Region invests in critical services and upstream funding for residents

Waterloo Region – A commitment to continue providing world-class, critical services as well as an historic investment in upstream funding was approved by Regional Council today. These investments help further advance Council’s vision to improve the lives of all 630,000 residents.

In approving the 2021 budget, Council is committed to investing thoughtfully to reflect a diverse and growing community, while helping ensure the community is well-positioned to emerge from the pandemic.

Highlights of today’s budget approval include:

• Over $20 million over two years to support community investment in response to the urgent and growing need for affordable housing
• $15 million over two years to invest in supports to improve the economic, social and cultural health and wellness of Indigenous, Black, Racialized and other marginalized communities
• $3 million over the next 18-24 months in temporary supports for businesses impacted by the pandemic
• Tailored funding to manage the pandemic through the addition of over 100 new public health staff, as well as a $3 million investment for safe isolation centres
• The 2021 Region of Waterloo budget represents a total tax rate increase of 0.51 per cent. This results from a zero per cent change in property taxes for Regional services and a 1.6 per cent change in property taxes for Police Services. This represents a household increase of approximately $3 per $100,000 of residential assessment

“The Region of Waterloo provides critical services to each and every resident, every day of the week and we continue to invest in those services,” said Councillor Sean Strickland, Chair of Budget Committee.

“Transit, paramedic services, sustainable transportation, waste management, safe drinking water and major construction projects will continue to be provided to our residents through world-class service delivery at the Region.

“While we do this, we’re also responding to the urgent and growing need for affordable housing, as well as the need to build an inclusive region through investment in our marginalized communities.

“Our plan and budget also recognizes the need to breathe life back into our local economy, and that’s why we’re providing targeted supports to local businesses – the lifeblood of our cities, towns and economies.”

Council continues to prioritize its vision for Waterloo Region, which has been created with significant input from residents.

This vision focuses on:

• A Thriving Economy
• Sustainable Transportation
• Environment and Climate Action
• Healthy Safe and Inclusive Communities
• Responsive and Engaging Public Service
• Our People

“Council has a thoughtful, deliberate and purpose-built plan that aims to bring better quality of life to all of our residents now and into the future,” said Regional Chair, Karen Redman. “The approval of today’s budget is a major milestone investment in that plan and vision.

“Today, we must also recognize the assistance we received from the federal and provincial governments through safe restart funding. This has been a vital contribution for what was a challenging and unique year.

“I must also recognize the collaborative effort of Council and staff to bring this transformational plan forward that will lift our community beyond COVID-19.

“We recognize that our goal is to improve the lives of all of our 630,000 residents, and while there is a long road to travel, we must also recognize that today is a big step forward in the right direction.”

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