With the release of the 2026 Ontario Budget: A Plan to Protect Ontario, Ontario’s Big City Mayors (OBCM) are encouraged to see investments in important community infrastructure projects, supportive housing and innovative safety and security measures that will also help grow Ontario’s economy.
In our pre-budget submission to Minister Bethlenfalvy (OBCM 2026 Pre-Budget Submission), OBCM outlined our key priorities for this year’s budget (see below). Addressing these issues requires strong collaboration between municipal and provincial governments. This budget reflects progress on that front, with new investments in critical areas and opportunities for continued municipal involvement as further details emerge.
Continued Sustainable Investment in Housing-Enabling Infrastructure
- A ten year capital plan that includes $37 billion in 2026-2027 to build highways, transit and community infrastructure. These are key investments for our growing communities that will help us meet our demographic, economic and societal needs in the years ahead.
- An additional $300 million over the next six years allocated to the Community Sport and Recreation Infrastructure Fund will assist municipalities to build new and innovative space facilities our residents need while also upgrading aging facilities and programming.
Strengthening and Enhancing Ontario’s Response to the Health and Homelessness Crisis in our Communities
- Investing $53 million over three years to expand supportive housing initiatives for vulnerable populations that will enable the operations of over 425 supportive housing units. OBCM has been advocating for increased funding for supportive housing units as they are a key component in addressing the homelessness crisis across Ontario.
- Although the province is continuing its commitments to health and homelessness programs such as HART Hubs, we are looking for expanded treatment and recovery services that recognize the diversity and needs amongst Ontario’s vulnerable populations across Ontario
Maintaining Public Safety to Respond to New Threats and Pressures
- Operation Deterrence 2.0 which will invest $32.5 million in 2026-2027 in crime and safety measures including border security. Municipal police forces are often on the front lines of these security threats and this funding will assist them with acquiring new technology to assist them in this important work.
- An additional investment of $8.3 million for the Bail Compliance and Warrant Apprehension Grant Program in 2026-2027 that aims to ensure high risk violent offenders with their bail conditions. Bail reform has been a key priority for OBCM and although we are pleased to see additional funding for this program, additional funding is needed to properly address this issue that impacts the safety of our communities.
Support for Local Economies and Housing Affordability
- The budget also included some new funding for programs that will help boost our local economies including historic tax cuts for small businesses and investments in high growth industries and new technology sectors. This will help to create new jobs and boost various important sectors across Ontario including manufacturing, automotive, technology and forestry.
- We were also pleased to see a commitment to reducing housing costs including the announcement earlier this week on the rebate of HST on new homes, which is a meaningful step toward making homeownership more attainable across Ontario.
- The province has also committed to working with the federal government to provide funding to eligible municipalities that take action to significantly reduce development charges. We are encouraged to see that both levels of government can work together to support making municipalities whole when it comes to funding the housing related infrastructure that our growing communities require.
“Now more than ever is a time for all levels of government to work together as we strive to support rapidly growing communities, all while facing the challenges of growing economic uncertainty. This budget signals that the province is committed to working with municipalities on the things that matter most to us- community infrastructure, homelessness solutions including supportive housing, housing affordability and programs that support public safety. As municipalities continue to try and do more with less, we are grateful for these investments that will help us manage the growing needs of our communities while recognizing there is more work to be done.”
- Marianne Meed Ward – Chair of Ontario’s Big City Mayors and Mayor of Burlington
About Ontario’s Big City Mayors
Ontario’s Big City Mayors (OBCM), is a non-partisan organization that includes mayors of 29 single and lower-tier cities with a population of 100,000 or more, who collectively represent 70% of Ontario’s population and almost 30% of Canada’s. OBCM advocates for issues and policies important to Ontario’s largest cities.
Media Contacts
Mayor Marianne Meed Ward, Chair Michelle Baker, Executive Director
chair@obcm.ca michelle@obcm.ca
905-335-7777 647-308-6602