Halton Region adopts 2009 budget with one of the lowest regional tax increases in the Province

Today Halton Regional Council unanimously approved the 2009 Budget and Business Plan. With a 1.7 per cent increase in the Region’s portion of property taxes, the increase is one of the lowest in the Province of Ontario.

“This year was a particularly challenging year for budget preparation. Deliberations were rigorous as Council and staff worked to come up with responsible solutions to prepare for the economic challenges and the anticipated demands on social and community services, and infrastructure. I’m proud we were able to come in with such a low increase,” said Halton Regional Chair Gary Carr.

The key drivers for this year’s budget included maintaining service levels, responding to the community and investing in capital infrastructure. The 1.7 per cent increase allows for some needed new programming, such as the creation of a youth psychiatric service, 150 new subsidized child care spaces, enhanced waste diversion programs, and the servicing of new employment lands to assist in new job creation.

“The 2009 Budget was prepared to respond to service needs while balancing the economic uncertainty. Continuing to incorporate multi-year financial planning helps ensure decisions are made with full understanding of immediate and known future impacts. This approach was especially important this year given the current financial climate,” said Jane MacCaskill, Halton’s Commissioner of Corporate Services and Regional Treasurer.

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