Brampton Budget 2026: Delivering Services While Prioritizing Affordability

Keeping Taxes Low While Protecting Core Services

I’m proud to share that this budget keeps Brampton among the most affordable cities in the GTA. Our operating budget increase is just 0.8%, and the city portion of property taxes is proposed at 1.5%, one of the lowest in the GTA. When I became mayor, Brampton had among the highest tax rates in the GTA. Over the past seven years, we’ve worked deliberately to change that, and today Brampton now has one of the lowest tax burdens on a per-capita basis.

Strong Financial Management and Long-Term Planning

Affordability does not mean cutting corners. Brampton’s finances remain strong, and we continue to manage taxpayer dollars responsibly. The City is maintaining its AAA credit rating, reflecting confidence in our financial stewardship. This year, we are also making a record $163 million contribution to city reserves, ensuring we are prepared for future infrastructure needs while protecting residents from sudden tax increases.

Prioritizing Public Safety and Community Enforcement

Public safety remains a top priority. At the regional level, we continue to invest in Peel Regional Police to address organized crime, auto theft, and extortion. Locally, we are strengthening enforcement by adding 22 new by-law officers, building on last year’s largest expansion. Additional resources for fire prevention will help ensure responsible residents are protected and unsafe behaviour is addressed. The principle is simple: responsible residents are protected and bad actors will pay. 

Investing in Recreation, Parks, and Healthy Communities

Even in a challenging fiscal environment, we are continuing to invest in recreation, parks, and community infrastructure because these are investments in health, well-being, and quality of life.  Recreation is preventative health care 101 and creating an environment for active and healthy lifestyles is one of the best ways to ensure a healthy community. This year’s expansions and revitalization includes building the largest new recreation center in Brampton with the Embleton Recreation Center where we recently had a groundbreaking. This budget also commits funding for the Howden Recreation Centre, new ice rinks, the City’s first indoor cricket dome, and continued progress on the Brampton Orangeville Rail Trail.

Adjusting Transit to Reflect Changing Ridership

We are taking a responsible approach to transit planning. Federal changes to international student visas have reduced ridership on some routes, particularly those previously used heavily by students. Brampton Transit will realign service to match current demand, ensuring taxpayer dollars are spent efficiently while maintaining reliable service for riders.

Supporting Seniors

The proposed 2026 Budget places a strong emphasis on supporting seniors, particularly those living on fixed incomes who are feeling the pressure of rising costs. By keeping the City’s operating budget increase to 0.8% and the city portion of property taxes at a proposed 1.5%, the budget is designed to help seniors manage affordability while maintaining reliable city services. Continued investment in recreation centres, parks, and community spaces supports active, healthy aging, while added resources for by-law enforcement and fire prevention help keep neighbourhoods safe. These measures along with the continuation of free transit and free recreation reflect a commitment to protecting affordability, safety, and quality of life for Brampton’s seniors.

Supporting Housing, Shelters, and Social Services

Housing affordability and social challenges remain critical issues. Shelter capacity pressures have eased thanks to new federal investments secured for Peel Region. We continue to support affordable housing through partnerships with non-profits and federal programs, while advocating for stronger provincial tools to address addiction and mental health challenges through compassionate, evidence-based approaches.

Listening to Residents Before Final Approval

This budget is not finalized. Over the coming weeks, residents will have multiple opportunities to share their feedback through coffee chats, sector roundtables, a telephone town hall, and special budget meetings. I encourage everyone to take part. If you have ideas for new spending, I ask that you also suggest where savings could be found so that affordability remains at the heart of every decision.

Moving Brampton Forward Together

The proposed 2026 Budget reflects what we’ve heard from residents across Brampton: keep taxes low, invest in safety and recreation, and plan responsibly for the future. I look forward to continuing this conversation and working together to finalize a budget that delivers real results for our city.