Council endorses 2027 budget direction

At the June 22 meeting, Council received a staff report outlining the 2027 budget forecast and budget development process. 

The report identifies a preliminary overall tax bill increase of 4.97 per cent, based on the resources needed to maintain service levels, support community growth and address long-term infrastructure priorities. As the budget process is still in its early stages, staff will continue refining the forecast in response to service and infrastructure needs, as well as changing economic conditions and growth pressures. 

Council also endorsed a draft Mayoral Direction to guide staff in exploring options to reduce the proposed increase and better align it with the forecasted inflation rate, currently estimated at 2.1 per cent. This approach aims to balance affordability for residents and businesses while protecting essential services and upholding the Town’s commitment to responsible financial management. 

Over the coming months, staff will further develop the operating and capital budgets, review service levels and program performance, and bring forward options for Council’s consideration.  

As 2027 will be the first budget following the October 2026 municipal election, the budget timeline has been designed to align with Council transition and provide opportunities for input from the newly elected Council before the budget is finalized. 

The process will follow the requirements of Bill 3, Strong Mayors, Building Homes Act, 2022 which assigns the Mayor responsibility for proposing the budget, while maintaining Council and staff involvement through the process. 

There will be opportunities for the public to provide input on the budget before Council considers it in early 2027.

Learn more and get involved

Residents are encouraged to explore the Town's budget resources and stay informed as the budget process progresses: 

• Visit the Budget Basics page to learn how the Town's operating and capital budgets are developed and how tax dollars support municipal services and infrastructure.
• Explore the Town’s Strategic Plan to learn more about the priorities that continue to guide municipal decision-making during this transition year.
• Browse the Oakville Data Hub for information on growth trends, community indicators and key performance measures.
• Visit the Annual Budget page for updates, key dates, budget documents, and opportunities to participate in the process.

Questions or comments about the 2027 budget can be directed to budget@oakville.ca.

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“Council is committed to responsible financial management that keeps taxes as affordable as possible while continuing to deliver the services our community relies on. In today’s uncertain economic environment, we need to stay focused on our priorities, what we continue, what we adjust, and where we do things differently. We’ve asked staff to explore options to bring the proposed increase to inflation, while ensuring we invest where it matters most to support our community.”

- Mayor Rob Burton