2026 Tax Budget

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Thank you for participating!

Here's What We Heard from you as part of Hamilton’s 2026 tax budget engagement.

Update: Mayor Horwath has directed staff to take a “Hold the Line” approach with budget development, aiming to cap the tax increase at 4.25%. This direction reflects what we heard from you: the need to balance affordability and prioritize:

  • Infrastructure renewal
  • Community safety and wellbeing
  • Essential public services

For budget updates, visit Hamilton.ca/2026budget.

What's Next?

Want to share your views on the draft budget?

Upcoming public delegation dates:

  • Water (Rate) Budget and Tax Budget Public Delegations: Monday, November 17, 2025
  • Tax Budget Public Delegations: Monday, January 19, 2026

Have Your Say: Help guide the Mayor's priorities for the 2026 Tax Budget

The City of Hamilton is asking for input from residents, businesses, and community groups to help identify key investment priorities, while balancing the need for affordability in today’s challenging economic climate.

Our Challenge: To meet the needs of as many of our community members as possible, while remaining financially responsible and planning for the future. Your input will help us understand what matters most to you, and how we can continue delivering strong, equitable services within our means.

Understanding the City Budget

The City uses two separate budgets to manage how services are funded:

  • Rate-Supported Budget: Covers water, wastewater, and stormwater services. These are funded through user fees, not property taxes.
  • Tax-Supported Budget: Covers the day-to-day operations of most City services (like transit, fire, parks, and waste collection), as well as major infrastructure projects. This is funded mainly through property taxes and other revenues like grants or user fees for programs.

Keeping these budgets separate helps the City clearly show how different services are funded and ensures accountability for each funding source.

The City of Hamilton is asking for community input to inform the Tax-Supported (tax) budget. The tax budget has two main parts:

Operating Budget

  • Covers the day-to-day costs of running the City.
  • Funds services like garbage collection, transit, fire, libraries, parks, and recreation.
  • Includes normal annual expenses such as staff wages, supplies, fuel, and utilities.
  • Planned annually and guided by each department’s business plan.
  • Funding source: Operating costs are mostly paid for through property taxes, user fees, and government funding.

Capital Budget

  • Covers big, long-term investments in City infrastructure.
  • Funds projects like road repairs, building new community centres, replacing water mains, or buying transit vehicles.
  • These are large, one-time costs that have a benefit lasting more than a year.
  • Planned over multiple years with a long-term outlook.
  • Funding source: Capital projects may use funding from reserves, grants, and development charges.

Why Does it Matter?

The yearly budget is essential to keeping Hamilton running and growing. Mayor and Council work with staff to make decisions that ensure:

  • Quality daily services continue.
  • Long-term investments support the City’s future.

Our Engagement Goals: What are we looking to learn from you?

Your participation matters. Through this engagement, your input will inform how the City invests public funds, so the budget reflects community priorities, addresses real needs, and stays financially responsible, Hamilton faces important choices about how to handle today's challenges, plan for the future, and invest in the services, programs, and infrastructure that shape daily life. When residents, businesses, and community groups share their ideas, it helps City Council make better decisions. Your input ensures the budget reflects what matters most to our community.

Thank you for your participation!

We're collecting information as part of this project

The City of Hamilton collects information under the authority of Sections 227 and 290 of the Municipal Act, 2001. Any personal information collected for the Budget 2026 Engagement Survey will help the City understand residents’ priorities to be considered in the City’s Budget decisions. Information collected for this survey may be stored on servers located in Canada and the United States and may be subject to Canadian and/or American laws.

Questions about collection of this personal information can be directed to the Acting Manager, Community Initiatives and Public Engagement City Manager's Office, 71 Main Street West, 2nd Floor, 905-546-2424 Ext. 5702, budgetengagement@hamilton.ca.

Missed the virtual engagement meeting?

Catch up with the recap video below and send us your questions through the Q&A tool.


Video: 2026 Tax Budget Virtual Engagement - Friday, September 19, 2025
The City of Hamilton hosted a virtual Budget Engagement Session for residents to learn more about the City’s budget planning process, how programs and services are prioritized and have opportunities to share priorities and ask questions.

Thank you for participating!

Here's What We Heard from you as part of Hamilton’s 2026 tax budget engagement.

