The City is required by provincial law to balance its operating budget each year; simply put, the money raised must balance the money spent. Capital budgets, which fund long-term infrastructure projects like roads, bridges and facilities, can include debt financing.
Under Ontario’s Strong Mayor legislation, which came into effect in Barrie on July 1, 2023, the Mayor is to propose a budget to Council before February 1 each year. The Mayor's Budget outlines how the City plans to allocate resources to deliver the programs and services residents and businesses rely on every day. Barrie taxes are in the lower end of other major southern Ontario municipalities.
Key Dates
| Budget Activity | Date(s) |
|---|---|
| Statistically Valid Phone Survey of Residents | Starting Nov. 3, 2026 |
| Presentation at Finance & Responsible Governance Committee | Jan. 20, 2027 |
| General Committee Meeting | Jan. 27, 2027 |
| City Council Meeting | Council Approval for City Operating & Capital Budgets | Feb. 3, 2027 |
| Service Partner Budget Presentations at Finance & Responsible Governance Committee | TBD |
| General Committee Consideration | TBD |
| Adoption by City Council | TBD |