Oakville Mayor proposes 1.96 per cent overall tax increase for 2026 budget

At last night’s Special Council meeting, Mayor Rob Burton proposed adoption of the 2026 budget, fully aligned with the recommendations of Council sitting as the Budget Committee. The proposed direction includes a 0.47 per cent increase to the Town’s tax levy, and when combined with education and regional rates, property taxes are projected to rise by 1.96 per cent in 2026.

What does this mean for property taxes?

For homeowners, this translates to about $16.33 more for every $100,000 of assessed value, bringing the total property tax to approximately $850.96 per $100,000 of assessed value.

Example:

• A home assessed at $800,000 would see an increase of about $130.64 on their 2026 property tax bill. 
• In total, the owner of a home assessed at $800,000 would pay roughly $6,807.68 in property taxes in 2026. 

A key measure in keeping the tax increase modest is the introduction of a dedicated stormwater fee in 2026 to advance the Town’s Rainwater Management Plan. This fee will replace stormwater costs currently funded through property taxes, creating a fairer and more sustainable model. The fee will be phased in over three years for residential properties and four years for non-residential, with credits for non-residential starting in 2027. In 2026, annual stormwater fees are estimated at $137 for single detached homes, $64 for semi-detached, and $30 for townhomes and condos.

The recommended budget also prioritizes resiliency and long-term sustainability. The proposed 2026 capital budget includes $2 million for resiliency improvements funded through the new Stormwater Management Reserve Fund. Looking ahead, $89.2 million is planned for additional resiliency projects between 2027 and 2035, supported by the same fund. These investments will strengthen Oakville’s stormwater management system and ensure the Town is prepared for future challenges

Highlights of the proposed 2026 budget

Growth Management

• $23.5 million for North Operations Depot expansion and reconfiguration
• $20.6 million for North Service Road widening with active transportation
• $16.8 million for Wyecroft Road widening with active transportation
• $11.1 million for Transit vehicle expansion
• $7.6 million for road resurfacing and preservation
• $2.3 million for traffic management and traffic signal programs

Community Belonging

• $70.6 million for the construction of the new Central Library as part of the Downtown Cultural Hub plan
• $38.0 million for Trafalgar Urban Core South Community Centre land purchase
• $13.1 million for various parking lot, driveway, and facility-related maintenance and improvements
• $2.5 million in traffic calming and road safety program to promote safe travel and pedestrian safety on Town roads
• $1.3 million for rehabilitation of Falgarwood and Brookdale pools

Environmental Sustainability

• $15.8 million for stormwater management
• $13.6 million for parks, trails, and parks facilities renewal and rehabilitation
• $5.7 million to develop new neighbourhood parks, parkettes, and trails
• $4.1 million to support the health of the tree canopy and natural environment through invasive species audit/control, woodlot preventative maintenance, and tree planting

Accountable Government

• $4.7 million for new and replacement hardware and software
• $0.5 million for improvements to communications and customer experience

How to get involved

The proposed budget is available for additional public feedback. Public input on the proposed 2026 budget can be provided to the Mayor or respective Councillors, emailed to budget@oakville.ca, or by delegating at the December 11 Special Council meeting. The proposed 2026 budget will go before Council for consideration on December 15, 2025.

Visit the Annual Budget page for more information about the Town’s budget process. 

Quotes

“This proposed budget is the result of careful planning and collaboration throughout the year. Together, we focused on balancing fiscal responsibility with strategic investments in sustainability and resiliency. Our goal is to keep tax impacts modest while ensuring Oakville is prepared for future challenges and continues to deliver the high-quality services residents expect.”
- Mayor Rob Burton

“This budget reflects our commitment to responsible financial management while investing in the infrastructure and services that matter most to residents. By introducing a fair and sustainable stormwater funding model, we’re protecting Oakville’s future, ensuring long-term resiliency and keeping the overall property tax increase the lowest amongst neighbouring municipalities.”
- Town and Regional Councillor and 2026 Budget Chair, Tom Adams 

“Our goal was to deliver a budget that balances affordability with strategic priorities. This plan supports essential services, advances sustainability, and positions Oakville to meet future challenges with confidence.”
- Town Councillor and 2026 Budget Vice-Chair, Jonathan McNeice