Budget engagement

Learn how the City of Wrenford develops its budget and how you can share your ideas for how we spend your tax dollars.

Residents at an open-house table looking at large printed budget charts (no legible words), staff answering questions

See also: Occupancy permits.

How we build the budget

The City of Wrenford budget is a yearly plan that shows how we will spend your tax dollars. It covers everything from garbage collection and road repairs to library programs and park maintenance. We have to balance our books every year while keeping services running smoothly and preparing for future growth.

Where we are in the process

The 2026 budget is now final. Council adopted the 2026 Tax Levy By-law 2026-044 in September 2026. We are already gathering input for next year's plan. Here is how the cycle works:

  • January to February: City staff review service needs and update the budget outlook.
  • March to April: The Community Budget Survey opens online. Residents share what matters most to them.
  • May to June: We host pop-up information tables at community centres and libraries across the city to talk face-to-face with neighbours.
  • July: The proposed budget is published on our website.
  • August to September: Council holds public meetings to debate the plan before voting on the final budget and property tax rates.

What your budget pays for

Your property tax and user fees fund the services you use every day. Roughly half of the budget goes to public safety, including fire rescue and by-law enforcement. Another large portion covers infrastructure like roads, bridges, and the water treatment plant. The rest supports community programs, parks, trails, and administrative services. We aim to keep your rates steady while adjusting for inflation and the cost of maintaining aging infrastructure.

How to share your ideas

Even though the 2026 budget is set, you can still tell us what you want to see in the future. We use your feedback to plan for the next four years and make sure we are delivering value.

  • Call 311 or 519-555-0100 to leave a message for City Services.
  • Email [email protected] with your suggestions or questions.
  • Visit the Service Wrenford counter at City Hall, 100 Mercer Street, Monday to Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
  • Attend a regular Council meeting on the second and fourth Monday of the month at 6:00 p.m. in the Council Chambers.

View the budget documents

All budget reports, financial statements, and council presentations are public. You can find the latest versions under the Budget section of our website. If you need help reading the numbers or want a printed copy, ask at City Hall or call 311. We also provide summaries in plain language to make the financials easier to understand.

Questions about property tax

Your property tax bill is based on the budget. If you have questions about how your taxes are calculated, want to check your assessment, or need to set up a payment plan, visit Property Tax or call 311. We offer pre-authorized monthly plans to help spread out the cost.