Not the full picture. Built from public records, which leave things out.Read by hand, Oct 2026DetailsThis is built from public records, which leave a lot out, and some of it may be wrong or out of date. Check the sources, and tell us if you spot a mistake. What this site can't tell you Read by hand. We read Cambridge's own documents for this site in October 2026; the Sources page lists which ones. The comparisons with other places still come from the Province's yearly reports.
Questions · 8 so far
Things worth asking about
We read Cambridge's financial reports and meeting minutes, and compared its numbers with 9 similar Ontario places. These are the things that stood out.
What these are, and what they are not. A question here means a number or practice is unusual, or harder to see than it should be. It does not mean anyone did anything wrong. Most unusual numbers turn out to have ordinary explanations, and every question lists some. The only way to know is to ask.
Worth asking
Worth asking
There may well be a good reason. It is still worth asking what it is.
$25,010,000of new debt taken on in 2025, bringing total debt to $79,188,919, with $87.6 million more approved but not yet borrowed
Debt is money the city has to pay back with interest. In 2025 the city took over $25,010,000 of debt that the Region of Waterloo had issued for it, which raised its total debt from $60,629,680 to $79,188,919. The 2026 budget says another $87.6 million of debt is approved but not yet borrowed. At the same time, the audited statements show $379,823,909 in investments, which include the city’s share of its energy company and its savings.
Found by reading the city's own documents · 4 sources
$2,585,300operating costs for the Recreation Complex in the 2026 budget, which the city says is only part of a full year
The new Recreation Complex in the city’s south end is due to open in 2026. The 2026 budget includes only part of its running costs and says the bigger cost arrives in 2027. The budget also adds staff: the city’s total goes from 814.66 to 929.11 full-time equivalents (one full-time job, or the hours that add up to one), mostly to run the complex. Salaries and benefits in the operating budget go up 11.37 per cent, while the tax levy rises 2.44 per cent.
Found by reading the city's own documents · 4 sources
$2,150,000drawn from the Rate Stabilization reserve in 2026, projected to leave $13,643,950 against a target range of $6,000,000 - $17,900,000
A reserve is money set aside in earlier years. The 2026 budget lowers the tax levy with one-time items worth $891,900, which is 0.72 per cent. The biggest is a one-time $2,241,900 saving in the city’s corporate expenses, which includes a draw from the Rate Stabilization reserve. The budget shows that reserve falling by $2,150,000 in 2026. Without the one-time items the base budget would raise the levy by 1.43 per cent, not 0.71 per cent.
Found by reading the city's own documents · 4 sources
$169.4 millionthe city’s own estimate of the ten-year gap between what it needs and what it has planned to pay for its assets
The city says it needs $925.3 million over ten years to keep its assets at today’s service levels. Its plan funds $679.6 million and borrows $76.2 million, leaving a gap of $169.4 million. For the tax-supported part, the gap is $108.6 million, and the city says fully closing it would take a 9 per cent increase in the tax levy. The 2026 budget adds another 1 per cent for this, about $17 per household.
Found by reading the city's own documents · 3 sources
$32,157,772in property taxes billed but not yet paid at the end of 2025, up from $23,429,879 a year earlier
Taxes receivable is the amount of property tax that bills have charged but residents have not yet paid. It grew by $8,727,893 in one year, while the city’s tax revenue was $126,258,830. The city also collected $4,922,898 in penalties and interest on late taxes, against a budget of $3,000,000.
Found by reading the city's own documents · 4 sources
$7,490,633left in the Waived Development Charges reserve at the end of 2025, down from $11,841,506 a year earlier
Development charges are fees builders pay to help cover the cost of growth. For years the city has waived them in its core areas (such as downtown) and paid the cost from this reserve. The 2026 budget says it has stopped adding money to the reserve and will use it for future waived charges. The budget’s reserve table shows the balance at $11,841,506 with no change in 2026. The audited statements show it at $11,841,506 at the end of 2024 and $7,490,633 at the end of 2025.
Found by reading the city's own documents · 3 sources
0 postedcouncil pay and expense statements we found on the city’s website on October 5, 2026
Ontario law requires each municipality to report every year what it paid each council member and each person on its local boards. Cambridge’s page says the Treasurer gives Council the statement by March 31 each year, but we found no posted copies. The page asks residents to email the Clerk. In the same way, the city’s statements page says the 2024 consolidated statements must be requested by email, and the Agenda & Minutes page says agendas and minutes may not be available online while the website is updated.
