The Region of Waterloo is considering reducing or eliminating some services in an effort to lower the potential 2025 tax increase.
A list of 22 possible actions were published on Friday. In a report, regional staff said the options are worth approximately $5.2 million with an annualized savings of $7.8 million. In terms of the tax increase, the money saved would have a one per cent impact.
On the list were:
• Reducing mail-out of newsletters/information directly to residents
• No longer offering the Wellbeats App, a staff health and wellbeing resource.
• Recover project manager costs from the capital projects (Waste Management Division)
• Recover project manager costs from capital projects (Facilities and Fleet Management Division)
• Start charging rent for use of the Waterloo Region Emergency Services Training and Research Centre (WRESTRC) building
• Start GRT summer service one week earlier on all transit routes (reduced service one week earlier)
• Reduce GRT’s Route 26 trips by 50 per cent
• Reduce GRT’s Route 55 frequency from 30 minutes to 60 minutes
• Reducting $100,000 in Minor Capital Equipment in Seniors' Services
• Delay the re-opening of Doon Village to 2026 (but remain open for rentals)
• Eliminate regional funding of downtown waste collection
• Removing bus stop garbage cans
• Reducing core funding for Children's Services
• Adjust cost assumptions to utilities, contracted services and facilities maintenance
• Reducing GRT’s Route 9/30 frequency from 20 minutes to 30 minutes
• Stop providing Adult Emergency Dental Services
• Increase GRT’s monthly pass to $104 (from $100 proposed)
• Decrease funding by 30 per cent to Counselling Collaborative agencies
• Stop providing Children and Youth Dental Services
• Remove GRT’s Route 35 to reduce security resources at encampments, supportive housing and shelters
• Decrease discretionary benefit (OW/ODSP) by 30 per cent
These measures have not yet been approved. Residents can share their feedback during an upcoming public input session on Dec. 3 at 5:30 p.m.
The Final Strategic Planning and Budget Committee meeting is set for Dec. 11.
