Shaping the 2026 Budget Together
The 2026 Budget has now been released for public feedback. This is an important moment to come together and talk about what matters to us as a community. Many of us are feeling the rising cost of living in our own households. Money does not stretch the way it once did. The Town is experiencing these same pressures. Everything from road repairs and building maintenance to equipment, staffing, and supplies now costs more than in previous years.
The Town budget determines how we operate day to day and how we invest in our shared future. It also informs how much property tax needs to be collected to support those decisions. In other words, the budget reflects our shared priorities. It touches the programs and spaces we rely on, including roads and sidewalks, recreation services, Fire Services, parks and natural areas, and supports for youth and seniors.
How the budget is developed
Under provincially mandated strong mayor legislation, the Mayor is responsible for preparing and presenting the proposed Town budget to Council. For 2026, the Mayor has directed staff to prepare a budget with a target of no more than a 3.5 percent increase on the Town’s portion of the property tax bill.
It is also important to know that your final property tax bill includes contributions from the Town of Halton Hills, the Region of Halton, the Halton Regional Police Service, and the provincial education levy. When these are combined, the final blended property tax increase for Halton Hills property owners could be approximately 5 percent.
Town staff spend many months reviewing needs, forecasting costs, identifying efficiencies, and shaping the recommended budget. There are always more needs than funding available. This means that even worthwhile or necessary projects may not appear in the proposed budget due to financial constraints. The goal is to maintain essential services including Fire Services, recreation facilities and programs, and safe infrastructure, while planning responsibly for the future.
How to take part
You can explore background information and share your feedback here:
https://letstalkhaltonhills.ca/2026-budget
The Key Information document on that page offers a helpful summary of the main budget considerations. It is a good starting point. Links to the full proposed budget are also available on Let’s Talk Halton Hills for anyone who would like to look more closely.
There will be a Town Hall Meeting on November 12 at Town Hall from 6 to 8 p.m.
You do not need to register to attend. You are welcome to simply come, listen, ask questions, and learn more about the proposed budget. It will also be live streamed if you can’t make it in person.
You can also attend the Budget Review Meetings on December 1 and December 2.
If you would like to share your perspective directly with Council at those meetings, you can register as a delegate. Instructions for delegation are provided on the Let’s Talk Halton Hills page.
I am here if you would like to talk
If you would like to better understand how the budget works or how to share your input, I am happy to connect. We can talk about:
How the budget process works
How to share feedback in a clear and helpful way
Speaking at the Town Hall or as a delegate to Council
Or simply what matters most to you and your family
Please feel welcome to reach out. I am glad to meet for a call, coffee, or a walk.
I hope to see you on November 12. Let us shape this together with care, honesty, and collaboration.
Warmly,
Chantal Garneau
Town Councillor, Halton Hills Ward 3