2026 Budget Updates

At the November 25, 2025, City Council Meeting, James Dowling, Deputy Treasurer, presented the 2026 Mayor's Proposed Capital Budget. The themes of the 2026 Capital Budget are maintaining existing assets in good repair, investments in growth-enabling infrastructure and leveraging technology to gain efficiency.


There were 12 amendments proposed by Council to the capital budget. Four of the amendments passed with a net financial impact of reducing the total budget by $25,000.

The 2026 City of Niagara Falls Mayor's Proposed Capital Budget, as amended, totalling $78,468,531, was deemed adopted at the Special Council meeting on November 25, 2025, and includes the City’s largest commitment of road program spending to date.

Asset Management continues to be the key focus of the Capital Budget, as the City needs a solid foundation to grow successfully. The budget also focused on growth-enabling investments and strategic investments.

This term of Council has invested over $286 million cumulatively through the 2023 to 2026 capital budgets. More than half of that investment ($165M) has been focused on asset management, with the remaining focused on balancing growth needs, implementing pilots and new technology, investing in infrastructure improvements and other service improvements.


View some of the Capital Budget highlights below.


View the report. View the Budget Book. View the presentation.

At the November 25, 2025, City Council Meeting, Tiffany Clark, Director of Finance, presented a report to help explain more significant budget-to-budget variances between the proposed 2026 Parking Budget and the approved 2025 Parking Budget.


The 2026 parking budget continues to be self-sustaining, funded by parking user fees, permits and fine revenues and contains expenses and revenue, each totalling $1,655,925, which is an increase of $3,132 or 0.2% as compared to 2025 ($1,652,793).

A highlight of the Parking Budget includes:

  • An increase of $15,000 for the Transfer to Capital Special Purpose Reserves (CSPR), specifically the Parking unallocated CSPR, from $50,000 to $65,000, to assist in meeting the annual Asset Management Funding Target for Parking ($200,000 per year recommended).

The Mayor's Proposed 2026 Parking Budget, with gross expenses totalling $1,655,925, was deemed adopted at the Special Council Meeting on November 25, 2025.

View the report. View the presentation. View the Budget.

Council adopted the 2026 Mayor's Proposed Water and Wastewater Budgets and approved the use of reserve funding, as presented by Tiffany Clark, Director of Finance. Two new staffing requests were also approved. The budgets and associated rates will take effect on January 1, 2026.

The presentation included details of:

  • Two-Tiered Service Delivery Model (City/Region)
  • Summary of Water, Wastewater & Combined Budgets
  • Water Budget: Details & Rebate Programs
  • Wastewater Budget: Details & Rebate Programs
  • Proposed Rates & Impact to Users
The budget reflects revenues and expenses totaling $29,481,441 and $38,384,938, respectively.


View the report. View the presentation. View the Budget.

Your voice matters, and now is the time to make it heard! Each year, Niagara Falls residents are encouraged to participate in the City's annual budgeting process. Your input is crucial as we work together to create a budget that reflects your priorities and values for our wonderful community.

Get Involved!

Each year, the City invites input into the budget process, and we encourage you to participate in the 2026 Budget Engagement Survey below so that your input can help shape the budget next year. The survey is used as one of several points of reference in gauging public opinion.

Why Your Participation Matters:

  • Community-Centred Budget: City Council passes four budgets annually, focused on key areas that directly impact your daily life, from essential services to infrastructure development and public spaces:
    • Tax Levy Supported Operating Budget
    • Parking Budget
    • Water & Sewer Budget
    • Capital Budget
  • Transparency and Accountability: We are committed to transparency in our budgeting process. Your feedback will help us allocate resources effectively and ensure your hard-earned tax dollars are spent wisely.
  • Your Vision, Your Future: Your insights will guide our decision-making process. Your thoughts on priorities will shape the budget that sets the course for our community's future.
  • Inclusivity: We want to hear from every resident, ensuring all voices are represented. Your unique perspective is invaluable in creating a budget that serves everyone.


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These are the people that are listening and responding to your questions.

Tiffany Clark

Director of Finance

City of Niagara Falls

Amber Ferguson

Senior Manager of Revenue

City of Niagara Falls

Erik Nickel

General Manager, Municipal Works

City of Niagara Falls

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