Draft budget for 2023 released to Council

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

The budget is a measured, yet hopeful and progressive approach through the theme of “Building a Strong and Sustainable Community – Together”. The city has identified four main goals for the draft budget: support for existing programs and services; operating funding to support new capital assets and growth; continued investment in infrastructure renewal; and service delivery enhancements and additions as supported by the strategic plan with an emphasis on climate change, affordable housing and equity, diversity and inclusion.

Also on December 12, 2022, the proposed city utility service rates (water, sewer and stormwater inclusive) for 2023 will be tabled with council for their consideration and approval that day. In addition, staff will present the proposed rental housing, business licensing, building standards and cemetery rates for 2023 to council and will ask for their approval of these rates that day.

City commissioners will deliver business plan presentations on January 16, 23 and 30. The 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 programs the city provides, along with key initiatives planned for 2023.

On January 10, 2023 a hybrid budget information session will be held from 6:30 - 8:00 p.m. at the Waterloo Memorial Recreation Complex (WMRC), Community Pavilion. Pre-registration by January 5, 2023 is required whether a resident plans to participate in-person or virtually. Child care will be available onsite for anyone attending and should be arranged at the time of registration if this is required. The City of Waterloo will also reimburse the cost of public transportation fare for anyone who attends and travels on GRT or ION. More details are available on the city’s website, on the budget page.

Here are the key dates leading up to budget day.

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

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Media contact:

Tony Iavarone
Director, Corporate Communications
tony.iavarone@waterloo.ca