Our Question: Many residents are concerned about the rising cost of living, including property taxes. How would you balance keeping taxes affordable while maintaining the services and infrastructure residents expect? What would guide your decisions? Here’s what candidates had to say […]
Opinion – The battle cry for property tax increases! 2% for Infrastructure, 2% for Infrastructure, 2% for Infrastructure.
With 2026’s 5.8% increase to the city budget and the Burlington line on our tax bills, we were told that there were four components to the increase, as explained in this graphic from the city. In dollar terms, 2% is about $5.2 million; in theory, $5.2 million of property tax money is going into keeping … Continue reading Opinion – The battle cry for property tax increases! 2% for Infrastructure, 2% for Infrastructure, 2% for Infrastructure.
Opinion – Burlington by the Numbers
Burlington’s municipal election starts with internet voting from October 14th to October 23rd and ends with in-person voting on October 26th. Municipal elections take place every four years. Here are some key numbers showing how things have changed for Burlington over the last four years. Property Taxes – Burlington’s portion of the tax bill – … Continue reading Opinion – Burlington by the Numbers
AI: A CHALLENGE vs. A MISSED OPPORTUNITY
Where we are today. Since 2015, public sector employment in this country has grown significantly. While most of the attention has been focused on the explosion in government jobs in the federal sector, there has also been a sizable increase at the municipal level. According to the 2026 budget document, the City of Burlington employs … Continue reading AI: A CHALLENGE vs. A MISSED OPPORTUNITY
Opinion – The assessed value of homes for property tax purposes is coming down; will this affect the property taxes we pay?
On June 24, 2026, MPAC shared a press release titled “More Ontario homes valued under $500,000 as market eases from 2022 peak”. MPAC stands for "Municipal Property Assessment Corporation". How did Burlington Fare? The table below shows the percentage of properties assessed with a value less than $500,000. We can see that in 2016, 39% … Continue reading Opinion – The assessed value of homes for property tax purposes is coming down; will this affect the property taxes we pay?
Opinion – A First Look at Burlington’s 2027 Budget
Take a look at the forecasted Burlington property tax increases for the next five years and consider voting in the October 26th, 2026, election. Voter turnout is always low, and people should be voting for or against these increases. Voting lets our elected representatives know whether they’re on the right track. The Burlington item on … Continue reading Opinion – A First Look at Burlington’s 2027 Budget
Opinion: Tax Clarity or Clever Math?
April showers bring May flowers, but June brings something less pleasant to Burlington mailboxes: the first property tax bill of 2026. Whether you own a home, rent an apartment, or simply shop at local businesses, you are paying property taxes. They are baked into our rent, our groceries, and the price of our morning coffee. … Continue reading Opinion: Tax Clarity or Clever Math?
Opinion – What’s $90 million between friends?
Every year, the City of Burlington releases a budget. We can expect to see the 2027 budget after the October 26, 2026, municipal elections. There is always a lot of debate about the percentage of the tax increase, but what does the increase mean in terms of total tax dollars? One of the more interesting … Continue reading Opinion – What’s $90 million between friends?
Budgets 101 – Operating and Capital
Join the discussion on January 20th at 7 pm - Burlington Lions Club - details: https://www.focusburlington.ca/2026communitydiscussion/ Municipalities in Ontario have long been required to approve two budgets: an operating budget and a capital budget. The province spells out the rules in the Municipal Act. Burlington combines its operating and capital budgets into one document covering … Continue reading Budgets 101 – Operating and Capital
Everything you want to know about municipal reserve funds but were too bored to ask.
Reserve funds are a long-established way for municipalities to manage money. As of September 30th, 2025, Burlington’s reserve funds held $223.5 million, of which $90.2 million is what the city calls committed, meaning the city knows how the money will be spent. Burlington receives money from a variety of sources, including taxpayers, user fees, other … Continue reading Everything you want to know about municipal reserve funds but were too bored to ask.