BRAMPTON,: The City of Brampton’s draft 2023 Budget is now available for input, ideas and feedback. The proposed budget highlights many key city building projects and community safety and wellbeing priorities, all while keeping the tax rate increase below inflation levels, at a proposed 2.9 per cent on the city portion of the tax bill. The budget includes a record $134 million contribution to reserves, while building on and continuing the support for historic healthcare investments, including a second hospital and a new cancer care centre.
To deliver existing City programs and services, keep infrastructure at sustainable levels and prepare for future growth, the City’s proposal to the Budget Committee is a 2.9 per cent property tax increase for City services. If approved, the 2023 property tax bill will show a 2.9 per cent property tax increase for City services, 2.8 per cent for Region of Peel services and 0 per cent for School Boards for a total of 5.7 per cent. The property tax increase would be $321 on the average household residential property in Brampton.
Each year, the City of Brampton’s annual budget identifies priorities, goals and initiatives that ensure that the City is investing in the priorities that matter to residents. A recent tele town hall saw residents indicate that healthcare, low taxes, community safety, and recreation were key priorities for their tax dollars.
Key highlights:
Community Infrastructure
• $492 million investment in Capital projects
• $21 million over three years toward downtown revitalization
Healthcare
• Continuation of the hospital levy to support the construction of a second hospital for Brampton and a new cancer care centre
Transit
• $210M towards the electrification of Brampton’s new third transit facility as well as the electrification retrofit of Brampton’s Sandalwood transit facility
• $15.4 million for Züm service expansion along the Chinguacousy Road corridor
Community Safety &
Emergency Services
• Over $650,000 to deliver the Community Safety Action Plan
• $8 million toward new fire equipment and vehicles
• 24 new full-time firefighters
Sport & Recreation Investments
• $24 million to redevelop the Howden Recreation Centre, including the construction of a new sports field
• $9 million to develop cricket, soccer, tennis fields and buildings at Gore Meadows
The proposed 2023 City of Brampton Budget documents can be found here.
Members of the public are invited to continue to engage throughout the budget process as the city hosts a series of telephone town halls, ward-specific coffee chats and a business roundtable.
Those partaking will have the opportunity to share their thoughts on community priorities, ask questions of City staff and offer ideas as Mayor and Councillors work through the 2023 Budget.
Save the dates
• Ward Coffee Chats – February 24, and March 2, 2023
• Telephone Town Hall #2 – February 25, 2023 at 12 pm
Further details are available at www.brampton.ca/budget and on the City of Brampton’s Twitter, Facebook and Instagram.
Budget 2023 timeline
Deliberations will begin on February 27, 2023, with budget approval planned for March 8, 2023. For more information on the City of Brampton’s 2023 Budget, visit www.brampton.ca/budget.
Mayor Patrick Brown said: “People are at the heart of everything we do, and this proposed budget proves just that. Healthcare and community safety are incredibly important pillars in our City’s progress. . Our investments are being met with equally impressive growth, as we’ve secured the GTA’s first new medical school in 100 years. While working through this process, we want to know what’s important to you and how we can build the Brampton of the future – together.”
Paul Vicente, Regional Councillor, Wards 1 and 5; Vice Chair, Budget Committee, said: “The City’s budget is our guide to maintaining the service levels our community deserves and investing in City-building for our future. Year after year, this collaborative process allows us the opportunity to hear from residents and respond to community needs. I am proud of where we’re at and look forward to hearing from the people of Brampton.”
Marlon Kallideen, Chief Administrative Officer, said: “Brampton’s Proposed 2023 Budget follows a balanced approach, that allows us to continue providing service to those who call Brampton home. Public input is crucial, and we’ve built the budget around desired community priorities of investing in healthcare, community safety, low taxes and recreation amenities. I encourage everyone to take the time to share their thoughts as we navigate another year with many achievements on the horizon.”