Brampton City Council unanimously approved the 2023 Operating and Capital Budgets at a Special Council Meeting yesterday.
The approved budget includes a $496 million investment in Capital projects, and another record contribution of $134 million to reserves, while building on and continuing the support for historic health care investments, including a second hospital and a new cancer care centre.
The approved Operating budget of $845 million results in a 2.9 per cent increase for City services on the City portion of the property tax bill, or the equivalent of $177 per average household. Combined with increases of 2.8 per cent for Region of Peel, and 0 per cent for School Boards. The total property tax increase equates to $321 on the average household residential property in Brampton.
2023 Budget Highlights
Infrastructure Contributions
• $21 million over three years toward downtown revitalization
• $3.5 million to establish an Environmental Education Centre / Animal Shelter with program space for veterans and first responders
• $2.6 million for an arts and culture hub
Health Care: Our Fair Share
• Continuation of the hospital levy to support the construction of a second hospital for Brampton and a new cancer care centre
• $4.9 million annual contribution
• $20 million support for new Toronto Metropolitan University medical school
Transit and Climate Change
• $210 million toward the electrification of Brampton’s new third transit facility, and the electrification retrofit of Brampton’s existing Sandalwood transit facility
• $15.4 million for Züm service expansion along the Chinguacousy Road corridor
Community Safety and Well-being
• 24 new full-time firefighters
• More than $650,000 to deliver the Community Safety Action Plan
• $8 million toward new fire equipment and vehicles
• $1.2 million toward traffic calming measures
Parks and Recreation
• $24 million to develop the Embleton Recreation Centre
• $9 million to develop cricket, soccer, tennis fields and buildings at Gore Meadows
• $1.2 million for the Urban Forest Canopy Program, supporting City’s One Million Trees program
• $13.25 million for existing and new parks across the city
Arts & Culture
• $2.6M toward consultation and design of a new arts & culture centre at Flower City Community Campus
• $350,000 for Performing Arts equipment and infrastructure
• $343,000 toward new Public Art Projects at 8 Nelson, Emancipation Park & recreation centres
• $50,000 toward design concepts for a new Arts Walk of Fame legacy site
Shaped by our Community
The City collects feedback throughout the year through various channels, which helps shape the City Budget:
• 311 phone calls, emails and social media
• Business virtual roundtable on February 23 with 24 attendees representing various sectors
• Budget-specific telephone town halls on February 7 with 8,375 participants and February 25 with 5,492 participants
Quotes
“Our 2023 budget is a balanced approach to growth, where we are acting on transformative opportunities before us while laying a solid foundation for our future. We’re committed to creating healthier and connected communities, with record contributions to reserves, more supports for transit, and historic investments in local healthcare funding as we move forward with the new Peel Memorial Hospital and Cancer Centre.”
- Patrick Brown, Mayor; Chair, Budget Committee, City of Brampton
“For all residents, this is a budget that brings a responsible approach; a budget that strengthens our competitiveness among GTA municipalities. City staff have worked very hard to ensure that after four years of no tax increases, we continue to deliver a plan that is measured and truly enhances the lives of Brampton residents and businesses.”
- Paul Vicente, Regional Councillor, Wards 1 and 5; Vice Chair, Budget Committee, City of Brampton
“The City’s 2023 Budget builds a foundation for the future of Brampton. We’re creating modern, inclusive, safe and healthy communities for all, which is supported by our investments in infrastructure, fire, transit and many amenities for residents to enjoy for years to come. People are at the heart of everything we do, including our budget planning wherein we focused on the top three concerns of residents: healthcare, safety and low taxes.”
- Marlon Kallideen, Chief Administrative Officer, City of Brampton
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As one of the fastest-growing cities in Canada, Brampton is home to 700,000 people and 75,000 businesses. People are at the heart of everything we do. We are energized by our diverse communities, we attract investment, and we are embarking on a journey to lead technological and environmental innovation. We partner for progress to build a healthy city that is safe, sustainable, and successful. Connect with us on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram. Learn more at www.brampton.ca