Update: Mayor Horwath has directed staff to take a “Hold the Line” approach with budget development, aiming to cap the tax increase at 4.25%. This direction reflects what we heard from you: the need to balance affordability and prioritize:

  • Infrastructure renewal
  • Community safety and wellbeing
  • Essential public services

For budget updates, visit Hamilton.ca/2026budget.

What's Next?

Want to share your views on the draft budget?

Upcoming public delegation dates:

  • Water (Rate) Budget and Tax Budget Public Delegations: Monday, November 17, 2025
  • Tax Budget Public Delegations: Monday, January 19, 2026

Have Your Say: Help guide the Mayor's priorities for the 2026 Tax Budget

The City of Hamilton is asking for input from residents, businesses, and community groups to help identify key investment priorities, while balancing the need for affordability in today’s challenging economic climate.

Our Challenge: To meet the needs of as many of our community members as possible, while remaining financially responsible and planning for the future. Your input will help us understand what matters most to you, and how we can continue delivering strong, equitable services within our means.

Understanding the City Budget

The City uses two separate budgets to manage how services are funded:

  • Rate-Supported Budget: Covers water, wastewater, and stormwater services. These are funded through user fees, not property taxes.
  • Tax-Supported Budget: Covers the day-to-day operations of most City services (like transit, fire, parks, and waste collection), as well as major infrastructure projects. This is funded mainly through property taxes and other revenues like grants or user fees for programs.

Keeping these budgets separate helps the City clearly show how different services are funded and ensures accountability for each funding source.

The City of Hamilton is asking for community input to inform the Tax-Supported (tax) budget. The tax budget has two main parts:

Operating Budget

  • Covers the day-to-day costs of running the City.
  • Funds services like garbage collection, transit, fire, libraries, parks, and recreation.
  • Includes normal annual expenses such as staff wages, supplies, fuel, and utilities.
  • Planned annually and guided by each department’s business plan.
  • Funding source: Operating costs are mostly paid for through property taxes, user fees, and government funding.

Capital Budget

  • Covers big, long-term investments in City infrastructure.
  • Funds projects like road repairs, building new community centres, replacing water mains, or buying transit vehicles.
  • These are large, one-time costs that have a benefit lasting more than a year.
  • Planned over multiple years with a long-term outlook.
  • Funding source: Capital projects may use funding from reserves, grants, and development charges.

Why Does it Matter?

The yearly budget is essential to keeping Hamilton running and growing. Mayor and Council work with staff to make decisions that ensure:

  • Quality daily services continue.
  • Long-term investments support the City’s future.

Our Engagement Goals: What are we looking to learn from you?

Your participation matters. Through this engagement, your input will inform how the City invests public funds, so the budget reflects community priorities, addresses real needs, and stays financially responsible, Hamilton faces important choices about how to handle today's challenges, plan for the future, and invest in the services, programs, and infrastructure that shape daily life. When residents, businesses, and community groups share their ideas, it helps City Council make better decisions. Your input ensures the budget reflects what matters most to our community.

Thank you for your participation!

We're collecting information as part of this project

The City of Hamilton collects information under the authority of Sections 227 and 290 of the Municipal Act, 2001. Any personal information collected for the Budget 2026 Engagement Survey will help the City understand residents’ priorities to be considered in the City’s Budget decisions. Information collected for this survey may be stored on servers located in Canada and the United States and may be subject to Canadian and/or American laws.

Questions about collection of this personal information can be directed to the Acting Manager, Community Initiatives and Public Engagement City Manager's Office, 71 Main Street West, 2nd Floor, 905-546-2424 Ext. 5702, budgetengagement@hamilton.ca.

Missed the virtual engagement meeting?

Catch up with the recap video below and send us your questions through the Q&A tool.


Video: 2026 Tax Budget Virtual Engagement - Friday, September 19, 2025
The City of Hamilton hosted a virtual Budget Engagement Session for residents to learn more about the City’s budget planning process, how programs and services are prioritized and have opportunities to share priorities and ask questions.

CLOSED: This discussion has concluded.
  • Share What amount is spent each year on consultants? on Facebook Share What amount is spent each year on consultants? on Twitter Share What amount is spent each year on consultants? on Linkedin Email What amount is spent each year on consultants? link

    What amount is spent each year on consultants?

