The City of Brantford has confirmed the City Services portion of its 2026 Operating and Capital Budgets, underscoring a fiscally disciplined approach as the community continues to expand.
The decision followed Monday’s meeting of the Estimates Committee, where staff presented the third year of the City’s four-year budget plan.
As part of the multi-year budget adopted in 2024, Council is required to validate each subsequent year of the plan.
For 2026, staff delivered an operating budget that comes in below the previously approved Year 3 target, citing careful cost controls, strategic use of reserves, and efficiency gains across departments.
The 2026 base City Services operating budget is confirmed at 3.71% after assessment growth, lower than the 3.80% target set at the outset of the 2024–2027 budget cycle.
Staff noted that the result was achieved despite lower assessment growth, rising benefit premiums, inflationary pressures, and labour-related costs.
With Council’s approval of Phase 2 of the Transit Service Enhancements, the 2026 operating budget for City Services is confirmed at 4.66% after assessment growth.
A review of second-quarter financial trends allowed staff to identify savings in areas such as winter control, organic processing, and higher-than-expected revenues from parking, landfill tipping fees, and interest income.
These savings helped offset unplanned pressures without reducing service levels.
The operating budget also includes funding for the new Southwest Community Centre and Park, slated to open in fall 2026, and additional investments in the Shared Social Services budget to maintain service levels amid increasing caseloads and a growing housing portfolio.
The 2026 City Services capital budget totals $165.4 million, supported through development charges, reserves, grants, the Canada Community Building Fund, and debt remaining within Council-approved limits.
More than three-quarters of capital projects remain on schedule, with timeline adjustments made only in response to escalating construction costs or staffing constraints.
Major capital allocations for 2026 include a new affordable housing development at 687 Colborne Street, rehabilitation of the Lorne Bridge, and redevelopment of the Earl Ave Operational Services facility.
Funding is also committed to address nitrate levels in source water by finalizing the design and Municipal Class EA for a Reverse Osmosis process at the Water Plant.
Road Restoration and Rehabilitation accounts for $13 million, while $26 million is earmarked for the Downtown Infrastructure Revitalization and Renewal Program.
“Ensuring Brantford remains affordable while continuing to grow is a central priority of Council,” said Chief Administrative Officer Michael Bradley.
“The staff recommended 2026 City Services Budget reflects a disciplined, financial approach meeting community needs, modernizing transit, and responsibly planning while keeping the City portion of the budget increase below forecast.”
On December 1, 2025, the Estimates Committee will review budgets submitted by local boards and agencies.
The Mayor’s Proposed Budget is scheduled for release on January 9, 2026. Residents can find further information at brantford.ca/CityBudget.
