Budget 2021

The budget is the City's plan for the coming period, expressed in dollars. The budget prepared by staff is the culmination of ongoing engagement on public priorities throughout the year. It is prepared taking into consideration both this community input and direction from City Council. The Budget and Audit Committee Chair is Councillor Mike Mann and the Vice-Chair is Councillor Donna Reid.

Each year, city council approves an annual budget, made up of three parts:

• Operating Budget - Annual operations of city facilities and services, primarily funded through property taxes and user fees, excluding water and sewer.

• Water and Sewer Budget - Annual operations of water and sewer distribution, funded through user rates.

• Capital Budget - Capital program for all city projects, funded through taxes, water and sewer fees, development charges, debt, grants, or other reserve funds.

2021 Budget Overview

Read the 2021 Budget and Business Plan and view the 2021 Budget Highlights

The COVID-10 pandemic has had financial impacts across every sector. The proposed budget recommends a 1 per cent tax increase, which is less than the cost of inflation. This budget represents a balance between meeting the needs of our growing community and the challenges of a public health emergency.

Most of the initiatives contained in the 2021 Budget are the continuation of important multi-year projects that will have a positive impact on the community. This includes the design of the recreation complex, construction of the Preston Auditorium and Fountain Street Soccer Complex, trail improvements, stormwater infrastructure, the Beverly Street pedestrian underpass design and other road work. These taxpayer funded community investments will assist with increasing private sector job creation and local economic recovery. Please see draft highlights here.

In 2021, the City will continue to focus on emergency and pandemic preparedness, community wellbeing and safety, and supporting our local businesses. We will be launching our revised strategic plan in the months ahead which will further define and guide City Council's priorities.

Public Delegation Night

The Public Delegation Night for the budget will be Monday, Nov. 30.

Delegates may either:

• Submit written correspondence (by email) and not attend virtually to speak at the meeting
• Register to speak via telephone and attend virtually at the meeting.

Registration can be completed online through the Delegation Request Form, or by contacting the City Clerk’s Office at clerks@cambridge.ca.