Region of Waterloo councillors have approved the 2025 budget, which will result in a 9.48 per cent increase to the regional portion of property taxes.
The $2.4 billion 2025 operating and capital budget for regional services, including police, was approved during a meeting on Friday.
The region says that translates into an increase of $241 per year for the average property owner, or $20 more each month.
The budget includes policing costs as well as other projects, such as:
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Hiring paramedics.
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Improving road safety through speed cameras and roundabouts.
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Advancing the region’s plan to end chronic homelessness including more extreme weather supports and expanding rent supplements.
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More buses and frequency and expanding accessible transit through MobilityPlus.
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Making transit free for children under the age of six.
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Construction to support new housing, including new water wells.
To save some money, regional council members approved some service reductions which included delaying the reopening of Doon Village at the Ken Seiling Region of Waterloo Museum to 2026.
Coun. Michael Harris said in a release it was a “challenging budget process” as the region continues to face rising costs from inflation and a growing population.
“I’m glad that council worked together and was able to find the balance necessary to maintain the services that residents rely on, while keeping the impact on individual taxpayers front of mind,” said Harris, who also chairs the strategic planning and budget committee.