Oakville Council adopts 2025 Budget to build a more vibrant, livable town

Oakville Town Council unanimously adopted the 2025 Budget with an overall property tax increase of 4.91 per cent, inclusive of town, regional and educational taxes, making this the lowest increase among neighbouring municipalities.  

For every tax dollar collected by Oakville, the town receives 43 per cent, while 38 per cent goes to Halton Region and 19 per cent towards educational services. 

A key driver of the town’s tax increase is Halton Region’s budget which included a 14.3 per cent rise for police services before assessment growth of 1.8 per cent. This resulted in a 6.18 per cent tax increase for the region, a 6 per cent increase for the town, and no change to the education budget. Combined, they represent a 4.91 per cent tax increase for Oakville property owners, which is approximately $39.10 per $100,000 of assessed property value.

Key investments 

Oakville’s 2025 Operating Budget of $437.1 million will help maintain all programs and services such as recreation and culture, seniors services, libraries, fire services, transit, parks, and trails. The town’s Capital Budget of $202.2 million will support infrastructure renewal, growth, and program initiatives. Together, they are focused on Council’s four key strategic priorities – preparing for growth, delivering excellence in services, ensuring environmental sustainability and enhancing community belonging for everyone. 

Key investments include:

• $17.7 million for replacement and major refurbishment of Transit vehicles
• $14.9 million for new parks, parkettes, trails, and renewal of existing parks 
• $12.5 million for the renovation and expansion of Fire Station 4
• $7.2 million for parking lot, driveway, and facility-related maintenance and improvements
• $6.2 million for road resurfacing and preservation
• $5.7 million for River Oaks Community Centre Ice Rink “A” replacement
• $4.3 million to protect and grow the tree canopy and natural environment
• $4.3 million for the rehabilitation of Towne Square 
• $600,000 in efficiencies to be created over the next two years
• $85,000 to fund Free Care-a-Van transit service for persons with disabilities, beginning spring 2025

Background - How will the 2025 Budget be used?  

For every tax dollar collected by Oakville, the town receives 43 per cent, which is used to fund more than 60 programs and services.  

Every $100 of taxes collected by the town are used for many types of expenses. Seven key areas that account for 90 per cent of expenses are:  

• 22 per cent for infrastructure renewal 
• 18 per cent for emergency services 
• 15 per cent for Oakville Transit 
• 12 per cent for road networks 
• 10 per cent for parks and open space 
• 8 per cent for recreation and culture 
• 5 per cent for Oakville Public Library

A full list of expenditures is available on the Budget Highlights document, and itemized details are in the Budget Document available on the Budget Documents page. 

Quotes

“Oakville’s total property tax increase of 4.91 per cent remains the lowest among our neighbouring municipalities, demonstrating our commitment to fiscal responsibility. Together, we’ve developed a budget that not only advances the town’s strategic priorities but also invests in parks, trails, and the amenities that make Oakville Ontario’s most livable community.”

- Mayor Rob Burton

“After many months of collaborative discussions, we are pleased to deliver a budget that will help improve the access and experience of town services and programs. I thank the many voices that helped us prioritize investments to ensure a more livable Oakville.” 

- Town Councillor Marc Grant, 2025 Budget Committee Chair

“The 2025 Budget will strengthen the town’s offerings and make smart investments that build our town now and in the future. From parks and transit to recreational programs and important infrastructure upgrades, this budget enhances key priorities that our community values.”  

- Town and Regional Councillor Tom Adams, 2025 Budget Committee Vice Chair