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2026 Region Budget
I would like to inform residents that the 2026 Region budget was adopted on December 11th, following public budget meetings that were held on November 20, 27, December 4 and 11th. The overall property tax impact is 3.6% (1.55% for Region services, 2.01% for Peel Police, and 0.05% for other agencies). This increase might be further reduced as there are some other adjustments that might be taking place.
As you may know from my previous update, the Region was initially proposing an increase of 4.5%, and I played an active role in reducing the Region budget and tax impact to 3.6% for 2026.
As you may also recall, the Region’s increase last year was 5.9%, and 4.6% of that was for Peel Police funding. I voted against the 2025 Region budget as I could not support the proposed level of increase for taxpayers.
As your Councillor, it is always my top priority to keep tax increases to a minimum for residents and businesses. I have always worked hard to do this every year at the City and Region, and I played an active role in reducing the Region budget and tax impact for 2026. Before the 2026 budget process began, I brought forward a motion at Regional Council on July 10th to direct Staff to find 2% budget savings for each Region department. For the 2026 budget, I brought forward and supported several motions at the Region to decrease the Region budget. I brought forward a motion to remove some Region waste management events and initiatives; and a motion to reduce the economic adjustment compensation for non-union Region employees. I also voted to support a motion from Councillor Tedjo to withhold the $12.4 million Peel Police Community Safety Levy for 2026; a motion from Councillor Damerla to reduce the Region Infrastructure Levy by 0.5%; and a motion from Mayor Parrish to remove $4.75 million from the 2026 budget.
Highlights of the 2026 Region budget are as follows:
· A capital investment of $1.9 billion to support infrastructure, water supply and wastewater
· The addition of 175 Peel Police officers and 25 civilian professionals to address growing community needs, increasing complexity of crime and community safety
· Investing $38 million for enhancements and state of good repair for ambulances, other paramedic fleet, and ambulance equipment
· Adding 40 paramedics to support a growing and aging population, increased call volumes, and to manage system pressures
· Investing $203.9 million in capital for state of good repair for Peel Living, Community Housing Providers loans, and Peel owned shelters and buildings
· Continuing to implement the Peel Community Housing Development Program with a capital investment of $16.5 million
· Ensuring safe and sustainable wraparound care at the Seniors Health and Wellness Village at Peel Manor with a $3.3 million investment
· A capital investment of $341.3 million for road construction, intersection improvements, and active transportation
As you may know from my previous update, we will be discussing the 2026 City budget in January, and the City’s preliminary forecast is around 3.38%. I am still not happy with this proposed increase, and I will be working hard to find ways to bring this increase down during the City budget process, as I did during the Region budget process.
I strongly encourage you to participate in the City budget process and provide your comments. The proposed 2026 Budget will be available online on January 6, 2026. To ask questions or provide comments, attend one of the following City Budget Committee meetings:
· Monday, January 12 at 9:30 a.m.
· Tuesday, January 13 at 9:30 a.m. and 6 p.m.
· Monday, January 19 and Tuesday, January 20 (if required) at 9:30 a.m.
· Wednesday, January 28 at 9:30 a.m. – Council approval of any proposed amendments to the 2026 Budget
You will need to submit a request to speak at a meeting. Or share your comments through email at budget@mississauga.ca. All budget committee meetings will be live streamed.
You can find more information about the City and Region budgets at Mississauga.ca/budget and Peelregion.ca/budget. As always, please feel free to reach out at any time if you have any questions about the budgets.
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