Toronto Launches 2026 Budget Process, Opening Public Hearings Citywide

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Toronto’s 2026 budget process formally began on January 8, when the City’s Budget Committee met at City Hall to launch the 2026 Operating Budget and the 2026–2035 Capital Budget and Plan. Chaired by Councillor Shelley Carroll, the meeting marked the first step in determining how public funds will be allocated across municipal services, infrastructure projects, and community supports over the coming year and beyond. For neighbourhoods like Regent Park—where residents rely heavily on publicly funded housing, transit, recreation, and social services—the budget process plays a critical role in shaping everyday life. The committee’s first agenda item was a presentation from City staff, including the City Manager and the Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer. The presentation outlined the City’s overall financial outlook for 2026, key budget pressures facing municipal services, and long-term capital planning extending through 2035. City officials also highlighted the balance the City must strike between operating costs, such as service delivery, and capital investments, including infrastructure renewal. The Budget Committee received the presentation for information, meaning no decisions were made at this stage. However, the framework presented will guide upcoming discussions, amendments, and priorities as the draft budget moves through the approval process. Public participation was a central focus of the meeting’s second major agenda item. The Budget Committee approved the creation of four subcommittees to hear public deputations on the draft 2026 budget. These subcommittees will meet concurrently on January 20 and January 21 at City Hall, North York Civic Centre, Scarborough Civic Centre, and Etobicoke Civic Centre. Residents will be able to participate either in person or by video conference, increasing accessibility for people who may face barriers such as work schedules, caregiving responsibilities, or mobility challenges. Feedback from these hearings will be reported back to the full Budget Committee and considered as part of the City’s budget deliberations. For Regent Park residents, the budget process directly affects funding for housing supports, community programs, transit services, recreation spaces, and social infrastructure—areas that are particularly significant as the neighbourhood continues to navigate redevelopment and population growth. Public engagement in the 2026 budget process will continue throughout January. Residents can submit written comments or register to speak at budget hearings through the City of Toronto. Full agendas, presentations, and meeting details are available at toronto.ca/council.

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