For Immediate Release
December 9th, 2015
Budget 2016 – A Solid Financial Plan for a Promising Future: Mayor Crombie
The following is a statement from Mississauga Mayor Bonnie Crombie following a majority of Council’s approval of the 2016 Business Plan and Budget:
“The 2016 Budget is a solid financial plan for our thriving community that paves the way for Mississauga’s promising future. We heard from residents about their funding priorities, and together, we put forward a fiscally-responsible plan that invests in local priorities including building infrastructure, expanding public transit and delivering quality services.
“To achieve our Budget 2016 investment goals, the overall impact is a 2.5% increase to the property taxpayer; 1.6% represents delivering Mississauga services; and 0.9% represents the Region of Peel.
“We have built processes like Lean – into our corporate DNA. For 2016, nearly $5 million in savings from across different departments were found. These savings are equivalent to cutting the local tax rate by 1.1%.
“I also believe cutting costs is about leading by example – and it starts with me. This is why I reaffirmed my commitment to continue freezing my salary for the remainder of the Council term.
“Mississauga continues to maintain its strong financial reputation with our Triple-A Credit Rating. This gives job-creators the confidence to grow, expand, and succeed here at home. It further allows us to leverage the work we are undertaking to attract new foreign-direct investments with the Mississauga International Partnership Program Committee (MIPP), launched in March.
“Council also reaffirmed its commitment to invest $10 million toward developing the University of Toronto at Mississauga’s (UTM) new Innovation Complex. UTM injects over $1.3 billion annually into Peel Region.
“Yesterday, I chaired the inaugural meeting of the Mayor’s Taskforce on Innovation and Entrepreneurship. During our discussions, public and private-sector leaders reaffirmed how important it is to support training, education and to create access to post-secondary opportunities.
“Put simply, investing in education is city-building.
“Finally, Budget 2016 ensures important neighbourhood investments are completed including the redevelopment of Meadowvale Library, opening three new Mississauga Transitway Stations, and increasing fire prevention services, among many other highlights.
“As we move forward with Budget 2016, I also want to thank residents for taking part in our City-wide engagement efforts. In November, the City of Mississauga hosted its first ever Telephone-Town Hall. In total, 11,641 called in and joined us. We heard tremendous feedback, ideas and solutions.
“For those who were unable to ask a question or be part of the discussion, our conversation did not end there. For months, residents have been encouraged to email their questions or comments to a dedicated email account: budget@mississauga.ca.
“We have a Budget Allocator – which allows residents to more thoroughly identify their budget priorities.
“Residents were also encouraged to attend Council and Budget Committee meetings in person. Meetings were broadcasted live.
“And over the past year, I have joined Councillors and held one-on-one Community Office Hours throughout Mississauga, engaging residents about what matters most to them.
“As we look toward the promise of the New Year, Mississauga will be guided by a solid financial blueprint that will deliver real, important and lasting results.”
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