​​​BRAMPTON, ON (February 26, 2019) – Building momentum as a major urban player, Brampton’s 2019-2021 Proposed Budget focuses on creating opportunities for economic growth, delivering superior programs and services that contribute to quality of life, and continuing efficiencies as a well-run city.

The City of Brampton has released its 2019-2021 Proposed Budget for public review and comments. 
 
All input received will be considered during budget deliberations beginning March 18, with final approval by City Council on March 27.

Highlights of the 2019-2021 Proposed Budget

• Increasing Brampton Transit’s fleet by 16 per cent over three years, adding 46 conventional buses and 25 Züm buses. 
• Constructing a new fire station in Northwest Brampton; updating fire apparatus and equipment for a more reliable response force.
• Revitalizing Chris Gibson, Howden, and Balmoral Recreation Centres; upgrading Chinguacousy Wellness Centre; converting Riverstone Golf Club into a 34,000 square foot Community Centre.
• Creating a new Marketing and Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) Program; and a Community Improvement Program to incentivize the economic sectors identified in Brampton’s Economic Development Master Plan.
• Working towards establishing a Centre for Innovation and Connected Learning.
• Implementing an Environmental Assessment and Urban Design Master Plan for the Riverwalk project.
• Introducing a one per cent Transit Dedicated Levy (equivalent to $23 on the average annual tax bill) to provide a dedicated, stable source of funding for future Transit growth needs.  

Even with the Infrastructure Levy and the proposed Transit Levy, the net budget increase of 0.8 per cent on the City’s portion is the lowest in almost 20 years. For taxpayers, the combined property tax increase on their tax bill will be 1.4 per cent in 2019. This includes tax increases by the City (0.3%), the Region of Peel (1.1%) and the School Boards (0%).  

Public feedback opportunities

• Ask a question or provide a comment using the online contact form or email 2019Budget@brampton.ca. 
• Call 311 to submit your question. 
• Participate in a Telephone Town Hall on March 4 from 6 to 7 pm, where a random selection of phone numbers will be called. To add your phone number to the call list, sign up on the City website by March 3.
• Attend Budget Committee meetings at City Hall on March 18 (9:30 am to 5 pm) and March 20 (3 to 7 pm). Overflow dates are March 25 (9:30 am to 12 pm) and March 26 (9:30 am to 5 pm).
• Attend a Special Council meeting on March 27 (7-10 pm), when City Council is set to approve the budget.
• Submit a delegation request to attend Budget Committee or the Budget approval Council meeting.

Quote

“Brampton is witnessing rapid growth, and it is our responsibility to deliver a Budget that plans adequately for growth demands while maximizing value to taxpayers. The City’s portion of the proposed net budget increase is the lowest in almost 20 years, but still manages to offer an expanded suite of services, programs and amenities. Public input is vital to Budget deliberations and we welcome residents, businesses and community groups to help inform Council as we begin Budget discussions on March 18.”
- Mayor Patrick Brown