Oakville releases staff-prepared draft 2025 Budget and invites public input

Staff present budget with a 3.92 per cent overall tax increase

At the Town of Oakville Budget Committee meeting held yesterday, staff presented their draft 2025 operating and capital budgets. Staff also presented the forecasted operating increase for 2026 and 2027 and the 2025-2034 capital forecast. The staff-prepared draft budget serves as a key focus for public consultation leading up to December 5 when the proposed 2025 Budget will be provided by the Mayor to Town Council.  

The staff-prepared draft 2025 budget has a 5.95 per cent increase to the town’s portion of the tax levy, for an overall property tax increase of 3.92 per cent when combined with the projected regional and educational tax levies. The 3.92 per cent increase aligns with the Mayoral direction to staff to keep the overall increase up to four per cent. If adopted, it would see residential property taxes increase by $31.19 per $100,000 of assessment, meaning that the owner of a home assessed at $800,000 would pay an additional $249.52 per year or $4.80 per week.

The town’s draft 2025 Operating Budget of $437 million will support the delivery of a wide range of programs and services, including maintenance of roads and community facilities, fire services, transit, parks and trails, recreation and culture, seniors’ services, libraries, and others. 

The Budget Committee also received the draft 2025 Capital Budget of $202.1 million to support infrastructure renewal, growth, and program initiatives. Some of the capital projects for 2025 include:

• $14.9 million for new parks, parkettes and trails, and to rehabilitate existing parks
• $27.5 million for bus replacement, expansion and major refurbishments of existing buses  
• $12.5 million for Fire Station 4 renovation and expansion 
• $7.2 million for various parking lot, driveway, and facility-related maintenance and improvements 
• $7.1 million for replacement of ice rink “A” at River Oaks Community Centre, and rehabilitation of Falgarwood outdoor pool 
• $6.2 million for the road resurfacing and preservation program 
• $6.3 million for traffic management, traffic signal program, traffic calming and road safety program to promote safe travel and pedestrian safety     
• $4.3 million to protect and grow the tree canopy and natural environment  
• $4.3 million for Towne Square rehabilitation

The budget process also includes a review of the town’s rates and fees for programs and services (such as transit fares and recreation and culture program fees). The draft 2025 Rates and Fees are available on the Rates and Fees page for public review. 

Key dates

• Until November 25: Budget Committee to consult with residents on draft budget
• November 12 and 14: Public delegations at Budget Committee 
• November 28: Budget Committee recommendations to Mayor 
• December 5: Mayor to provide proposed 2025 Budget 
• December 12: Public delegations on Mayor's proposed budget
• December 19: Special Council Meeting to consider the proposed 2025 Budget

Get involved

Public input on the staff-prepared draft budget can be provided to the Mayor or respective Councillors, emailed to budget@oakville.ca, or by delegating to Budget Committee meetings that are also broadcast on the town’s YouTube channel. 

Visit the Budget Documents page for more information, including departmental presentations which will be posted this week.

Quotes

“Balancing affordability, growth and economic conditions while investing in our Strategic Plan priorities are crucial to ensuring Oakville’s livability and vibrancy. I invite the community to have their say on the draft budget to help Council shape our 2025 Budget.”  
–  Mayor Rob Burton

 "The budget process is one of the most important duties we have as a Council, but it can also be one of the most confusing for the general public. I hope that, through initiatives to involve public dialogue, we can create a clear, comprehensive and well-considered budget for 2025."
–  Town Councillor Marc Grant, 2025 Budget Committee Chair

“We’re building an attractive and thriving Oakville for our current and future population. We welcome public feedback on the many priorities in this budget – from greenspaces and recreation to strengthening infrastructure and climate resiliency.” 
–  Town and Regional Councillor Tom Adams, 2025 Budget Committee Vice Chair