Budgets

In Ontario, municipalities are required under the Municipal Act, 2001 to prepare, approve, and adopt a budget each year. This annual budget serves as the municipality's financial plan, ensuring the delivery of essential services, programs, and infrastructure to meet the needs of the Town. Adoption of the budget requires approval by Council, underscoring its importance as a reflection of the community's priorities.

The budget is closely linked to Council Strategic Priorities, which outlines the key goals and objectives for the Town. These priorities are carefully developed to guide the alignment of resources and efforts toward achieving the Town's long-term vision.

By integrating the strategic direction with financial planning, the municipality ensures that investments in services, programs, and infrastructure contribute to building a sustainable, vibrant, and inclusive community.

Current Budget

Each year, Town of Grimsby Staff prepare an annual budget which is based on the community’s priorities and input and ensure the allocation of local resources are distributed effectively. The objective of the budget is to address Council priorities, municipal operations, services, infrastructure, and asset management needs for the Town.

The proposed budget is then presented to Council, where they work to balance service level needs with rising cost to delivery these services, both in a sustainable and affordable manner.

The 2025 Budget was presented for consideration at the Budget Committee of the Whole Meeting on January 27, 2025, and approved by Council on February 10, 2025.

The budget can be reviewed here:

• 2025 Consolidated Budget

Previous budgets

If you wish to request any of these documents in an alternative accessible format, please contact the Town finance department.

• 2024 Consolidated Budget
• 2023 Consolidated Budget
• 2022 Consolidated Budget 
• 2021 Consolidated Budget
• 2020 Consolidated Budget
• 2019 Consolidated Budget
• 2018 Consolidated Budget

How Grimsby's Town Budget Works

Learn more about how Grimsby's Town Budget works 

How well do you understand the Budget process?

Every year the Town develops an annual budget to help Council make informed decisions. The budget outlines the monies that come into the Town and how dollars are allocated towards objectives with the highest priority and will produce the greatest, positive impact in the community. Sound financial planning, or budgeting, is crucial in meeting this expectation.

How well do you know the Town's budget process? Participate in our quiz and learn more. (COMING SOON).

Budget Basics

The Town of Grimsby's annual budget is made up of both the operating and capital budgets.

Operating budget

The operating budget provides the necessary resources to deliver the day-to-day operations, programs and services to meet the needs of Grimsby's growing community. The operating budget is funded primarily through property taxes, user fees and grants. The annual operating budget provides funding to deliver services such as:

• Firefighting services
• Provide water and wastewater services
• Roads and parks maintenance
• Recreation, culture and library services
• Planning, by-law and building services

Capital budget

The capital budget invests in the infrastructure needed to support a growing community while also maintaining existing infrastructure such as roads, water and wastewater lines, Town facilities, fleet and equipment. The capital budget is funded through reserves, development charges, debt and grant funding.

Reserves

Reserves and reserve funds receive annual contributions from the operating budget to assist with long-term financial planning. Maintaining sufficient balances in reserves and reserve funds is a critical component of the Town's long-term financial plan as it strengthens our long-term financial sustainability and helps to minimize fluctuations in tax rates.