    Janicecurrie asked 3 months ago
    Between 2019 and 2023, the City of Hamilton spent $185,084,000 on consultants, averaging $37,017,000 per year. These figures were shared in Report FCS24033, presented to the General Issues Committee in July 2024.

    A new report with updated data for 2024 and 2025 is currently in progress and expected to be released in early 2026.
  • Share Seeing that the city is responsible for the cyberattack and the insurers refusing to pay because due diligence wasn't followed by the city, it seems crminial to have taxpayers pay for the result and the city retaining the services of those responsible for the lack of due diligence. Taxpayers may feel better if the city took more responsibility. The city isn't paying for the mistakes, the taxpayers are. on Facebook Share Seeing that the city is responsible for the cyberattack and the insurers refusing to pay because due diligence wasn't followed by the city, it seems crminial to have taxpayers pay for the result and the city retaining the services of those responsible for the lack of due diligence. Taxpayers may feel better if the city took more responsibility. The city isn't paying for the mistakes, the taxpayers are. on Twitter Share Seeing that the city is responsible for the cyberattack and the insurers refusing to pay because due diligence wasn't followed by the city, it seems crminial to have taxpayers pay for the result and the city retaining the services of those responsible for the lack of due diligence. Taxpayers may feel better if the city took more responsibility. The city isn't paying for the mistakes, the taxpayers are. on Linkedin Email Seeing that the city is responsible for the cyberattack and the insurers refusing to pay because due diligence wasn't followed by the city, it seems crminial to have taxpayers pay for the result and the city retaining the services of those responsible for the lack of due diligence. Taxpayers may feel better if the city took more responsibility. The city isn't paying for the mistakes, the taxpayers are. link

    Seeing that the city is responsible for the cyberattack and the insurers refusing to pay because due diligence wasn't followed by the city, it seems crminial to have taxpayers pay for the result and the city retaining the services of those responsible for the lack of due diligence. Taxpayers may feel better if the city took more responsibility. The city isn't paying for the mistakes, the taxpayers are.

    TheNit asked 3 months ago
    Thank you for submitting your comment. In response to the 2024 cyber incident, the City of Hamilton has made significant organizational and staffing changes to the City’s IT department including the creation of Chief Information Officer that reports directly to the City Manager and Senior Leadership. In addition, the City has hired a new Chief Information Security Officer (CISO) to oversee the City’s Cybersecurity program. Following the incident the City brought in a 3rd party external consultant to review its cyber maturity and make recommendation.  

    The City’s independent Office of the Auditor General is currently conducting a follow-up audit via the use of third-party external cybersecurity audit experts. Findings of that follow-up audit will be presented to the City Finance and Audit Committee as that work is completed. The City will ensure any shortcoming further identified by the audit will be addressed as part of its continuing cyber resiliency program. The City has renewed its cyber insurance policy and has addressed the requirements of the insurer in order to obtain that renewal.
  • Share Its hard to respond to how to balance the budge based on broad categories without understanding what they involve. ?Legislative expenses - I could say reduce that, but legally is that even an option? Probably not. on Facebook Share Its hard to respond to how to balance the budge based on broad categories without understanding what they involve. ?Legislative expenses - I could say reduce that, but legally is that even an option? Probably not. on Twitter Share Its hard to respond to how to balance the budge based on broad categories without understanding what they involve. ?Legislative expenses - I could say reduce that, but legally is that even an option? Probably not. on Linkedin Email Its hard to respond to how to balance the budge based on broad categories without understanding what they involve. ?Legislative expenses - I could say reduce that, but legally is that even an option? Probably not. link

    Its hard to respond to how to balance the budge based on broad categories without understanding what they involve. ?Legislative expenses - I could say reduce that, but legally is that even an option? Probably not.

    drcjrogers asked 2 months ago
    We appreciate your feedback. The Balancing Act Tool has been designed to reflect major program areas or expenditure groups. Municipal Budgeting involves a combination of both expenses that can be controlled and those that cannot be controlled. Expenses that the City can control include revenues that city leaders (e.g., council, mayor, city manager) can influence through local decisions. This usually happens through policies, staffing and service level delivery. Expenses that the City are unable to control are generally fixed and may be required by higher levels of government or are outside of a city’s local control.

