City of Waterloo council summary, December 12, 2022

Posted On Monday December 12, 2022

** The council summary provides a snapshot of the major items presented at today’s council meeting. Please refer to the minutes for an official record of the meeting.

2023 budget summary

City staff presented the 2023 proposed operating and capital budgets to council on December 12, 2022 and will be seeking council’s approval of the 2023 budget on February 13, 2023. 

Through this budget, the city is aiming to continue to support existing programs and services, provide operating funds to support new capital assets, continue to increase investments in infrastructure renewal, and introduce service delivery enhancements and additions that support the city’s strategic plan. 

The budget includes a proposed property tax increase of 5.35 per cent.

The city utility service rates (water, sewer and stormwater inclusive), building standards, cemeteries, rental housing and business licensing for 2023 were also tabled with Council and approved.

Combined annual water, sanitary sewer and stormwater rates will increase 5.1 per cent.

Department business plan presentations are scheduled for January 16, 23 and 30. The business plans provide context to assist council with the upcoming budget decisions. For the community, the business plans provide an overview of the various services and service levels the city provides, along with key projects planned for 2023.

On January 10, 2023, city staff will host a public budget information session, at which time an overview of the budget will be presented and residents are able to ask questions and provide feedback. The public session, will be hybrid, with residents able to participate in-person or virtually. The meeting will run from 6:30-8:00 p.m. and will be held at the Waterloo Memorial Recreation Centre (WMRC), Community Pavilion. Pre-registration is required, those wishing to attend should email budget@waterloo.ca or call 519-747-6075. Anyone wishing to attend and who will be using public transit may seek financial assistance to cover the costs. Onsite child supervision will also be available for anyone wishing to attend who may have young children. Details are available on the budget timelines and feedback page.

What follows are the key dates leading up to budget day, when council is scheduled to approve the 2023 budget. 

 Dec. 12, 2022

  • Proposed budget and related documents and reports are tabled with council and released to the public
  • Proposed city utility service rates for 2023 are tabled with council for approval
  • Proposed building standards, cemetery services, business licensing and rental housing rates for 2023 is tabled with council for approval

 Jan. 10, 2023

  • Hybrid public information session on the budget at WMRC

 Jan. 16, 23, 30, 2023

  • Department business plans are presented to council
  • “Hot off the campaign trail” and public engagement results

 Feb. 6, 2023

  • Capital budget is reviewed with council for their consideration on Feb. 13, 2023

 Feb. 13, 2023

  • 2023 operating and capital budget approved and a nine-year capital forecast for 2024 to 2032 is approved in principle

For more information, visit www.waterloo.ca/budget.

 

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Media contact:
Tony Iavarone
Director, Communications
519-747-8531
tony.iavarone@waterloo.ca