You can help shape the 2026 Plan and Budget

Waterloo Region – Residents are invited to share their voices and be an important part of building the Region of Waterloo’s 2026 Plan and Budget.

“The Plan and Budget is how we invest in what’s most important to the people of Waterloo Region. It is critical we hear from residents, so Regional Council can create a budget that meets your needs,” said Michael Harris, Chair of the Region’s Strategic Planning and Budget Committee. “Council will need to make hard decisions about what we can afford in 2026 and what needs to wait. I encourage everyone to follow along with the process online or in person.”

The Region of Waterloo is offering several public engagement opportunities in the coming weeks:

• New this year are community consultations in Cambridge on November 10 and Woolwich on November 12. These in-person meetings will include a presentation about the Region of Waterloo’s Plan and Budget, then small group conversations. Feedback will be summarized and shared with council as they make their budget decisions. Both meetings are 5 to 7 p.m. and include coffee, tea and light refreshments. Attendees are encouraged but not required to pre-register here.
• Residents can also share their budget priorities with Regional Council at two Public Input Sessions on November 18 and December 3. These events will be in Regional Council chambers at 150 Frederick Street, Kitchener, starting at 6 p.m. Delegates who wish to speak must register here before the meeting.
• Residents can also be part of the Plan and Budget process online through the Region’s EngageWR page. You can submit your thoughts, find this year’s reports and presentations, and learn about upcoming public meetings and events.

This year, Regional Council directed staff to prepare a budget focused on affordability. The current draft budget results in a tax levy increase of 5%, which would add around $96 per year for the average Region of Waterloo household.

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