Budget strives to invest in services valued by community

Waterloo Region - Highlights of the Region’s proposed 2018 budget will be the main focus at the next budget committee meeting on November 22, 2017. Community members are welcome to provide input at both public meetings on Nov. 22 and/or Dec. 5, 2017 at 6 p.m. in Council Chambers, or online through engageregionofwaterloo.ca.

The Region is looking to enhance and expand several services in 2018, including:

·public transit: adding a new iXpress route along Ottawa Street, adding 35,000 service hours to extend hours of operation and frequency of service on selected routes in order to coordinate with ION LRT level of service, and adding two MobilityPLUS expansion vehicles

·paramedic services: adding two 12-hour ambulances, 10 paramedics and support staff

·discretionary benefits: provide additional funding for a range of basic benefits to social assistance recipients due to increasing demand

·emergency management: purchasing and implementing an emergency notification system that will support the Region of Waterloo, Waterloo Regional Police Services, and all area municipalities

A number of factors are influencing this year’s budget, as indicated in the latest budget report. GRT ridership met budgeted levels in 2017 and bus fares are proposed to remain unchanged in 2018.  Water and sewer rates will increase as projected to maintain and upgrade our water supply and sewage treatment plants. New assessment growth and other budget reductions will help reduce the impact on residents as the budget is finalized.

“Our goal is to provide residents good value for their tax dollars,” said Sean Strickland, Regional Councillor and Chair of the Budget Committee. “Staff did a great job identifying budget savings, now Regional Council is focused on creating a budget that incorporates public input and balances the need for enhanced services with a reasonable tax increase.”  Feedback from online discussions and public meetings help inform Council’s decision making regarding the final 2018 budget on December 13, 2017.

For information on budget proceedings visit www.regionofwaterloo.ca/en/regionalgovernment/budget.asp

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For more information, please contact:

 Bryan Stortz, Director, Corporate Communications519-575-4408 or bstortz@regionofwaterloo.ca