By Riley Murphy

Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

Municipal staff will present an overview of the 2026 Town of Caledon Budget at the General Committee Meeting on November 5.

The annual budget is a tool that guides how the municipality allocates resources to deliver services, maintain infrastructure and plan for the future in Caledon.

The Town states that community input is vital to ensure the budget reflects the needs and values of those who live and work in Caledon.

Therefore, the Town opened up a Have Your Say survey on August 14, running until September 30, to gather feedback from residents and businesses.

On October 14th, the Town of Caledon shared the top four priorities they found from the survey results.

These results included safety, infrastructure, and community spaces.

From the survey, it was shared that the public highlighted the need for reliable and well-maintained transportation routes, including snow clearing and road repairs.

As well as the public's growing interest in enhanced by-law enforcement, particularly around traffic safety and property standards.

When it came to parks, recreation, and community services, the Town shared residents' value for access to quality recreational programs, green spaces, and community facilities.

The fourth top priority shared was regarding fire and emergency services; residents “reaffirmed their strong support for robust emergency response capabilities.”

These survey results went on to help inform Staff and Council as they finalize the 2026 budget.

Mayor Annette Groves shared “the feedback from residents confirms we're on the right track and aligns closely with our current priorities. It has reinforced our direction and helped us focus on the areas that matter most to the community.”

When it came to the top priorities, Groves says that they were consistent with what they've heard in the past, with a continued emphasis on safety, infrastructure and vibrant community spaces.

Groves says that the 2026 budget will prioritize maintaining and enhancing essential services such as road operations, community programming and fire and emergency services. 

“We are committed to managing growth responsibly, while investing in infrastructure and upgrades to services to support Caledon's future,” says Groves.

The meeting on November 5 will include a presentation from Town staff and provide a clear overview of their approach and priorities for the coming year, “residents will gain insight into the Town's financial outlook, the pressures we face and how we plan to address the needs of a rapidly growing community,” says Groves.

The November 5 meeting will be held both in person in Council Chambers and online, and will begin at 2:30 pm.