Mississauga’s Budget Committee Approves 2017 Business Plan and Budget

Today, Mississauga’s Budget Committee approved the 2017 Business Plan and Budget. The impact of the budget is a $94 increase on the City’s portion of the property tax on an average residential property valued at $564,000.

“Mississauga’s 2017 Budget is a strong financial plan that invests in our city’s future while delivering the services residents rely on every day,” said Mayor Bonnie Crombie. “We heard from residents about their spending priorities that include transit and traffic management. We have taken action by putting forward a solid budget to expand transit and improve traffic management, enhance and grow our infrastructure, invest in technology and support our arts and culture.”

In 2017, Mississauga residents will see 56,000 more transit service hours, completion of the Mississauga Transitway with four more stations opening in 2017, along with road, traffic and other infrastructure improvements. This is in addition to the services residents expect including fire and emergency services, winter road maintenance, libraries, recreation programs and parks and forestry.

“Our ongoing commitment to fiscal responsibility and continuous improvement helps us build on our progress and advance our priorities,” said Janice Baker, City Manager and Chief Administrative Officer. “We have realized $4.1 million in cost savings, which is equivalent to reducing the City tax levy by 0.9 per cent. We are investing our limited resources wisely on improvements for transit, infrastructure and technology.”

Highlights of the 2017 Business Plan and Budget:

• The total increase in Mississauga’s residential property tax will be 2.9 per cent. The increase includes 1.9 per cent for City services and 1.0 per cent for the Region of Peel.
• The City advances on its Strategic Plan in 2017 by adding approximately $5.7 million worth of new services, including:
  • continuing the MiWay service growth and adding 45,000 service hours
  • completing the Mississauga Transitway and adding 11,000 service hours
  • continuing implementation of the Advanced Transportation Management System to mitigate traffic congestion
  • enhancing sidewalk maintenance to eliminate the City’s repair backlog
  • relocating the Square One Older Adult Centre to continue service to Mississauga’s older adults
  • increasing support to culture groups and local artists to provide better services that reach more people
  • expanding year-round programming and enhancing winter events at Celebration Square to attract tourism and continue vibrancy in the downtown through the winter
  • improving the Library’s collection to support the City’s population growth

Stormwater

The 2017 Stormwater Program operating budget is $12 million. Highlights of the business plan include development of a comprehensive asset management plan, infrastructure improvements, flood relief improvement projects and community outreach activities.

The Stormwater Charge rate for 2017 is $102 per stormwater billing unit.

Today’s Budget Committee approval is subject to Council approval, scheduled for December 14.

For more details on the City’s budget and the budgeting process visit mississauga.ca/budget.