What are some key considerations for the City’s budget in 2024?

    • Inflation and rising costs
    • Global supply chain disruptions 
    • Identifying additional sources of revenue


    How does the City spend your tax dollars?

    More than 80 public services that are funded through the budget, from public safety (fire and police) to engineering public works like sewer and water, to community services such as parks and recreation, arts and culture, libraries, social services, and planning and development. 

    You can read all about them in the annual service plans in the 2023 City Services document (PDF, 23 MB). 


    What is the difference between operating and capital budgets?

    The capital budget is used to maintain, improve or build new buildings and other City assets – things like recreation and community centres, parks, fire halls, bridges and roads. Because these are large projects which may take several years, the capital costs included in each annual budget are linked to a four-year capital plan, approved by Council and voted on by the public every municipal election. Capital projects are partly funded by government grants and contributions from property developers (development cost levies).

    The operating budget is the yearly budget that funds the services and programs residents and businesses use. This includes things like fire and rescue services, roads and planning, water and sewer, garbage and recycling pick up, social housing and childcare and civic theatres. The two main sources of funding for the operating budget are property taxes and utility fees.