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City of Hamilton to present 2026 Budget Outlook report
The City of Hamilton will be commencing preliminary budget discussions today with the release of its 2026 Budget Outlook report.
Preliminary numbers show an 8.9 per cent tax hike. The report says this would cover costs to maintain service, keep up with inflation and invest in council priorities.
One of the highest driving factors for the forecasted number is employee-related costs, which is estimated to be $44.6 million.
There is a possibility that council could get that number down to 6.6 per cent if they pause items such as infrastructure funding.
There’s also an item on the agenda to consider an inflationary budget increase of 2.5 per cent. However, the staff report says that would require $83.2 million in cuts from the plan on the table.
Last year’s budget saw a tax hike of 5.6 per cent and 2024 saw a bump of nearly 5.8 per cent.
Mayor Andrea Horwath released a statement yesterday ahead of the process stressing that the budget is in its early stages.
#HamOnt Please see the following Statement regarding the City of Hamilton 2026 Budget Process
On September 11th, City of Hamilton staff will present the 2026 Budget Outlook report, which is simply the starting point of budget discussions. Where the budget begins is not where it… pic.twitter.com/PEmLdA8ytb— Andrea Horwath (@AndreaHorwath) September 10, 2025
The City is inviting residents to share their priorities starting on Monday until Oct. 10.
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