2023 Hamilton Budget Passes

Hamilton, ON - Today Council passed the 2023 Tax Operating Budget following an amendment from Mayor Andrea Horwath that reduced the overall tax increase to Hamiltonians from 6.7% to 5.85%, while protecting important infrastructure and services.

“I have heard from Hamiltonians across the city about the affordability challenges they are facing every day. From skyrocketing grocery bills, housing costs and other everyday essentials there is no doubt that some folks are struggling financially.

At the same time, I recognize the urgent need for increased services and supports for people living in our City, and I am very happy with the many investments Council is making in this budget to directly support the people of Hamilton.

Hamiltonians made it clear that they wanted us to find ways to reduce the tax increase while also investing in critical infrastructure and services and I share those priorities.

To that end, this budget includes investments in housing, health, infrastructure, and transportation that will build a city that delivers greater prosperity and a better standard of living for all.

Some of those investments include:

• An increase of 30% in the City’s housing budget over 2022 levels to $70.1 million, making addressing the housing crisis one of the City’s top investments
• Enhancements to critical services and supports for our aging and growing population. Such as: paramedic services, climate change initiatives, and supporting the most vulnerable in our communities
• Investments to address our ageing infrastructure and roads as well as, transit improvements totaling $3.3 million, which includes 49,000 hours of additional service

“I want to thank Council for their diligent deliberations as we discussed and debated this year’s budget.”