Tax hike of 5.95% proposed for Oakville residents in 2024

The first look at the proposed 2025 budget for Oakville sees a potential 5.95 per cent tax increase in the town-controlled portion.

After combining it with increases from Halton region and the school boards, the proposed overall increase is 3.92 per cent.

If adopted, it would see residential property taxes increase by $31.19 per $100,000 of assessment, meaning that the owner of a home assessed at $800,000 would pay an additional $249.52 per year or $4.80 per week.

“Balancing affordability, growth and economic conditions while investing in our Strategic Plan priorities are crucial to ensuring Oakville’s livability and vibrancy,” said Oakville Mayor Rob Burton. “I invite the community to have their say on the draft budget to help council shape our 2025 budget.”

The staff-prepared draft budget serves as a key focus for public consultation leading up to Dec. 5 when the proposed 2025 budget will be provided by the mayor to town council.

The proposed operating budget of $437 million will support the delivery of a wide range of programs and services, including maintenance of roads and community facilities, fire services, transit, parks and trails, recreation and culture, seniors’ services, libraries, and others.

“The budget process is one of the most important duties we have as a council, but it can also be one of the most confusing for the general public,” said Councillor Marc Grant, the 2025 budget committee chair.

“I hope that, through initiatives to involve public dialogue, we can create a clear, comprehensive and well-considered budget for 2025.”

The budget committee also received the draft 2025 capital budget of $202.1 million to support infrastructure renewal, growth, and program initiatives.

Some of the capital projects for 2025 include:

• $14.9 million for new parks, parkettes and trails, and to rehabilitate existing parks
• $27.5 million for bus replacement, expansion and major refurbishments of existing buses
• $12.5 million for Fire Station 4 renovation and expansion
• $7.2 million for various parking lot, driveway, and facility-related maintenance and improvements
• $7.1 million for replacement of ice rink “A” at River Oaks Community Centre, and rehabilitation of Falgarwood outdoor pool
• $6.2 million for the road resurfacing and preservation program
• $6.3 million for traffic management, traffic signal program, traffic calming and road safety program to promote safe travel and pedestrian safety
• $4.3 million to protect and grow the tree canopy and natural environment
• $4.3 million for Towne Square rehabilitation

The committee has until Nov. 25 to consult with residents. Here are some of the other key dates:

• Nov. 12 and 14: Public delegations at budget committee
• Nov. 28: Budget committee recommendations to mayor
• Dec. 5: Mayor to provide proposed 2025 budget
• Dec. 12: Public delegations on mayor’s proposed budget
• Dec. 19: Special council meeting to consider the proposed 2025 budget

To see budget documents, visit the town website.