2026 Budget Process

What we heard

Thank you to everyone who shared feedback on the 2026 Budget. Between November 6 and November 24, 2025, 216 people completed the survey, and more than 1,100 visitors viewed the project page. You shared what matters most to you and where you’d like to see the County focus its efforts.

You told us that core services remain a priority. Many of you want stronger investment in roads, emergency services, and growth-related infrastructure. The new hospital for Brantford Brant was one of the most supported priorities in the entire survey. You also raised the need for better public transportation, more affordable housing options, improvements in rural communities, and support for active transportation.

You identified areas where you are satisfied with current service levels, including recreation, communications, tourism, and libraries. You also identified areas of concern, especially infrastructure and development services, where many feel growth has outpaced the systems needed to support it.

Feedback shows a strong interest in managing growth carefully. Many people want to see infrastructure built ahead of development and want growth and development to pay more of its share. You also shared concerns about traffic, congestion, drainage, community facilities, and the long-term impacts of rapid growth on rural and village communities.

Many respondents want the County to remain fiscally responsible. You asked for careful use of reserves, responsible debt levels, and limited tax increases. It’s important to note that at the same time, you identified several areas that require more investment. These views show the challenge of balancing community priorities with affordability and financial sustainability.

Read the full Survey Responses Report.

What’s next

Your input will help inform the Annual Review of the Long-Term Financial Plan and the Proposed 2026 Budget. Staff will review all survey results, comments, and submissions alongside the County’s Long Term Financial Plan, legislative requirements, and current service needs.

Next steps include:

• The Draft Long Term Financial Plan will be available through Engage Brant and the County’s agenda site on Friday, November 28.
• Presenting the Long-term Financial Plan Review including the full engagement summary to Council for consideration during 2026 Budget deliberations.
• Reviewing how resident priorities align with planned capital projects, service levels, and available funding.
• Council will identify where adjustments may be possible based on a number of considerations including the feedback received.

The presentation of the Long-Term Financial Plan Annual Review will be made at the upcoming special meeting on December 4, 2025, with Council’s deliberation on the Plan to be held at a second session on December 18, 2025.

View the December 4, 2025 special meeting agenda.

The Proposed 2026 Budget documents will be released in January, with a further opportunity for Council to consider any amendments prior to adoption.

Once the budget is adopted, the County will share an update summarizing the final decisions and how community feedback helped shape the outcome.

Thank you again for taking the time to participate. Your input helps guide decisions that affect daily life in the County of Brant.

Education

Learn what a municipal budget is and about the County's budget process as well as view a list of frequently asked questions to help answer some questions you may have.

Take the survey

Online: Please take a few minutes to complete the 2026 Budget Survey.

In print: Prefer a printed survey? Stop by the main County of Brant Customer Service locations to pick up a copy until Monday. November 24 at 4:30 pm.

Over the phone: You can also complete the survey over the phone by calling 519.44BRANT (519.442.7268) or 1.855.44BRANT (1.855.442.7268).

The survey closes Monday. November 24 at 4:30 pm. Once survey responses are compiled, we will share a “What We Heard” summary outlining the feedback received.

Speak as a delegation

You can also share your feedback directly with Council by registering as a delegation to speak at special Council meeting that will take place on December 4, 2025 at 9:00 am. The meeting is in person at County of Brant Council Chambers, 7 Broadway Street, West in Paris, and open to the public. It is also available for viewing live or previously recorded, on the County of Brant's YouTube Channel.

Any person who wishes to speak at a Committee or Council meeting must complete the Delegation Request Form. For complete details, please visit the Speaking Before Council webpage.

This is your opportunity to present your thoughts on the long-term financial plan and the 2026 Budget in person.

Questions or comments?

Have a question or comment about the 2026 Budget? Let us know.