    The Legislative grouping in the Balancing Act Tool includes expenditures associated with the Mayor's Office, Ward Offices and Volunteer Committees. These services are required under provincial legislation and are not easily reduced without service impacts.
  • Share I have a concern about our current plans for investments in supported housing/shelter beds. What's to stop people from other districts coming to Hamilton to access those services? There was a quote in the paper some months back (I think around an incident of violence) where one of the people interviewed said that he'd come to Hamilton from Toronto because he heard there were shelter beds available. Isn't it possible that no matter how much we pour into this problem, if other districts don't make similar investments that no matter how much we invest we'll just end up with the same number of people requiring services? on Facebook Share I have a concern about our current plans for investments in supported housing/shelter beds. What's to stop people from other districts coming to Hamilton to access those services? There was a quote in the paper some months back (I think around an incident of violence) where one of the people interviewed said that he'd come to Hamilton from Toronto because he heard there were shelter beds available. Isn't it possible that no matter how much we pour into this problem, if other districts don't make similar investments that no matter how much we invest we'll just end up with the same number of people requiring services? on Twitter Share I have a concern about our current plans for investments in supported housing/shelter beds. What's to stop people from other districts coming to Hamilton to access those services? There was a quote in the paper some months back (I think around an incident of violence) where one of the people interviewed said that he'd come to Hamilton from Toronto because he heard there were shelter beds available. Isn't it possible that no matter how much we pour into this problem, if other districts don't make similar investments that no matter how much we invest we'll just end up with the same number of people requiring services? on Linkedin Email I have a concern about our current plans for investments in supported housing/shelter beds. What's to stop people from other districts coming to Hamilton to access those services? There was a quote in the paper some months back (I think around an incident of violence) where one of the people interviewed said that he'd come to Hamilton from Toronto because he heard there were shelter beds available. Isn't it possible that no matter how much we pour into this problem, if other districts don't make similar investments that no matter how much we invest we'll just end up with the same number of people requiring services? link

    I have a concern about our current plans for investments in supported housing/shelter beds. What's to stop people from other districts coming to Hamilton to access those services? There was a quote in the paper some months back (I think around an incident of violence) where one of the people interviewed said that he'd come to Hamilton from Toronto because he heard there were shelter beds available. Isn't it possible that no matter how much we pour into this problem, if other districts don't make similar investments that no matter how much we invest we'll just end up with the same number of people requiring services?

    drcjrogers asked 2 months ago
    Thank you for your inquiry. You highlight an issue that is at the forefront of our system planning.  Investment in supportive and permanent housing options remains the priority for investment. At the same time, we recognize the need to create a safety net of emergency supports for Hamilton’s current needs. The City has invested in an expansion of shelter spaces in recent years, however prior to this the number of beds was stagnant for decades. This recent investment reflects the need to have an emergency response system that better reflects current demand.
    Similar to Hamilton, most Municipalities do not have a process that precludes individuals new to the City from accessing emergency supports.  Data over the last several years show that there is generally an equivalent number of individuals leaving the City compared to those entering the City and accessing supports.
  • Share Is Stoney Creek no longer a part of the city of Hamilton, or is it only a part when Ms. Horwath wants to use HER SUPER POWERS. Why is there no location in Stoney Creek for your tax "Have a say"? on Facebook Share Is Stoney Creek no longer a part of the city of Hamilton, or is it only a part when Ms. Horwath wants to use HER SUPER POWERS. Why is there no location in Stoney Creek for your tax "Have a say"? on Twitter Share Is Stoney Creek no longer a part of the city of Hamilton, or is it only a part when Ms. Horwath wants to use HER SUPER POWERS. Why is there no location in Stoney Creek for your tax "Have a say"? on Linkedin Email Is Stoney Creek no longer a part of the city of Hamilton, or is it only a part when Ms. Horwath wants to use HER SUPER POWERS. Why is there no location in Stoney Creek for your tax "Have a say"? link

    Is Stoney Creek no longer a part of the city of Hamilton, or is it only a part when Ms. Horwath wants to use HER SUPER POWERS. Why is there no location in Stoney Creek for your tax "Have a say"?

    Wonderwhy asked 3 months ago

    The “Have Your Say on Taxes” engagement session locations and dates were chosen to reflect a geographic balance across our City, ensuring both urban and rural wards were represented. While not every neighbourhood had an in-person session, all residents, including those in Stoney Creek, were invited to attend one of six in-person meetings, one virtual meeting or through online engagement at Engage Hamilton. Thank you for sharing your comments – we will take them into consideration when planning future City-wide engagement activities.