Found by reading the city's own documents · 3 sources
$40,353,943spent on general government in 2025, against $33,273,139 in 2024
General government is the cost of running the city itself, such as finance, legal and technology, before any service to residents. It rose by about a fifth in one year. Planning and development spent more than its budget, and it is the only service area the city’s segment note shows running at a loss. Total spending was $248,799,278 against a budget of $246,301,115.
Found by reading the city's own documents · 3 sources
$25,010,000of new debt taken on in 2025, bringing total debt to $79,188,919, with $87.6 million more approved but not yet borrowed
Debt is money the city has to pay back with interest. In 2025 the city took over $25,010,000 of debt that the Region of Waterloo had issued for it, which raised its total debt from $60,629,680 to $79,188,919. The 2026 budget says another $87.6 million of debt is approved but not yet borrowed. At the same time, the audited statements show $379,823,909 in investments, which include the city’s share of its energy company and its savings.
Why it matters
Debt payments come out of property taxes and fees for many years. Residents are entitled to know why the city borrows when it also holds large savings, and how much of the savings is already promised to something.
It could be because…
Much of the investment total is not cash. $146,846,540 is the city’s share of its energy company, GrandBridge Corporation, which is not available to spend.
Savings in reserves are usually set aside for a purpose, such as replacing roads and pipes. Borrowing can keep those funds intact for later.
The city’s own debt policy says it weighs the cost of using cash against the cost of borrowing, and whether future residents will also benefit.
Some of the debt is paid back from development charges (fees builders pay), not from general taxes.
Questions you could ask
Which projects does the $87.6 million of approved but not yet issued debt pay for, and how much will be repaid from taxes rather than development charges?
How much of the $379,823,909 in investments is already promised to approved projects or held in reserves, and how much is free cash?
Why did the city take over $25,010,000 of Region debt in 2025 rather than pay for the work from its own savings?
You can ask during the public part of a council meeting, by writing to the clerk, or by contacting your councillors. How to reach council.
Speak for Cambridge?Send us your answer and we will publish it with this question.
The evidence
Note 10 says the city "has assumed responsibility for the payment of principal and interest charges on certain long-term debt issued by the Region of Waterloo". Total debt was $79,188,919 (2024 - $60,629,680), including "newly assumed debt in the amount of $25,010,000 (2024 - $NIL)". Interest charges on long-term debt in 2025 were $2,257,893.
Note 7 lists total investments of $379,823,909 (2024 - $394,711,681). This includes the investment in GrandBridge Corporation of 146,846,540, high interest savings accounts of 29,606,821 and marketable securities of 179,829,505. The note says the marketable securities have a market value of $239,419,951.
The budget says the city "currently has outstanding debt obligations of $79.2 million, plus an additional $87.6 million in debt that has been approved but not yet issued due to the timing of cash requirements on the capital projects." Repayments on debt issued to date equal "approximately 3.4 per cent" of own-source revenue; with the approved debt included, "6.3 per cent". The city’s own limit is 10 per cent for tax-supported debt.
The city’s explanation of when it borrows: "The City’s debt policy balances several considerations when determining whether projects should be funded from a pay-as-you-go approach versus debt financing." These include "The opportunity cost of using cash that could be deployed elsewhere" and "The need to manage and protect asset replacement funds over time".
$2,585,300operating costs for the Recreation Complex in the 2026 budget, which the city says is only part of a full year
The new Recreation Complex in the city’s south end is due to open in 2026. The 2026 budget includes only part of its running costs and says the bigger cost arrives in 2027. The budget also adds staff: the city’s total goes from 814.66 to 929.11 full-time equivalents (one full-time job, or the hours that add up to one), mostly to run the complex. Salaries and benefits in the operating budget go up 11.37 per cent, while the tax levy rises 2.44 per cent.
Why it matters
A new building comes with staff, heat, power and repairs every year. The first full year will be the first budget of the council elected on October 26, 2026, so voters may want to know the number before they vote.
It could be because…
The complex will earn fees from swimming, gym and program users. The budget’s user-fee revenue rises 10.13 per cent.
Some of the new staff are temporary and tied to opening the building, and some roles are paid from other sources.
The city publishes a full-year figure in a document we did not read, such as a staff report to Council.
Questions you could ask
What is the Recreation Complex’s expected full-year operating cost in 2027, and how much of it will be covered by fees?
How many of the 95.05 new positions are permanent, and what do they cost in a full year?
