the budget process. The feedback has been essential in shaping the recommendations to minimize the tax increase, introduce a stormwater fee that will be less expensive for most residents than alternative funding models and to maintain the high level of services and infrastructure that Oakville enjoys.” 
- Town and Regional Councillor and 2026 Budget Chair, Tom Adams

"Public input has shaped our approach to balancing service levels with responsible rates. By working together and listening to the community, we’re ensuring transparency and accountability as we finalize the 2026 budget."
- Town Councillor and 2026 Budget Vice-Chair, Jonathan McNeice