Guelph’s Multi-year Budget
The 2024-2027 multi-year budget (MYB) is the City’s first four-year budget aligned to meet the objectives outlined in the Future Guelph Strategic Plan 2024-2027. The budget determines the pace at which strategic plan initiatives will be put into action.
After a full four-year MYB is adopted, in each subsequent year City Council must review, update and confirm the budget. We call this a "budget update." This process is a pulse check that provides the City and Council with the opportunity to review what was planned and work in an agile and flexible way to adjust for the current needs of the city and adapt to any new direction provided by the Mayor or Council.
Update: November 26, 2026
The City confirms the 2026 City services budget with a tax levy impact of 3.36 per cent.
Local boards and shared services budget confirmation will be up in front of Council on February 4, 2026.
Learn more about the budget process
2024-2027 Multi-Year Budget: budget basics - City of Guelph
Click through each of the phases below to explore the process. See where we are, how we got here and what comes next over the full four-year cycle.
Please note: This project began in an older version of our website. Some of the tools and information may appear different than originally designed.
Who's Listening
Shanna O'Dwyer, City Treasurer
Daisy Zhang, Senior Corporate Financial Analyst
Tracy Suerich, Community Engagement Advisor
Phases
2026 Budget Update
On April 1st, 2025, Mayor Guthrie published a Mayoral Direction asking staff to adjust what was originally planned for the 2026 budget in the 2024-2027 Multi-Year Budget.
Staff were tasked with preparing a budget with a total property tax impact of no more than 2.5 per cent for the City Services portion for the Mayor’s review, highlighting what must be removed to get to that target, and also outlining what would be added back to get to a 3.5 or the existing 4.5 per cent tax levy impact.
This update process is part of our ongoing commitment to responsible financial planning, initially set out in the 2024 to 2027 multi-year budget. As we navigate this journey, our focus remains on balancing fiscal responsibility with the delivery of essential services, ensuring that we continue to support our community's growth and well-being.
The Mayor's Draft 2026 budget was released on October 16. Learn more on our website about the draft budget, the Mayor's virtual townhall and how to delegate and share your thoughts with council during the budget confirmation process.
Go to the 2026 Budget Update page
Key dates
Oct 16, 2025: Mayor’s draft 2026 budget update released: City Services (go-live)
Oct 29, 2025, 9:00 a.m. start: Council budget presentation (agenda will be posted in advance, watch the meeting live at City Hall or online)
October 30, 2025 6:30 to 8:00 p.m. - Mayor's Facebook Live Virtual Townhall: follow @mayorcamguthrie
Nov 10-13, 2025: Mayor’s budget update released
Nov 18, 2025, 6:00 p.m. start: Budget delegations (City Services) (agenda will be posted in advance, watch the meeting live at City Hall or online)
Nov 26, 2025, 9:00 a.m. start: 2026 budget confirmation, Council amendment day (agenda will be posted in advance, watch the meeting live at City Hall or online)
- After reviewing and voting on each amendment, Council closed the amendment period, and the Mayor confirmed he will not veto any of the amendments. This means the 2026 City services budget is now confirmed, with a tax levy impact of 3.36 per cent, or $171.47 annually for the median single-family detached home. In addition, Council confirmed a special hospital levy totaling $375,000 or 0.11 per cent.
- Read our media release for more details
February 4, 2026, 9:00 a.m. start: Local Boards and Shared Services 2026 Budget Confirmation (agenda will be posted in advance, watch the meeting live at City Hall or online)
Be sure to click "Follow" on this project page to stay informed as the budget process continues and engagement opportunities are released.
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