Special Council meeting of December 4, 2025 at 6:30 p.m.

High-level summary

The meeting centered on introducing the proposed 2026 operating and capital budget, including tax implications and new storm water funding, while reaffirming core services such as free transit for youth and seniors. Several motions were discussed and items related to process and bylaws were addressed, with public delegations upcoming in December.

Five most important topics

1) Proposed 2026 operating and capital budget and inflation target - The Mayor introduced the 2026 budget, emphasizing alignment with the four-year strategic plan and staying financially sustainable. Key quote: “Our goal is always to keep tax impacts at or below CPI while ensuring that Oakville is prepared for future challenges.”
- This topic frames residents’ year-to-year costs and service levels moving forward.

2) Property tax increase and inflation context - The proposed property tax increase is 1.96%, positioned as below the forecasted inflation and lower than neighboring municipalities. Key quote: “Over the last five years, the average inflation has been about 3.5%, while Oakville's average inflation has been about 3%.”
- Implications for households and local budgeting were discussed as part of keeping taxes reasonable.

3) Storm Water Management Fee modernization - A new dedicated storm water fee will replace the old system that charged all properties the same, improving fairness and funding stability. Key quote: “This approach secures long-term funding to protect homes, businesses, and natural assets from flooding.”
- This change directly affects how property owners are billed for flood protection and related infrastructure.

4) Core services and transit, including free transit for youth and seniors - The budget maintains essential services (fire, transit, parks, libraries, seniors programming). Notably, free transit for youth and seniors will continue, contributing to record ridership (over 5 million annual trips).
- This impacts daily mobility and access to community programs for youth and seniors.

5) Business impacts and incentives: non-residential fees and credit program - A four-year phase-in for non-residential fees begins with a 75% discount, deemed “very doable” by supporters. Quote: “The four years I think is very doable.”
- A credit program for non-residential properties was discussed to incentivize water management, but concerns were raised about clarity and communication. Quotes: “Having a credit program and whatever that program comes up, I'm looking forward to it.” and “Businesses... don't know what they're getting into, but they know that the town's taking a chunk of money.”
- Public and business stakeholder input highlighted the need for planning and clear guidelines.

File numbers and bylaws

• No specific file numbers were mentioned in the provided sections. A confirmatory bylaw was discussed and noted as required to finalize actions taken.

Opportunities for public input

• Public delegations on the proposed 2026 budget will be held on:
  • December 11 at 6:30 p.m.
  • December 15, when council will consider and vote on the budget.
• The material indicates ongoing public engagement, including resident and business input, with further opportunities during the December meetings.

Motions and outcomes

• Motion: Receive for consideration the proposed 2026 operating and capital budget

  • Outcome: Introduced for discussion; to be considered at the December 11 and December 15 meetings.

• Motion: Receive Budget Materials for Consideration

  • Outcome: Passed (Councillor Adams moved the receipt of budget materials; further discussion planned).

• Motion: Minor Change to Fund Winter Recreation Program

  • Outcome: Supported; to be incorporated into the budget.

• Motion: Motion to Receive (general procedural receipt)

  • Outcome: Passed unanimously.

• Motion: Confirmatory Bylaw

  • Outcome: Passed unanimously; bylaw finalized to confirm actions from the meeting.

Councillors present

• Mayor (Your Worship)
• Councillor Adams
• Councillor Chisum
• Councillor Ramira
• Councillor Longo
• Councillor Grant

Regrets: Councillors Dick and Nandith.