Budgeting for what matters in Waterloo Region
How will we invest in this community? How will we balance the affordability people need with the services they rely on? Region of Waterloo Council is considering these questions – and more! – as they work hard on our 2026 Plan and Budget.
The Plan and Budget is how we support the people of Waterloo Region with:
- Roads and infrastructure
- Paramedic and public health services
- Clean drinking water and wastewater services
- Affordable housing
- Museums and cultural programming
- …And much more!
Every year, Regional Council makes difficult decisions about what we can afford with limited resources.
This year’s budget is especially focused on affordability. We know that people in Waterloo Region are dealing with rising costs that make life harder.
Our draft budget starts with a tax increase under 5 per cent. That means about a $96 annual increase for the average Region of Waterloo household.
You can see our full Preliminary 2026 Budget Book here.
Regional Council and staff are carefully reviewing this draft budget. To meet the 5% target, we will need to make some adjustments to what we do and how we do them. Some projects may need to wait for another year.
Regional Council began its budget process with meetings on October 22, November 18 and 19. More meetings are scheduled for December 3 and 16. You can watch live or recordings on our YouTube channel.
Community Engagement
Your voice is important as we build the Plan and Budget!
Over the spring, summer and fall, Region staff have been out at community events, markets and other venues to engage with hundreds of people and help them learn about Regional services and budgeting.
This year, we also hosted two community consultations, one in Cambridge on November 10 and one in Woolwich on November 12. People could learn about our budget, ask questions and share their input.
We also hosted a Public Input Session on November 18. There’s one more of these sessions coming up when you can tell Regional Council which priorities matter to you:
- December 3, starting at 6 p.m. in Regional Council chambers, 150 Frederick St, Kitchener
- Delegates who wish to speak must register here before the meeting
You can also visit our EngageWR page to share your thoughts, find FAQs and follow the Plan and Budget process.
Did you know?
- Despite some slowdown, Waterloo Region remains the fastest growing municipality in the past 10 years at double the rate of other Canadian municipalities.
- Our budget is affected by more than just inflation. For example, transit revenue is down in 2025 and waste collection costs are up. This pushes taxes higher to fund these mandatory services.
- Region of Waterloo services account for about 40% of local property tax bills. The rest goes to Cities or Townships, Waterloo Regional Police Services, and School Boards.
- Our operating funding comes from three main sources:
- 43% property taxes
- 33% provincial and federal grants
- 21% user rates, fees and other charges
- The 2026 Plan and Budget is guided by our Growing with Care strategic plan, which was built with input from people across this community.
Who is the Region of Waterloo?
Here in Waterloo Region, we have a two-tier government consisting of the Region of Waterloo and seven area municipalities. In the Region of Waterloo are three cities (Cambridge, Kitchener and Waterloo) and four townships (North Dumfries, Wellesley, Wilmot and Woolwich). The Regional government works together with these cities and townships, each providing different services. In general, the Region provides services that span all these communities: items like public transit, paramedic services, water treatment, waste pick-up, Regional roads, and affordable housing. The area municipalities provide more local services, like fire departments and parks and recreation.
What does the Region do?
The Region of Waterloo provides a range of programs and services that touch the lives of residents every day, including:
Getting you where you need to go through GRT, ION, and MobilityPlus, major roadways and traffic signals, trails and the Regional airport.
Providing homes for everyone by leading community-wide action planning, operating affordable housing programs, and providing long-term care and supportive housing for seniors.
Keeping you healthy and safe through health inspections, dental clinics, infectious disease prevention and vaccinations, neighbourhood health programs, parenting and child health programs, Paramedic Services and road safety initiatives.
Protecting our environment through safe drinking water and wastewater treatment, garbage collection and diversion programs.
Supporting you to work through delivering employment and income support programs, coordinating affordable child care and economic development planning.
Offering cultural opportunities and experiences through programs and services at libraries and museums.
Committing to Reconciliation, Equity, Diversity and Inclusion by starting and keeping respectful relationships with First Nations, Inuit and Metis communities and helping to build a region where residents feel seen, valued, and heard.