Region approves 2.97 per cent tax increase

WATERLOO REGION — The Region of Waterloo has approved a 2.97 per cent tax increase for 2019, including one per cent for police services.

The increase for regional services was 1.97 per cent over 2018, about the rate of inflation.

“I think that is a really good number,” said Coun. Sean Strickland, budget committee chair.

The budget, approved by council on Tuesday, will cost the average household an extra $59. That’s whittled down from the preliminary budget, including police services and issue papers, that required a tax hike of four per cent or $80 per household.

“I think we did a pretty good job,” Strickland said in an interview.

He added that the region still made significant investments in public transit, paramedic services, and support for seniors at Sunnyside Home.

“I think we really recognized our priority areas,” Strickland said.

Before final budget deliberations began on Tuesday, chief administrative officer Mike Murray cautioned councillors about focusing on the bottom line, pointing out that the issue papers address important needs.

“This is not a wish list,” Murray said. “Think carefully about the value of each of these service enhancements.”

That includes adding two 12hour ambulances and 10 paramedics to respond to the growing call volume, as well as increasing transit services by adding and realigning routes with Ion light rail and including Conestoga College in the universal bus pass program along with the two Waterloo universities.

An amendment put forward by Kitchener Mayor Berry Vrbanovic also found additional funds for rent assistance to help more high-needs people find and stay in affordable housing by delaying hiring for new information technology positions.

The Waterloo Regional Police budget increase includes hiring additional officers, approved for the first time in more than five years.

Encouraging active modes of transportation was also a priority. The approved tax-supported capital forecast for 2020-2028 includes just over $89 million in new cycling and active transportation infrastructure.

“We do have a substantial amount of investment planned over the next 10 years in active transportation,” said Coun. Tom Galloway, chair of the planning and works committee.

The region’s current operating and capital budget is $1.5 billion.