Brampton sets a 0% city tax increase for 2026

After resident pushback over affordability, Brampton's 2026 budget freezes the city's portion of property taxes at 0% while keeping a 1% hospital levy that the city says equals about $73 on the average home.

After weeks of budget debate, Brampton's mayor said resident feedback about affordability prompted city hall to find more savings in the 2026 budget. The council approved a 0% increase on the city's portion of property taxes while maintaining a 1% levy to fund the city's required contribution to a second hospital. City officials say that combination amounts to roughly a $73 increase on the average Brampton home. The budget also keeps record reserve levels and expands spending on public safety, health care and infrastructure. Key facts: - The city's portion of property taxes is frozen at 0% for 2026, with a separate 1% hospital levy remaining in place. - The hospital levy is tied to Brampton's required contribution of $125 million toward the William Osler Health System's second hospital; under the reported provincial funding formula the city pays 10% of the cost and for equipment. - The city estimates the combined effect of the freeze and levy equals about $73 on the average residential home. - Officials say full construction of the second hospital is still months away, expected to begin in the summer, and could take about four to five years to complete. - The budget adds public safety staff and resources, including 24 new firefighters, expanded licence-plate recognition technology, and new staffing for parking enforcement, road safety, rental housing compliance and seasonal bylaw enforcement. - Policing costs are largely handled through the regional budget, which officials say is adding officers; the city also highlighted expanded resources for intimate partner violence work. Summary: The approved 2026 budget aims to respond to household affordability concerns by holding the city's tax portion at 0% while preserving a hospital levy and funding targeted service increases. Full construction for the second hospital is reported to start this summer with an expected four- to five-year build timeline, and the city says it will maintain strong reserves to support long-term sustainability.