Oakville’s Draft 2026 Town Budget now available

At this week’s Budget Committee meetings, staff presented the draft 2026 operating and capital budgets, along with projected operating increases for 2027 and 2028, and the capital forecast for 2027-2035. 

The Town is now inviting residents to review the draft materials and share their feedback to help inform final budget decisions. Public input is a key part of the process, and all voices are welcome.

Budget Overview

The draft 2026 budget, which includes projected levies from the Town, the Region of Halton, and education, proposes an overall property tax increase of 3.50 per cent, or $29.21 per $100,000 of assessment value. 

With a total of $803.1 million, the Town’s draft budget is broken down into two main sections: 

Operating Budget: $462.0 million

Supports essential services such as fire, transit, parks, libraries, recreation, and seniors’ programs.

Capital Budget: $341.1 million

Invests in infrastructure renewal and growth, including: 

• $70.6 million for the construction of the new Central Library, a key component of the Downtown Cultural Hub plan
• $38.0 million for Trafalgar Urban Core South Community Centre land purchase
• $20.6 million for North Service Road widening with active transportation
• $16.8 million for Wyecroft Road widening with active transportation
• $16.2 million for Speers Road widening with active transportation
• $13.8 million for stormwater management infrastructure
• $13.6 million for the renewal and rehabilitation of parks, trails, and related facilities
• $13.1 million for maintenance to parking lots, driveways, and Town facilities
• $11.1 million to expand the Transit fleet
• $7.6 million for road resurfacing and preservation
• $5.7 million to develop new neighbourhood parks, parkettes, and trails
• $4.1 million to support the Town’s tree canopy and natural environment through initiatives such as the Emerald Ash Borer program, invasive species control, woodlot maintenance, and tree planting
• $2.5 million for traffic calming and road safety measures to promote safe travel 

The budget also includes proposed updates to rates and fees for programs and services, available for review on the Rates and Fees page. 

How to get involved

Public input on the staff-prepared draft budget can be provided to the Mayor or respective Councillors, emailed to budget@oakville.ca, or by delegating to Budget Committee meetings that are also broadcast on the Town’s YouTube Channel. 

Visit the Budget Documents page for more information, including departmental presentations.

Upcoming key dates

• October 24 to November 26: Consultation period with residents on draft budget
• November 5: Public Open House at Town Hall (Oakville & Trafalgar meeting rooms, 7 p.m.)
• November 11 and 13: Public delegations at Budget Committee 
• November 27: Budget Committee recommendations to Mayor 
• December 4: Mayor to provide proposed 2026 budget 
• December 11: Public delegations on Mayor's proposed budget
• December 15: Council meeting to consider the proposed 2026 budget

Quotes

“Staff have met the goal of drafting a budget to keep our total tax bill increase to 3.5 per cent or below, if Council agrees. I look forward to hearing more from the community as we work together to finalize a budget that supports our shared priorities.”
- Mayor Rob Burton 

“Town staff have presented a draft budget that balances investments in infrastructure, maintaining services and fiscal prudence. Over the next few weeks, the Budget Committee will be reviewing the budget before making a recommendation to the Mayor on November 27. Public input is a critical part of our process, and I look forward to continuing to engage with residents over the next few weeks.”
- Town and Regional Councillor and 2026 Budget Chair, Tom Adams

“This draft budget is a starting point for meaningful dialogue with our community. It outlines key investments in infrastructure, transit, and environmental sustainability, while maintaining our focus on service excellence and long-term financial health.”
- Town Councillor and 2026 Budget Vice-Chair, Jonathan McNeice