This morning, I welcomed Brampton’s business leaders to our 2026 Budget Virtual Business Roundtable, an important step in shaping a budget that protects affordability, supports job creation, and positions our city for long-term growth.
“Building a good budget starts with listening—listening to residents, workers, and businesses navigating real-world pressures every day. Brampton’s strength comes from collaboration, and that collaboration is how we build a city that works for everyone.”
– Councillor Rowena Santos, Regional Councillor, Wards 1 & 5, Vice-Chair, Economic Development Committee
Why This Budget Matters to Brampton Businesses
Our local business community creates jobs, invests in our neighbourhoods, and helps keep municipal services strong without overburdening households. The feedback shared today is helping Council strike a careful balance: keeping costs predictable while continuing to invest in safety, economic opportunity, and city services residents rely on.
Important Information
Key Highlights of the 2026 Budget
- Affordability: A proposed 1.5% property tax increase for residents, among the lowest in the GTA, providing stability for residents and businesses alike.
- Financial Strength: Protecting Brampton’s AAA credit rating and building record reserves of $163 million to safeguard taxpayers and attract responsible investment.
- Targeted Investment: Continued funding for economic development, innovation, and public safety without compromising fiscal discipline.
Economic Growth Delivering Real Jobs
Brampton’s economy continues to deliver tangible results. In 2025 alone, our city attracted major private-sector investments across manufacturing, food processing, and advanced technology:
- Mobile Climate Control broke ground on a new advanced manufacturing facility, creating 700 jobs.
- Encore Canada opened its Canadian head office in Brampton, adding 225 positions.
- Marco-Angelo Foods invested $70 million in a new plant, creating 300 jobs.
- Powersmiths expanded with its fourth facility, adding 150 jobs.
- Valle Foam completed a $6 million expansion with advanced automation.
- SHW Pumps invested $5 million in a new oil pump line, creating 15 skilled jobs.
Innovation and Competitiveness
The 2026 Budget strengthens Brampton’s position as a city where innovation can scale:
- Advancing the Brampton Innovation District
- Expanding BHive to include AI training for small and medium-sized businesses
- Strengthening partnerships with Altitude Accelerator and Cybersecure Catalyst
These investments ensure Brampton businesses can adapt, grow, and compete in rapidly changing global markets.
What We’re Acting on Based on Business Feedback
- Manufacturing Competitiveness: Brampton remains a strategic hub with strong supply chains and skilled labour, even as energy costs rise.
- Support for Startups and Diverse Founders: Continued investment through the Brampton Entrepreneur Centre, including procurement access and the annual Reverse Vendor Tradeshow, connecting local suppliers with major buyers.
- Local Procurement: Expanded “buy local” initiatives and supplier matchmaking to keep jobs and investment in Brampton.
- Transit Electrification: Commitment to battery-electric buses for all future fleet growth, supporting Brampton’s goal to cut greenhouse gas emissions by 80% by 2050.
- AI Adoption: Dedicated funding to help small businesses access AI tools through BHive, improving productivity and resilience.
- Equity and Inclusion: Targeted investments supporting Black-led initiatives, youth employment, and inclusive workforce development.
Your Voice Still Matters
Council will deliberate on the 2026 Budget later this month, and community input remains essential. Residents and businesses are encouraged to:
- Attend Coffee Chats starting January 18
- Participate in the Telephone Town Hall on January 20
- Share feedback at brampton.ca/budget
Together, we are building a city that is safe, affordable, and ready for the future. Thank you to Brampton’s business community for your continued partnership and for helping shape a budget that works for everyone.
