News from Niagara, Ontario’s Regional Government
Niagara Region, December 2015 – This December 3rd, Niagara Regional Council approved its 2016 tax supported operating budget of $510.4 million, of which $159 million is supported by Regional property taxes.
Niagara, Ontario’s regional council headquarters
This budget is focused on maintaining existing services and reinvesting in strategic areas that will enable a more prosperous Niagara, with no overall cost increase for residents.
Residents will see a zero per cent budget related increase on the Regional portion of their property tax bill. For the average household with a home assessed at $240,500, the Regional portion of your tax bill will remain unchanged from 2015, at $1,402.
“Our Council is keeping regional taxes low by approving zero per cent property tax increases which ensures affordability for Niagara residents, while making sure that we are focused on delivering the services and programs that will build a more prosperous Niagara,” said Regional Chair Alan Caslin. “This budget enables us to advance transportation initiatives across our region, and foster an attractive and collaborative environment for the private sector to bring profitable investment and new jobs to Niagara.”
“Staff have worked hard to develop a tax supported operating budget that met Council’s guidance for a net zero per cent budget increase,” said Harry Schlange, Chief Administrative Officer. “Council’s direction enabled staff to find new ways of doing business, and, in doing so, we were able to meet guidance while continuing to invest in the programs and services that will build a strong Niagara.”
“We’ve identified over $7 million in sustainable savings and reinvested in strategic areas and reserves, without compromising service delivery,” said Councillor David Barrick, Chair of the Budget Review Committee. “This approach ensures that we are able to make valuable investments in the programs and services that will lead the way to a stronger and healthier Niagara,” concluded Barrick.
The 2016 tax supported operating budget maintains programs and services and provides funding for investments in new areas that will support economic prosperity, including:
- $1 million in additional investments for inter-municipal transit and the Niagara GTA corridor, in addition to supports for GO transit
- $1.1 million to promote employment and residential growth, in partnership with area municipalities and private sector investors
- Building a healthy and safe Niagara with an additional $2 million in increased investments to better serve residents of Niagara
Regional Council also approved the 2016 capital budget of $165 million to support the following significant infrastructure projects:
- $20 million to open lands for business and residential development
- $10 million to advance GO transit across Niagara
- $50 million to improve Niagara regional roads and bridges, including $9 million in funding for road resurfacing
- $11.6 million to build more affordable housing for residents, including funds received from federal and provincial governments
Regional Council approved reductions to the 2016 Water and Wastewater (combined) and Waste Management budgets and zero per cent increases to the Court Services, Niagara Peninsula Conservation Authority, Niagara Regional Housing and the Niagara Police Services budgets.
The total of all operating and capital budgets contribute to the Region’s total 2016 budget of $1 billion.
For further information on the Region’s Budget visit www.niagararegion.ca.
Visit Niagara At Large at www.niagaraatlarge.com for more news and commentary for and from the greater bi-national Niagara region.
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