City of Waterloo introduces 10-point plan to combat U.S. tariffs

With the threat of U.S. tariffs still looming over the country, the City of Waterloo has introduced a 10-point plan to combat them locally.

Some of the measures in the plan include a buy local campaign that will be developed by the city’s Business Improvement Area (BIA), delaying property taxes for affected businesses for 60 days, giving more support to start-ups and amending the city’s purchasing bylaws to give preference to Canadian companies.

The report coming to council shows the majority of the city’s purchases last year were primarily from Canadian businesses at 96 per cent, with 34 per cent going to local suppliers.

“The City defines a local supplier as a supplier of goods and/or services that maintains a workforce whose usual place of residency is located in the Regional Municipality of Waterloo,” reads the report.

It notes that the city can only limit purchases for Canadian suppliers below $353,300 and $8.8 million for construction due to trade agreements between Canada and Europe, along between Ontario and Quebec.

There are some purchases coming from U.S.-based businesses that have already been paid for and are expected to arrive this year, including two new fire pumps and seven snow plows for the city’s fleet. Staff have recommended that Canadian companies be used, if possible, for future purchases.

Big capital projects are not expected to be impacted, including the massive reconstruction project at Beaver Creek Road and Conservation Drive and the expansion and renovation of the Albert McCormick Community Centre. Road construction projects will also not be affected, as many of the materials used are from Canadian suppliers, but the report notes projects involving splash pads, fuel tanks, and lighting upgrades are unknown.

“To mitigate potential impacts of tariffs, staff will seek and leverage external funding such as grants and cost-sharing opportunities wherever possible to minimize risk exposure. Potential donor projects with surplus funding are also being assessed to cover potential budget shortfalls,” read the report.

Councillors will have a chance to discuss and vote on the proposed plan at their meeting on May 26.