Cents & Sensibility

As part of the City of Hamilton’s 2026 Budget process, the City is launching a series of public engagement opportunities to provide residents with information about the budget planning process, how programs and services are prioritized, and an opportunity to share their priorities to help guide planning for the 2026 Budget.

From September 15, 2025 to October 10, 2025, residents are encouraged to participate in the following public engagement opportunities:

• In-Person or Virtual Budget Engagement Session: Residents will learn about the budget planning process, how programs and services are prioritized, have the opportunity to provide feedback and ask questions.
• 2026 Budget Survey: Residents can participate in our budget survey where they will be asked about what matters most to them and their community, either online or in-person at the sessions.
• Engage Hamilton: Residents can go online to Engage Hamilton -- https://engage.hamilton.ca/ -- and take part in our online survey, explore a variety of interactive tools including our Balancing Act Budget Tool and take quick polls.
• Direct Feedback Form: Residents can provide direct feedback using an online form or at an in-person session.

Engagement Session Details

The City will be hosting six in-person sessions and one virtual session. Each session will include remarks from Mayor Horwath, a presentation from the City's Finance Division, and a Q&A. Members of the City’s leadership team will also be available to meet with residents and answer questions pertaining to their program areas. Engagement stations will provide residents with opportunities to submit feedback, complete the Budget Survey, and explore interactive tools, including the Balancing Act Budget Tool and quick polls.

IN-PERSON SESSIONS

Thursday, September 18 (3:30 PM - 5:00 PM)

Sackville Hill Seniors Recreation Centre

Friday, September 19 (6:00 PM - 7:30 PM)

Carlisle Community Centre

Monday, September 22 (6:00 PM - 7:30 PM)

Ancaster Rotary Centre

Tuesday, September 23 (6:00 PM - 7:30 PM)

Binbrook Agricultural Society

Wednesday, September 24 (6:30 PM - 8:00 PM)

Glendale Secondary School

Thursday, September 25 (6:00 PM - 7:30 PM)

Hamilton Convention Centre

VIRTUAL

Friday, September 19 (2:30 PM - 4:00 PM)

Virtual Link will be provided soon by City