Brampton’s proposed 2020 Budget to advance priorities for residents

The City of Brampton has released its Proposed 2020 Budget, which outlines priorities for the upcoming year.

The City of Brampton has released its Proposed 2020 Budget, which outlines priorities for the upcoming year.

The budget, which supports Term of Council priorities, advancing Brampton as a Well-Run City, a Green City, a Healthy and Safe City, a City of Opportunity, and a diverse Mosaic is now available for viewing online.

Budget deliberations will begin at 1:00 p.m. on February 18, 2020, with the final Budget approval set for 7:00 p.m. on February 26, 2020.

Compared to 2019, Brampton’s baseline proposal to the Budget Committee is a 1.2 per cent net budget increase for 2020 and if approved, it would result in a Brampton property tax increase of 0.5 per cent, or an average of $27 per household, to fund the city’s 2020 Budget.

On their property tax bill, taxpayers will see a total tax increase of 1.8 per cent or an average of $91 per household. This is a combined total, including the City of Brampton’s 0.5 per cent, the Region of Peel and Peel District School Board.

Throughout Budget deliberations, the Committee may also review scenarios for additional efficiencies or investments. 

“Brampton’s Proposed 2020 Budget is guided by the Term of Council Priorities and focused on delivering high-quality programs and services, harnessing growth opportunities, and being agile and responsive to national and global trends,” said David Barrick, Chief Administrative Officer.

Operational efficiencies and revenue growth have helped reasonably offset property tax increases in this draft scenario going to Budget Committee. The City is committed to holding open and transparent Budget discussions and welcomes the input of Brampton residents in this important City-building process.”

Key highlights of the 2020 Budget proposal include budgets for the purchase of new busses, city roads and transportation paths, sportsfields, photo radar, LED streetlights and more.

A breakdown of the highlights can be seen below:

​• $136M over three years for the purchase of 120 new buses: 88 for growth and 32 replacement buses for aging fleet
• $41M for updates to City roads and active transportation paths to move people in safer ways that reflect our commitment to being a Green City
• $9.8M over three years to improve sportsfields, trails and playgrounds at local City parks
• $650,000 over three years for photo radar in community safe zones to ensure a safer city
• $9M over three years for LED retrofit of streetlights for more efficient energy consumption
• $8M over three years for the Queen Street Rapid Transit Preliminary Design
• $2.9M over three years for the Hurontario Main-Street LRT to pave the way for better regional connectivity
• $2M for two new Youth Centres at Century Gardens and South Fletcher’s Recreation Centres
• $5M over five years for the Ryerson Innovation Zone in Downtown Brampton
• $9.8M over three years for upgrades to firefighting equipment and Brampton Fire trucks for a more rapid and reliable fire response

A full list of key dates for Budget Committee meetings, Budget highlights, and the full Budget proposal are available on the City website. The City welcomes public review and feedback on the Proposed 2020 Budget.  

“The Budget proposal reflects the City of Brampton’s commitment to balancing the needs of a growing population and delivering the excellent services our residents and businesses have come to expect, in the most efficient and cost-effective manner,” David Sutton, Treasurer.

“The continued infrastructure and transit investments will help address our growing asset repair and replacement needs and the ongoing expansion of our transit network for the future.”

The city of Brampton is encouraging residents, businesses and stakeholders to review the proposed budget and provide any feedback.

Feedback can be provided by email, telephone, the new Brampton 311 app, a Telephone Town Hall or in person by attending a meeting.

For more information, click here.

Photo courtesy of the City of Brampton