Budget Process

The annual budget is developed using historical financial data and informed by a wide range of Council-approved plans, studies, strategies, and legislative requirements. Preparing the budget is a collaborative effort involving hundreds of staff hours across all departments.

The budget is built on maintaining existing service levels while incorporating the impacts of growth, legislative requirements, contractual obligations, inflationary pressures, and Council-approved initiatives. Throughout the process, staff carefully review operating and capital requirements to ensure resources are aligned with the Town's strategic priorities.

The objective of the budget process is to manage the Town's financial resources in a fiscally responsible manner while maintaining municipal assets, delivering high-quality services, and supporting a growing and engaged community.

The 2027 budget process follows a modified schedule due to the 2026 municipal election. The timeline outlines key milestones for the preparation, review, and approval of the operating and capital budgets.

May 2026

• Council approval of the 2027 Budget Timetable

June 2026

• Launch of 2027 Budget public engagement

September 2026

• Budget kick-off meeting Distribution of operating budget guidelines for the preparation of 2027-2030 operating budget
• Distribution of capital budget guidelines for the preparation of the 10-year Capital Plan
• Commissions/Departments begin preparing draft operating budgets and capital budgets, and supporting business cases

October 2026

• Commissions/Departments submit draft operating and capital budgets and business cases to the Budget team

October – November 2026

• Detailed review of operating and capital budgets and business cases by the Budget team, Treasurer, CAO and Senior Leadership Team
• Budget requests are evaluated for alignment with corporate priorities, service delivery requirements, and financial sustainability

December 2026

• Council approval of the 2027 Fees and Charges By-law
• Council receives a report on budget direction and budget timelines, under the Strong Mayor Powers

January 2027

• The Mayor tables the proposed 2027 budget ·
• The budget is adopted in accordance with the timelines established under the Strong Mayor legislation