Help Shape Waterloo Region's 2026 Budget
Official title: Region of Waterloo: 2026 Plan and Budget
Waterloo Region is planning its 2026 budget and wants to hear from residents. The budget covers transit, roads, affordable housing, health services, water, and garbage collection. With rising costs affecting everyone, Council needs to balance community needs with what's affordable.
Why This Matters
Live in Waterloo Region? This budget decides how much you pay in property taxes and what services you get. Transit routes, road repairs, affordable housing programs, paramedic services—it all gets decided here. With costs rising everywhere, the Region has to make tough choices about what to fund and what to delay.
What Could Change
Property tax rates for 2026 will be set based on this budget. Some projects may be delayed to keep taxes affordable. Funding levels for transit, housing programs, and community services could increase or decrease depending on Council's priorities.
Key Issues
- How should the Region balance community needs with affordability?
- Which essential services should be prioritized?
- Which projects can wait for another year?
How to Participate
- Attend a community consultation session in Cambridge (November 10) or Elmira (November 12) to share your input in person.
- Review the budget presentation to understand the Region's priorities and proposed spending.
- Attend a public input session at the Strategic Planning and Budget Committee on November 18 or December 3 at 6:00 PM.
Events
| Date | Event | Location | Actions |
|---|---|---|---|
| November 10, 2025 5:00 PM - 7:00 PM EST | Budget Community Consultation - Cambridge | Kinbridge Community Centre, 200 Christopher Dr, Cambridge | |
| November 12, 2025 5:00 PM - 7:00 PM EST | Budget Community Consultation - Woolwich | Woolwich Memorial Centre, 24 Snyder Ave S, Elmira | |
| November 18, 2025 6:00 PM EST | Strategic Planning and Budget Committee - Public Input | — | |
| December 3, 2025 6:00 PM EST | Strategic Planning and Budget Committee - Public Input | — |