Sharpening budget pencils, 2/3 of Councillors refuse to receive Mayor’s 2026 budget

Posted on by Councillor Brad Clark

At the January 23, 2026, GIC budget meeting, Council pushed back on the mayors proposed budget increase of 4.25%. Council voted by 2/3 majority to NOT RECEIVE her budget memorandum. What does this mean? It is really a procedural vote. Voting to not receive any document simply reflects the individuals’ opposition to the document. In this case, it sends a clear message. If the votes hold, Council does have the required votes to veto her 2026 budget.

At this time, Councillors are diligently looking for efficiencies and cost reductions based on the budget documents received. I continue to object that council is not receiving gross numbers, actuals and expenditure breakdowns for every division. This lack of clarity can cause confusion for councillors and the general public.

On January 28, 2026, Councillors Beattie and Francis moved a motion directing staff to present all budget mitigations that was considered by staff. The motion passed unanimously.

In February 2025, I moved a motion to have staff show impacts of 2026 budget increase at 2.5% which was supported by Council. The public record shows that I voted against the 2023 budget, as Budget Chair. I publicly objected to every mayoral directive budget under “strong mayor authority”. The budget increases in annual operational spending continues to be unacceptable. Most residents are struggling with food, heating, insurance, mortgage payments, and automobile fuel etc. I have heard from many ward 9 residents who are struggling to pay their bills. Mortgage renewals have dramatically reduced the disposable income of many residents.

The discussions continues…

Residents are encouraged to get involved in the City’s 2025 budget process

Posted on by lyndzeefreeman

The City of Hamilton’s budget serves as a roadmap, outlining
priorities that help shape the future of our community. Each year, Council determines
how funding will be allocated across city services, programs, and infrastructure to
ensure the City can continue delivering over 70 programs and services to residents,
while balancing affordability and competitiveness in tax rates. Members of the public are
encouraged to have their voices heard over the coming months by providing their
perspectives on this year’s City budget.

First Public Delegation Opportunity

The first public delegation opportunity will take place on Monday, November 18, 2024, at the Budget General Issues Committee (GIC) meeting, where members of the public can speak to Council on priorities in advance of the staff presentation of the preliminary 2025 Water and Tax budgets. Delegates will be heard in the order their requests are received, with a limit of five (5) minutes per presentation.

  • Applications to speak virtually, in person, or provide a written delegation for the November 18, 2024, GIC meeting are due by 12 noon on November 15, 2024.
  • Applications for video delegations are due by 12 noon on November 14, 2024.


Delegation requests should be sent to clerk@hamilton.ca or submitted via the Submit Request to Speak form on the City’s website.


Second Public Delegation Opportunity

The second delegation opportunity for the 2025 budget process will be held at the January 20, 2025, Budget GIC meeting, before presentations from City departments, boards, and agencies. This meeting will focus specifically on the Tax-supported budget. Delegates will be heard in the order they are received, with a five (5) minute presentation limit.

  • Applications to speak virtually, in person, or provide a written delegation for the January 20, 2025, GIC meeting are due by 12 noon on January 17, 2025.
  • Applications for video delegations are due by 12 noon on January 16, 2025.


Delegation requests can be sent to clerk@hamilton.ca or completed through the Submit Request to Speak form on the City website.

“The City’s budget is a plan for Hamilton’s future. By participating in the budget process, residents can help guide investments that make a real difference in our neighbourhoods, from safe streets to reliable services,” said Mayor Andrea Horwath. “I invite everyone to make their voices heard through delegations or our new online tool when it’s available to ensure the 2025 budget reflects our community’s values and vision.”

Hamilton Council is scheduled to approve the 2025 Water, Wastewater and Stormwater Budget at a Council meeting on December 11, 2024, and the 2025 Tax Budget at a Council meeting on February 12, 2025.

In planning for 2024 to 2027, the City’s budget plans will be shaped by Council Priorities for 2022 to 2026 – Sustainable Economic and Ecological Development, Safe and Thriving Neighbourhoods, and Responsiveness and Transparency, as well as the 2025 Budget Mayoral Directive.

While the February 25, 2024 cybersecurity incident has created some challenges and delays, the public can still be assured that a comprehensive, data-driven budget will come forward for approval, consistent with previous years.

Budget presentations, staff recommendations, public delegations and community feedback will inform all City Council decisions around the budget. The City is also planning to launch a new online budget simulation tool this month, allowing residents to consider different service and funding options, which can inform future budget discussions.

Members of the public interested in the City’s 2025 budget process can monitor the City’s website for budget-focused GIC meetings, which will be streamed on the City’s website and the City’s YouTube channel.

For more information, visit hamilton.ca/budget.