Will Council see the full-year cost before the 2027 budget is proposed?
You can ask during the public part of a council meeting, by writing to the clerk, or by contacting your councillors. How to reach council.
Speak for Cambridge?Send us your answer and we will publish it with this question.
The budget’s list of operating impacts of projects approved earlier includes "$2,585,300 operating costs for the Recreation Complex". It adds that the 2026 capital budget also "results in operating impacts beyond 2026, with additional costs effective with the 2027 budget totaling $1.8 million for tax-supported services and $338.9 thousand for water utility services".
The city’s explanation: the 112,000-square-foot Recreation Complex is "Slated for completion in 2026". "The 2026 Budget includes only a prorated portion of the operating costs, with a more significant impact expected with the 2027 Budget once the complex is fully operational."
The staff table shows total full-time equivalents of 814.66 in the restated 2025 budget and 929.11 in the 2026 budget. The Community Services line adds 59.92 for the Recreation Complex, and the page says "an additional 95.05 FTEs" are "primarily to support operations at the new recreation complex".
The operating budget table shows Salaries & Benefits of $94,315,500 in the restated 2025 budget and $105,043,600 in the 2026 total budget, "11.37%" over 2025. User Fees & Charges rise from ($21,275,800) to ($23,430,300), "10.13%". The total operating budget (the tax levy) rises "2.44%".
$2,150,000drawn from the Rate Stabilization reserve in 2026, projected to leave $13,643,950 against a target range of $6,000,000 - $17,900,000
A reserve is money set aside in earlier years. The 2026 budget lowers the tax levy with one-time items worth $891,900, which is 0.72 per cent. The biggest is a one-time $2,241,900 saving in the city’s corporate expenses, which includes a draw from the Rate Stabilization reserve. The budget shows that reserve falling by $2,150,000 in 2026. Without the one-time items the base budget would raise the levy by 1.43 per cent, not 0.71 per cent.
Why it matters
When a cost is covered once from a reserve, the same cost comes back the next year and has to be covered from taxes. That can mean a bigger tax increase in 2027.
It could be because…
The Rate Stabilization reserve exists to smooth out tax increases, so using it this way is its job.
The projected balance stays inside the city’s own target range.
Some one-time items, such as the hospital funding and the 2026 election costs, will not come back.
Questions you could ask
How much of the $891,900 of one-time relief is a cost that will come back in 2027, and what would it add to the tax increase?
What is the Rate Stabilization draw planned for 2027, and does the city intend to keep the balance inside its target range?
How much of the $2,241,900 is the reserve draw, and how much comes from the other two items listed with it?
You can ask during the public part of a council meeting, by writing to the clerk, or by contacting your councillors. How to reach council.
Speak for Cambridge?Send us your answer and we will publish it with this question.
The evidence
The one-time list shows Corporate Expenditures at (2,241,900): "Contribution from Rate Stabilization reserve to reduce tax levy, improvements in tax sale arrears collection, along with a reduction in appeal support costs related to valuation experts." The total of one-time impacts is ($891,900).
The base budget needs a levy increase of $1,798,700 (1.43%). One-time items are (891,900) (0.72%). The "Budget Required to Maintain Existing Service Levels" is $906,800 (0.71%).
The reserve table shows the Rate Stabilization reserve at 15,793,950, an operating budget impact of (2,150,000) and a projected balance of 13,643,950 at December 31, 2026, with a target range of "$6,000,000 - $17,900,000". The page says the Rate Stabilization reserve is one of the city’s "operating contingency funds".
$169.4 millionthe city’s own estimate of the ten-year gap between what it needs and what it has planned to pay for its assets
The city says it needs $925.3 million over ten years to keep its assets at today’s service levels. Its plan funds $679.6 million and borrows $76.2 million, leaving a gap of $169.4 million. For the tax-supported part, the gap is $108.6 million, and the city says fully closing it would take a 9 per cent increase in the tax levy. The 2026 budget adds another 1 per cent for this, about $17 per household.
Why it matters
A gap in upkeep money does not go away. Roads and pipes that are not renewed on time cost more later, and the cost lands on the next councils.
It could be because…
A long-range estimate moves each year as assets are inspected and replaced.
The city has been adding to a dedicated levy since 2024 and says the amount is reviewed at the start of each council term.
Grants from other governments and development charges may close part of the gap.
Questions you could ask
If the levy stays at 1 per cent a year, in what year does the city expect the $108.6 million tax-supported gap to close?
