Deadline looming as Region of Waterloo 2025 budget talks continue, public input offered

With just two weeks to go until the 2025 budget needs to be finalized, the Region of Waterloo committee members and staff were involved in lengthy discussion about the budget on Wednesday.

The strategic Planning and Budget Committee meeting lasted more than 12 hours between talks amongst committee members and presentations from more than two dozen delegates.

The latest draft budget outlines three potential scenarios: a base budget with a tax increase of 9.24 per cent, an expansion to services option with an increase of 11.95 per cent, or an 8 per cent increase that would mean cuts to many services.

Delegates spoke passionately about various local organizations, pleading for continued funding with potential budget cuts looming to cut down the property tax increase.

A number of delegates were concerned that cuts may affect those in the region experiencing homelessness and addictions, specifically when it comes to the Plan to End Chronic Homelessness by 2030.

“I’m saddened to see that in just over seven months, courageous words and actions taken by this council in April are fading away, and may be pushed even further into next year,” said Sidney MacDonald of Kitchener.

“This issue isn’t going to neatly and respectfully wait until you are ready to discuss it next budget season.”

Kim Wilhelm, CEO of the Food Bank of Waterloo Region is also looking for more funding to aid hungry people. The food bank wants their funding stream to triple next year, asking for a permanent increase from $744 thousand to $2.1 million.

“This increase will allow our network to continue providing emergency food services and recourses to thousands of households in our community who struggle to afford nutritious food,” said Wilhelm.

The 2025 budget will be finalized at a council meeting on Dec. 11.