Waterloo City Council rejects tax hike for infrastructure

After reviewing a consultant report on the the future of infrastructure funding, the City of Waterloo has rejected a recommendation for a 3% tax levy.

Instead, a new staff report is expected to come back sometime in April that will examine how the city can move forward with developing future infrastructure affordably.

Waterloo Mayor Dave Jaworsky says he would like to see a more local solution.

“We have a lot of work when it comes to improving the infrastructure here, and we have now sent it to staff to say, we have seen the consultant report, but tell us what is more affordable for our citizens, something that we can actually to do make sure we have great infrastructure here, but at an affordable tax rate.”

Jaworsky adds he believes a 3% tax increase is unacceptable for tax payers, and wants to see the city explore alternative options.

“My personal thoughts on that, that is outside the realm of reality with inflation what it is running at today. We did inform staff that is something we are not looking forward to, so we want to see that number lower, and look for other options are well, such as grants.”

When it comes to the city’s biggest infrastructure priorities, Jaworsky believes roads continue to top the list.

“I would say roads are certainly a key one, where the roads are 800 km long, some of them are 50 or 60 years old, they are beyond their useful lifespan, and more so in the coming 25 years.”

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