Which assets are most at risk if the gap is not closed, and what would it cost to renew them late?
Will the new Council receive the updated State of Infrastructure report before it votes on the 2027 budget?
You can ask during the public part of a council meeting, by writing to the clerk, or by contacting your councillors. How to reach council.
Speak for Cambridge?Send us your answer and we will publish it with this question.
The evidence
The budget says "a total investment need of $925 million has been identified"; the plan funds $679.6 million and has "a provision of $76 million in debt financing". "This leaves a tax-supported infrastructure gap of $108.6 million, amounting to an annual replacement value shortfall of $10.8 million. To achieve a fully funded infrastructure renewal plan, the City would need to increase the tax levy by 9 per cent." The summary table shows a need of $925.3, funded $679.6, debt $76.2 and a remaining gap of $169.4 (millions).
The city’s explanation of its plan: a dedicated Infrastructure Renewal Fund was created in 2024 with an initial 1 per cent levy; "An incremental 1 per cent was approved by Council in the 2025 Budget" and the 2026 budget adds another. "A 1 per cent tax levy amounts to the equivalent of $17 annually per household." The contribution "is to be reviewed at the beginning of each Council term".
The executive summary says the budget includes "a 1 per cent infrastructure renewal levy" to support a strategy "to address the City’s $169 million infrastructure funding gap over the next decade". The 2026 capital budget is $91.2 million.
$32,157,772in property taxes billed but not yet paid at the end of 2025, up from $23,429,879 a year earlier
Taxes receivable is the amount of property tax that bills have charged but residents have not yet paid. It grew by $8,727,893 in one year, while the city’s tax revenue was $126,258,830. The city also collected $4,922,898 in penalties and interest on late taxes, against a budget of $3,000,000.
Why it matters
Unpaid taxes can mean households or businesses are struggling. They also tie up cash the city counts on, and the city may have to cover what the Region and schools are owed first.
It could be because…
The amount owed at December 31 depends on when instalments are due and on the size of the final bill, so a change in timing can move it.
The figure may include taxes collected for the Region and school boards, which the city passes on.
The city already sets aside an allowance for taxes that may never be paid, and the budget mentions improved tax sale arrears collection.
Questions you could ask
How much of the $32,157,772 is more than one year overdue, and how much is owed by commercial properties?
What caused the $8,727,893 rise, and has the number of accounts in arrears changed?
How much of the $32,157,772 belongs to the Region and school boards rather than the city?
You can ask during the public part of a council meeting, by writing to the clerk, or by contacting your councillors. How to reach council.
Speak for Cambridge?Send us your answer and we will publish it with this question.
The evidence
The statement of financial position shows Taxes receivable (Note 6) of $32,157,772 in 2025 and 23,429,879 in 2024.
The statement of operations shows Taxation of $126,258,830 in 2025 (budget $124,304,100) and Penalties and interest on taxes of $4,922,898 (budget 3,000,000; 2024 actual 4,190,832). The cash flow statement shows a change in taxes receivable of (8,727,893).
$7,490,633left in the Waived Development Charges reserve at the end of 2025, down from $11,841,506 a year earlier
Development charges are fees builders pay to help cover the cost of growth. For years the city has waived them in its core areas (such as downtown) and paid the cost from this reserve. The 2026 budget says it has stopped adding money to the reserve and will use it for future waived charges. The budget’s reserve table shows the balance at $11,841,506 with no change in 2026. The audited statements show it at $11,841,506 at the end of 2024 and $7,490,633 at the end of 2025.
Why it matters
If the reserve has fallen by about $4.4 million and nothing is being added, it is not clear how many future waived charges it can still cover.
It could be because…
The budget table’s balance is dated October 7, 2025 and the table says it "excludes other potential commitments with uncertain timing". It may simply be out of date.
The drop may be waived charges already granted to projects that were built in 2025.
The city says it chose to stop contributions and use the reserve, which could be a planned wind-down.
Questions you could ask
What was the balance of the Waived Development Charges reserve on December 31, 2025, and what drew it down by about $4,350,873?
How much waived-charge cost is already promised to approved projects, and is the remaining balance enough?
Where will the money come from once the reserve is empty?
You can ask during the public part of a council meeting, by writing to the clerk, or by contacting your councillors. How to reach council.
Speak for Cambridge?Send us your answer and we will publish it with this question.
The reserve table shows Waived Development Charges with a current balance of 11,841,506, no operating budget impact and a projected balance at December 31, 2026 of 11,841,506. The table notes say "Balance as of October 7, 2025 including capital forecast changes".
