Budget Committee recap: January 12, 2026 meeting

At the January 12, 2026 Budget Committee meeting, Council received staff presentations and received deputations as part of the 2026 Budget process.

Watch the discussion.

Economic outlook

Andrew Grantham, Executive Director and Senior Economist, CIBC Capital Markets presented the Economic Outlook. He answered questions, including that for a healthy housing market, more purpose-built rental units will be important.

Mississauga’s Economic update

Christina Kakaflikas, Director, Economic Development Division, presented the Mississauga Economic Update and answered questions. Confirming Mississauga’s stable and diversified economic base, Kakaflikas advised of 65 new investments in 2025 which led to 5,100 new jobs and $2.2 billion capital invested in the city. The manufacturing sector accounted for the largest share, followed by smart logistics and life sciences. The Economic Development strategy will be expanded with creative industries, retail and placemaking.

2025 Resident Experience Survey results

Budget Committee received a presentation by Sarah Lam, Senior Research Director, Forum Research, Inc.

The 2025 survey was conducted among 1,002 Mississauga adult residents from October 6 to November 6, 2025. Key findings show:

• In 2025, 76 per cent of residents were satisfied with the services provided by the City, consistent with findings in 2023 (74 per cent).
• Satisfaction with the City’s municipal government remains unchanged since 2023 at 66 per cent; however, the proportion of residents who indicated they receive good value from their municipal tax dollars relative to the services received from the City declined slightly from 55 per cent in 2023 to 49 per cent in 2025, although 25 per cent of respondents are neutral on this question.
• While the 2025 survey results show the City is performing well overall with no significant changes since 2023, areas for improvement exist.

Members of Council asked about the methodology of the survey and advised using a variety of channels in future, not primarily online in order to reach a wider audience and targeted demographics such as transit riders and seniors.

2026 Budget overview

Faraz Agha, Director, Finance and Deputy Treasurer presented an overview about the Proposed 2026–2029 Business Plan & 2026 Budget. The presentation covered many areas, including the budget process, priorities, revenue and expenses, regional services download, efficiencies and cost savings, operating and capital budgets, special purpose levies, and new initiatives.

Note: A summary of the 2026 Proposed Budget is available in the January 6, 2026 News Release.

Members of Council questions:

• Budget timeline: Can amendments be made beyond January 28. Staff confirmed that it is possible until February 4.
• Labour costs: They include salary increases, as well as union settlements compounded from 2024, the annualization of $11 million for 2025, and fringe benefits for union and non-union staff. Over the last few years, on average, non-union staff salary increases have been around two and a half per cent keeping in line with inflation.
• Revenue from the Greater Toronto Airport Authority (GTAA) for payments in lieu of taxes (PILT): The cap on revenue increases generated from GTAA PILTs has been re-introduced by the Province. Once the passenger count returns to pre-COVID levels, all future PILT revenue increases will be capped at five per cent.
• Reserves: $33 million will be drawn from the Fiscal Stability Reserve.

Public deputations

Budget Committee heard from a member of the public, and staff answered questions.

Service Area presentations

Staff from City divisions presented their respective overview of the proposed 2026 Budget.

Parks, Forestry & Environment

Staff answered questions about labour costs, the development of Grand Highland Park currently in public consultation, new parkland acquisition, and fees and charges.

Mississauga Library

Staff answered questions about the increase of in-person visits, future needs for staffing, upgrading technology and expanding offers (e.g., Library of Things, story time in parks) and more.

Recreation & Culture

Staff answered questions about 65+ seniors’ memberships, the registration process and capacity for all programs, the performance and popularity of programs, fun swims at outdoor pools, recreation revenue and more.

Facilities & Property Management

Staff answered questions about facilities rental revenue.

Regulatory Services

Staff answered questions about labour requests in the proposed 2026 Budget, revenue details including re-inspection fees, animal shelter costs and rehabilitation of animals, security services staffing, public education staffing, the specialized Enforcement team for Short-Term Accommodations, proactive property standards education and enforcement.

Upcoming Budget Committee meetings

• Tuesday, January 13 at 9:30 a.m., where the remaining service area presentations and all corporate reports will be discussed.
• Tuesday, January 13 at 6 p.m. for pre-registered public presentations and engagement on the proposed 2026 Budget.

To learn more about how the City’s budget works, visit mississauga.ca/budget.

Tags

• Budget and Taxes
• Council and Committees
• Finance and Revenue