  • Share Suggested tax hike for 2026 is between 6.6 and 8.9%. Inflation rate in Canada is currently 1.9%. Why is tax hike 3.47 to 4.68 times higher than the inflation rate? on Facebook Share Suggested tax hike for 2026 is between 6.6 and 8.9%. Inflation rate in Canada is currently 1.9%. Why is tax hike 3.47 to 4.68 times higher than the inflation rate? on Twitter Share Suggested tax hike for 2026 is between 6.6 and 8.9%. Inflation rate in Canada is currently 1.9%. Why is tax hike 3.47 to 4.68 times higher than the inflation rate? on Linkedin Email Suggested tax hike for 2026 is between 6.6 and 8.9%. Inflation rate in Canada is currently 1.9%. Why is tax hike 3.47 to 4.68 times higher than the inflation rate? link

    Suggested tax hike for 2026 is between 6.6 and 8.9%. Inflation rate in Canada is currently 1.9%. Why is tax hike 3.47 to 4.68 times higher than the inflation rate?

    Ilya asked 3 months ago
    The figure of 8.9% presented in September was part of the annual forecast the City prepares for Council. The budget has not been developed yet, and as a result, there is no finalized tax increase. While inflation is one contributor to the forecast, the forecast also highlights the importance of investing in years of underfunded infrastructure improvements, rising service demands, and legal obligations. Additional considerations include:

    Rising Operating Costs:
    $44.6 million to maintain current staffing and service levels across City departments
    $11.7 million in increased funding for Boards and Agencies (like police, libraries, and public health)
    $10.5 million for new costs tied to past capital projects
    $3.9 million for Year 10 of the Transit Strategy
    $3.7 million for housing maintenance
    $1.7 million to fully fund 2025 priority investments
    Capital Costs are also increasing.
    $10 million to cover new debt payments
    $9.5 million to close the transportation infrastructure funding gap
    $7.5 million for other infrastructure shortfalls
    $3.6 million for development charge exemptions required by law
  • Share Will the police budget be held accountable for the first time in years, or will the same old "bending to their will" occur as per usual? on Facebook Share Will the police budget be held accountable for the first time in years, or will the same old "bending to their will" occur as per usual? on Twitter Share Will the police budget be held accountable for the first time in years, or will the same old "bending to their will" occur as per usual? on Linkedin Email Will the police budget be held accountable for the first time in years, or will the same old "bending to their will" occur as per usual? link

    Will the police budget be held accountable for the first time in years, or will the same old "bending to their will" occur as per usual?

    Seth asked 3 months ago

    The Hamilton Police Services Board controls the police budget. They decide how the money is spent and approve the details. City Council only votes on the total amount - they can’t change specific items like salaries, equipment, or legal costs. Once approved, the full budget is posted online, including operating and capital costs.

  • Share Why is a detailed police budget not provided to the public. How can we make an informed opinion when there is no full financial disclosure. A full audit of their books is necessary before they receive another dime! on Facebook Share Why is a detailed police budget not provided to the public. How can we make an informed opinion when there is no full financial disclosure. A full audit of their books is necessary before they receive another dime! on Twitter Share Why is a detailed police budget not provided to the public. How can we make an informed opinion when there is no full financial disclosure. A full audit of their books is necessary before they receive another dime! on Linkedin Email Why is a detailed police budget not provided to the public. How can we make an informed opinion when there is no full financial disclosure. A full audit of their books is necessary before they receive another dime! link

    Why is a detailed police budget not provided to the public. How can we make an informed opinion when there is no full financial disclosure. A full audit of their books is necessary before they receive another dime!

    Daniel z asked 3 months ago

    The Hamilton Police Services Board prepares an annual budget in line with Ontario’s policing laws and the Boards strategic priorities. The budget is presented to Hamilton City Council each January for their approval. However, the City cannot change specific line items within the budget. Once it is approved by City Council, the Hamilton Police Services Board provides a detailed budget to the public, including operating and capital costs. Annual budget reports and presentations are available by visiting the Police Services Board website.

Page last updated: 14 Nov 2025, 11:28 AM