Brampton City Council approves 2021 Budget with third consecutive tax freeze and record contribution to reserves

The Voice of Canada News:

​BRAMPTON, ON – Brampton City Council unanimously approved the City of Brampton’s 2021 Budget at a Special Council.

This is the third consecutive year that this Term of Council will deliver a 0% property tax increase to fund the City’s Budget while making a record contribution of $114M to reserves.  

Alongside the third consecutive tax freeze, the City continues to invest in infrastructure and transit through dedicated levies and a record contribution to reserves in this budget, ensuring sustainability in its asset base and meeting growing demands for transit. The contribution to reserves also includes the stormwater charge revenue, resulting in a $114M investment in capital works through the 2021 budget.

The COVID-19 pandemic has greatly affected residents and businesses, and the 2021 Budget aims to support and strengthen our community as a result. This Budget focuses on a lower baseline budget to maintain service levels, and timely investments to build a connected, vibrant, green, and healthy and safe city that nurtures economic growth opportunities.

By the numbers

• The approved 2021 Budget will result in a 0% property tax freeze on the City’s portion of the tax bill 
• The City’s net operating expenditures are increasing by $13.4M. This will be funded through assessment growth and a lower baseline budget. 
• The total 2021 Budget is $1.2B, consisting of a $767M Operating budget (Staff salaries, maintenance, utilities, reserves) and a $476M Capital budget (Purchase, major repair and replacement of assets: roads, buildings, etc.).
• The City’s Budget includes the largest-ever annual contribution of $114M to City reserves, strengthening financial position and preparing for future contingencies and emergencies, and supporting infrastructure and transit

Highlights

• $26.1M over three years as part of City investment with the Riverwalk project in downtown Brampton to boost economic opportunities and mitigate flood risks 
• $10M to support healthy community living
• $1.5M over three years to implement the Environmental Master Plan, to expedite the implementation of climate change, sustainability, and natural heritage priorities
• $250,000 to continue the Community Garden and Backyard Garden Programs, eco-friendly initiatives to help support food security 
• Eight replacement buses to maintain fleet reliability; 40 new transit shelters; $175M towards third transit maintenance and storage facility to meet future growth
• Strengthening the Innovation District in downtown Brampton by attracting activity through: Brampton Entrepreneur Centre, Rogers Cybersecure Catalyst, Ryerson Venture Zone, Research Innovation and Commercialization Centre
• Strengthening Enforcement resources to keeping our community safe and responsive to increased demand in service

Shaped by the community

The City invited the public to provide their input on the 2021 Budget, including by email, phone, and a telephone town hall that engaged approximately 7,850 participants. The City also heard from many residents, organizations and stakeholders that presented to the Budget Committee in November.

Quotes

“With financial responsibility top of mind, we will deliver Brampton’s third consecutive tax freeze to support our community through the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. The 2021 Budget also maintains a record contribution to reserves to keep up the investment momentum in priorities that shape our future, such as transportation, sustainability, economic growth, and healthy living.”- Patrick Brown, Mayor, City of Brampton; Chair, Budget Committee

“The people of Brampton made their choice clear about the importance of maintaining service levels and keeping their tax bill affordable. We engaged with more than 7,850 participants during our budget process and focused on delivering the best value for our citizens and excellence in the services we provide for our diverse, vibrant community.”- Paul Vicente, Regional Councillor, Wards 1&5; Vice-Chair, Budget Committee

“The City’s strong financial position was a driving factor in our efforts to maximize value for taxpayers. The 2021 Budget makes robust investments for our community’s wellbeing and economic prospects now and into the future. I thank staff for being agile and responsive to ensuring that the investments align with Term of Council priorities.” – David Barrick, Chief Administrative Officer, City of Brampton