Stephen Dasko

More than 200 services and programs that residents rely on every day – from transit and libraries to snow clearing and parks – are made possible by the City’s budget and property taxes. The City of Mississauga’s proposed 2026–2029 Business Plan & 2026 Budget document is now available online at mississauga.ca/budget for public review and comments.

The proposed 2026–2029 Business Plan & 2026 Budget document responds to taxpayer concerns about affordability and the rising cost of living by placing greater focus on maximizing savings and efficiencies to reduce the tax impact. Using tactics like deferring expenses, cutting budgets and increasing revenue, staff were able to identify $17.4 million in budgeted savings. This helped offset the overall 2026 Budget increase by 2.33 per cent.

As part of the proposed 2026 Budget, a one-year reduction in the Capital Infrastructure & Debt Repayment Levy is proposed, from three to one per cent, while ensuring that important infrastructure repairs are carried out. Staff are also proposing a one-year pause on the one per cent levy of the Public Safety Fire Program.

With all of these efforts in place, City staff have been able to mitigate the forecasted budget increase for 2026. If adopted, the City’s portion of the tax increase will be 1.61 per cent. When combined with the Region of Peel’s 3.60 per cent portion of the tax bill, the overall property tax increase for 2026 is proposed to be 5.21 per cent, which is four per cent less than the 2025 increase.

How the budget is built

Mississauga plans and budgets for activities and programs through three planning horizons: the current budget year, in this case 2026; the three-year operating forecast, 2027–2029; and the 10-year capital plan, 2026–2035. This multi-year approach allows the City to respond to political, economic, social and environmental circumstances. Effective planning through all horizons ensures that the City:

• Delivers value for tax dollars, with a focus on continuous improvement.
• Is fiscally responsible; manages resources efficiently and effectively.
• Invests in the future to enhance the quality of life that residents enjoy today.

Public input received throughout the year, and recently at the ward town halls also helps shape the priorities in the City’s budget.

2026 Budget delivers value with purpose

From every property tax dollar collected, the City gets to keep only 37 cents, while 48 cents goes to the Region of Peel for police and other costs, and 15 cents goes to the Government of Ontario for education.

The City’s 37 cents is used to deliver high-quality programs, services and amenities, including:

• Parkland and hybrid bus acquisitions (78 buses planned).
• Ongoing construction to renovate South Common Community Centre and Library, anticipated to re-open by the end of 2027 with new amenities including a new aquatics centre, new gymnasium and an updated library.
• Roadway rehabilitation across the city and the Ninth Line widening project.
• Design of new Fire Stations 127 (Lorne Park) and 128 (North Lakeview), both targeted to open in 2029.
• Construction of the new Glenforest Youth Hub, targeted to open in Q3 2027.
• A wide variety of recreation programs for all ages and abilities.
• Free fitness memberships for residents 65+ and free fares for seniors and children up to age 12 who use PRESTO.
• Fire and emergency services, including fire prevention and education programs.
• Expanded winter maintenance, including citywide windrow and sidewalk clearing.
• Important maintenance work on roads, bridges, parks, stormwater systems and trails
• Flood prevention and relief assistance, more fuel-efficient and energy-saving solutions in transit

Review the Budget Highlights page on in the proposed 2026 Budget document for more details.

Have your say

The budget plays a significant role in shaping our city, so it’s important that residents, businesses and community groups take the time to read and understand it.  All feedback can be communicated to the City in the following ways:

• In-person: Attend Budget Committee meetings to ask questions or provide comments. Register in advance to speak at any of the Budget Committee meetings which will be held at Mississauga City Hall – Council Chambers, second floor, 300 City Centre Dr. on:
  • Monday, January 12 at 9:30 a.m.
  • Tuesday, January 13 at 9:30 a.m. and 6 p.m.
  • Monday, January 19 and Tuesday, January 20 (if required) at 9:30 a.m.
• By email: Budget feedback can also be shared directly with the Mayor, a Ward Councillor or emailed to budget@mississauga.ca.
• By phone: To provide feedback by phone, call 311 or contact the Mayor or your Ward Councillor.

For those who can’t attend in person, Budget Committee meetings will also be live streamed.

Budget adoption

Following discussions at Budget Committee meetings, proposed amendments will be discussed at the Wednesday, January 28 Council meeting at 9:30 a.m.

Budget resources

Use these resources to get budget-savvy. Learn what makes up the budget, what types of City infrastructure is included, how much property taxes are collected and how they are used:

• Understanding your 2025 taxes
• How the City budget works
• How the City gets money
• How the City spends money
• What infrastructure is owned and maintained by the City
• Why infrastructure matters
• What’s important to know about taxes

Learn more at mississauga.ca/budget.

“Mississauga’s 2026 Budget places taxpayers at the heart of our efforts to find cost savings, deliver the high-quality programs that our residents rely on and takes a purposeful pause on non-essential investments to give respite to taxpayers in these difficult economic times. As we continue to deliver the services our residents have come to expect, City Council is committed to saving every dollar possible and making solid spending decisions. This new budget – along with the longer-term vision of our 2026–2029 Business Plan – meet the future growth and needs of our community.”

– Mayor Carolyn Parrish