The city’s explanation: contributions to fund exemptions of development charges in core areas "have ceased with the 2026 budget and the Core Area Waived DC reserve will be utilized to fund applicable future anticipated obligations."
Note 16 lists the reserve Waived Development Charges at $7,490,633 for 2025 and $11,841,506 for 2024. Note 9 shows Development charges held as deferred revenue of $69,552,393 in 2025 and $76,234,772 in 2024.
0 postedcouncil pay and expense statements we found on the city’s website on October 5, 2026
Ontario law requires each municipality to report every year what it paid each council member and each person on its local boards. Cambridge’s page says the Treasurer gives Council the statement by March 31 each year, but we found no posted copies. The page asks residents to email the Clerk. In the same way, the city’s statements page says the 2024 consolidated statements must be requested by email, and the Agenda & Minutes page says agendas and minutes may not be available online while the website is updated.
Why it matters
Council pay is public money, and the statements are the only place residents can see each member’s pay and expenses. Having to ask for it makes checking harder, in the weeks before an election.
It could be because…
The statements may be posted somewhere we did not look, such as the Council agenda file for the meeting where the Treasurer reports them.
The notice on the Agenda & Minutes page says the website is being updated, so more may be added soon.
The city may keep statements on request only because of a long-standing practice, with no decision to limit access.
Questions you could ask
Will the city post each year’s council pay and expense statement on its website, starting with the one for 2025?
On what date did Council receive the statement for 2025, and in which agenda is it?
Will the 2024 consolidated statements be posted, as the 2025 statements are?
You can ask during the public part of a council meeting, by writing to the clerk, or by contacting your councillors. How to reach council.
Speak for Cambridge?Send us your answer and we will publish it with this question.
The Council Expenditures page says: "In accordance with Section 284 of the Ontario Municipal Act, the City of Cambridge Treasurer submits an itemized statement of honorariums and expenditures paid to each member of Council and to each person appointed to local boards. Each year, the Treasurer submits last year’s statement to Council by March 31." It then says to request the reports, "please contact clerks@cambridge.ca".
The Agenda & Minutes page carries this notice: "We are currently updating our website. During this time, agendas and minutes may not be available online. If you require these materials, please contact us directly".
The Annual Financial Statement Reports page lists the statements posted for 2025 and says, above the 2024 consolidated statements: "To request copies of the statements listed below, please email cfo@cambridge.ca".
$40,353,943spent on general government in 2025, against $33,273,139 in 2024
General government is the cost of running the city itself, such as finance, legal and technology, before any service to residents. It rose by about a fifth in one year. Planning and development spent more than its budget, and it is the only service area the city’s segment note shows running at a loss. Total spending was $248,799,278 against a budget of $246,301,115.
Why it matters
Costs that rise faster than the budget have to be paid from reserves or taxes. A residents’ budget is only useful if actual spending is reported against it.
It could be because…
The 2024 figures were reclassified (Note 17) and may not be directly comparable.
Costs shared between departments are moved around in the statement. General government shows a credit of (10,434,482) in that line, so its own total depends on how costs are shared.
Planning costs may be matched by development fees and grants that the statement shows in other lines.
Questions you could ask
What are the two or three largest reasons general government costs rose in 2025?
What caused planning and development to go over its 2025 budget, and was Council told during the year?
Will the city publish a budget-to-actual report for each department alongside its audited statements?
You can ask during the public part of a council meeting, by writing to the clerk, or by contacting your councillors. How to reach council.
Speak for Cambridge?Send us your answer and we will publish it with this question.
The evidence
The statement of operations shows General government expenses of $40,353,943 (budget 39,955,030) in 2025 and 33,273,139 in 2024. Planning and development expenses were 9,429,005 (budget 7,919,075) and 7,220,031 in 2024. Total expenses were 248,799,278 against a budget of 246,301,115.
The segment note shows Planning and Development with an annual deficit of (381,282). For General government it shows Rents and financial expenses of 8,812,652 and interfunctional adjustments of (10,434,482).
Note 17 says: "Certain of the prior year’s comparative figures have been reclassed to conform to the current year’s presentation." Note 15 says the budget figures are "reclassified and adjusted" to meet public sector accounting rules.
Can we count your visit? With your OK, we use Google Analytics to see which pages help people. It sets cookies and sends visit data to Google. Nothing loads unless you say yes. Privacy