(Image includes: Mayor and Councillor Santos with the City of Brampton Budget Committee Team)
Today, City of Brampton Mayor Patrick Brown introduced the proposed 2026 Budget, underscoring the City’s commitment to fiscal responsibility, community safety and strong service delivery, while continuing to advance transformational infrastructure investments ensuring Brampton is set up for continued success.
“The proposed budget 2026, is based on affordability while investing in priorities related to growth, safety, health and wellbeing. Every taxpayer dollar deserves the same care and scrutiny that we apply to managing our own household finances during these economically challenging times. In my role as a Councillor, and Chair of Community Services and Legislative Services, this means focusing City spending on what matters most to residents: building complete communities with stronger by-law enforcement, safer neighbourhoods, meaningful action on encampments, and programs that deliver real community benefit, especially when it comes to health. By keeping investments focused and accountable, I work to ensure tax increases are justified, kept as low as possible, and support Brampton’s responsible growth while delivering results residents can see. As reflected in the accompanying chart, The City of Brampton’s net tax levy per capita remains among the lowest relative to other GTA municipalities. I am proud of our collective efforts with the Mayor, and look forward to meaningful engagement with residents, businesses, and stakeholders in our process to finalize the budget.” – Rowena Santos, Regional Councillor, Wards 1 & 5, City of Brampton
The City’s 2026 Budget includes an operating budget of $1.0385 billion and a capital budget of $340.4 million. With a proposed 1.5 per cent on the City’s portion of the property tax bill, Brampton’s City tax rate remains among the lowest in the GTA at $1,516 per capita, compared to the GTA average of $1,819 (Source: BMA Municipal Study, 2025). The 2026 budget also includes a record level in reserves of $163 million, supporting the City’s long-term financial sustainability.
Key Highlights of the 2026 Budget:
Health Care Investments: Ongoing 1% levy for the completion of Brampton’s second hospital at Peel Memorial.
Public Safety and Well-Being: Stronger enforcement and increased education with 12 new by-law, 24 property standards officers, and 14 fire prevention officers as well as increased fines for by-law and fire code violations to improve safety and hold bad actors accountable.
Recreation: Continuing to build and revitalize parks and recreation amenities that support healthy lifestyles, strong neighbourhoods and a high quality of life for families of all ages.
Innovation and Economic Growth: Strengthening Brampton’s local economy through Driving talent development and job creation. This includes advancing the Brampton Innovation District with targeted funding for BHive to expand their services to include AI-training for small and medium-sized businesses, $1 million for the Brampton Venture Zone, and $1 million for the Cybersecure Catalyst – attracting new businesses, creating high-quality jobs and positioning Brampton as a competitive, future-ready city.
Arts and Culture: Expanding accessible cultural programming for residents while strengthening the local arts ecosystem, including enhanced programming in key venues and public spaces, new investments at Historic Bovaird House, preparations for The Rose Theatre’s 20th anniversary, and support for artists through paid professional opportunities, public art initiatives, organizational grants, and approximately $1 million annual investment in sector development through the Brampton Arts Organization.
Environmental Resilience and Sustainability: Investing in energy efficiency and healthier green spaces to protect our environment and reduce GHG emissions, including supporting the Grow Green Festival, restoration of wetlands and natural areas, 50,000 trees plantings and opportunities to address climate change and invasive species.
2026 Budget Timeline
Following the public engagements, Council deliberations on the proposed 2026 Budget will take place between January 19 and 27, 2026, with final budget adoption scheduled for a Special Council Meeting on January 27, 2026. During this process, Council will review the budget, consider feedback from residents and may propose changes before a final decision is made.
Have Your Say
Community input gathered throughout the year and over the Council term helps inform the City’s budget priorities.
The City is hosting a series of public engagement opportunities on the 2026 Budget, including a telephone town hall, coffee chats held in Ward pairings as well as roundtable discussions with the business community, the Brampton Arts Organization and the Downtown Brampton BIA. Residents and businesses are encouraged to stay informed and help shape Brampton’s future at public engagement opportunities across the city. Learn more here, https://councillorsantos.ca/join-us-for-budget-chat-2026/
If you are unable to attend an event, provide feedback online at brampton.ca/budget
Additional Quote
“The 2026 Budget focuses on keeping Brampton’s neighbourhoods safe, delivering reliable services and making thoughtful investments supporting families and communities across the city. We are taking a disciplined and responsible approach that protects taxpayers while continuing to invest in public safety, services, and parks, recreation facilities and community spaces to support healthy, active lifestyles. I encourage residents to review the budget and share their feedback as the budget process moves forward.”
-Patrick Brown, Mayor, City of Brampton
Media Contact: rowena.santos@brampton.ca
