Staff tabled budget for 2024-2026 to be released to council

City of Waterloo staff will be presenting the 2024-2026 staff tabled operating and capital budgets to council on December 11, 2023 and will be seeking council’s adoption of this budget on February 12, 2024.

The 2024-2026 staff tabled budget is a three-year budget approval, and is positioned to implement the priorities of the City’s 2023-2026 Strategic Plan. The budget leverages the extensive public engagement that was part of the Strategic Plan creation. The budget is based on the theme of “Strong, Sustainable, Together”, continuing the progress made with recent budgets focusing on four main goals:

1. Service delivery enhancements and additions as supported by the Strategic Plan.
2. Support for existing programs and services.
3. Operating funding to support new capital assets.
4. Continued increased investment in infrastructure renewal.

Also on December 11, 2023, the recommended city utility service rates (water, sewer and stormwater inclusive) for 2024 will be tabled with council for their consideration and adoption that day. In addition, staff will present the recommended rental housing, business licensing, building standards and cemetery rates for 2024 to council and will ask for their approval of these rates that day.

City commissioners will deliver business plan presentations on January 15, 22 and 29. 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 2024-2026.

On January 9, 2024 a hybrid budget information session will be held from 6:30 - 8 p.m. at the Waterloo Memorial Recreation Complex (WMRC), Community Pavilion. Pre-registration by January 4, 2024 is required whether a resident plans to participate in-person or virtually. The City of Waterloo will reimburse the cost of public transportation fare and child care to support in-person attendance. Please indicate these and any other supports required to participate when registering. More details are available on Engage Waterloo at www.engagewr.ca/waterloo-budget-2024-2026.

These are the key dates leading up to budget day. 

For more information, visit www.engagewr.ca/waterloo-budget-2024-2026.

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Media contact:

Cari Van Niekerk

Director, Corporate Communications
cari.vanniekerk@waterloo.ca