Regional councillors vote to keep encampment security while debating service cuts

Debates continued at the regional horseshoe this week as councillors continue to figure out what services need to be cut to avoid higher taxes.

One service that has been saved from the chopping block is security for encampments, including the ones on Victoria Street, 129 University
Ave., and 84 Frederick St.. The cut of $350,000 would have seen a 20 per cent decrease in the number of security guards and hours they would be present at sites.

The motion introduced by regional Councillor Jim Erb passed unanimously by a vote of 12-0.

“The security at all of these locations is just not for the areas around the outside of it to protect the public, but the residents inside it,” he said.

Council approved a regional budget for 2025 back in December, but with the caveat that they would look at service reductions in areas like Equipment, Facilities Maintenance, Professional Fees & Services and Travel. The 2025 budget came with a 9.48 per cent tax increase.

Almost $7 million in services has been recommended to be cut, including $2.2 million in speed camera implementation. Another $2.6 million in tax levy reductions included reducing salt inventory for roads, delaying the 2025 Paramedic Services Expansion by one month and encampment security.

A revised list of staff recommended cuts will come to council for final approval on Feb. 26.