The People’s Budget

As we move into September, we are finalizing Aurora’s 2026 Budget to present to Council and our residents in October.

The 2026 proposed budget delivers top-quality services at exceptional value, with a fiscally responsible 2.9% tax increase—keeping Aurora among the municipalities with the lowest tax rates in the GTHA.

This is the People’s Budget: a carefully considered plan that meets the needs of today while planning for the future of our families. Over the summer, we heard from many of you through our budget survey, and your input helped shape this budget. Thank you for sharing your priorities with us.

Here is a link to key budget dates and public meetings so you can continue to stay informed and involved.

Recently, an article about Brampton’s infrastructure crisis caught my attention. After years of budget freezes—including multiple 0% tax increases—Brampton now faces a $180 million shortfall just to maintain basic infrastructure like roads, bridges, and streetlights. Projects were deferred or cancelled, and long-term planning was ignored. Now, residents are paying the price for short-sighted politics.

It’s a stark reminder of why responsible municipal budgeting matters—not just for today, but for the long-term health and sustainability of our communities.

That’s why I have been clear: a 0% tax increase is not fiscally responsible.

Here in Aurora, some councillors have called for a 0% tax increase this budget cycle. Notably, these are the same councillors who voted to give themselves a taxpayer-funded 42.6% compensation increase. They continue to request more spending in their own wards—more parks, amenities, and services—while failing to acknowledge how those investments are funded.

Thankfully, after hearing from residents, I vetoed the councillors’ proposed compensation increase, ensuring Aurora taxpayers were not on the hook for a 42.6% increase this term.

Aurora residents deserve honesty and accountability—especially in decisions that affect the immediate and long-term financial health of our community. Freezing taxes doesn’t freeze costs. Every year, the cost of maintaining services and building for tomorrow goes up. Ignoring that only shifts the burden to the future, leaving future councils and residents to clean up the mess.

Thoughtful, forward-looking financial planning ensures we avoid the costly consequences of short-term decisions.

Aurora is consistently ranked one of the best places in Canada to live, work, and raise a family. That doesn’t happen by accident—it comes from consistent, responsible investments in our town. Together, we’ve supported responsible growth, expanded recreation, improved infrastructure, supported local businesses, and protected green spaces—all while keeping taxes among the lowest in the GTHA.

That balance is achieved through sound fiscal planning.

As your Mayor, I remain committed to putting people before politics. I will continue to champion budgets that reflect your priorities, safeguard our progress, and ensure Aurora remains a vibrant, thriving community—now and for generations to come.

Thank you to the residents of Aurora for your continued support of a community-first vision—one we will keep building on well beyond 2026. #LeadershipThatGetsThingsDone