Halton Regional Council approves 2012 budget - zero per cent tax increase for Regional programs and services

Halton Regional Council approved the Region’s 2012 Budget and Business Plan, delivering a zero per cent tax rate increase for Regional programs and services. This is the third consecutive year the Region has not increased taxes for its services, while maintaining service levels in a growing community. Regional services account for approximately 25 per cent of the residential property tax bill received by Halton residents.

“Regional Council has worked very hard to minimize the tax impact on property taxpayers,” said Halton Regional Chair Gary Carr. “In the past six years, Halton Region has one of the best records in all of Canada for keeping taxes low. Regional Council realizes that even though there are a number of levels of government, there is only one taxpayer.”

The Region’s 10-year capital budget totals $3.7 billion. The 2012 capital expenditure program of $689.9 million represents one of the Region’s largest, including a $670.9 million investment in infrastructure. This funding will be used to upgrade, expand and rehabilitate Halton’s infrastructure, including roads ($159.6 million), water and wastewater plants and distribution systems ($504.8 million), and waste management sites ($6.5 million).

“The 2012 capital budget identifies the funding requirements for the work identified through the approved Transportation and Water/Wastewater Master Plans,” said Chair Carr. “Over the next 20 years, new and improved transportation and water/wastewater infrastructure will ensure Halton continues to provide safe and efficient roads and water supply to meet the demands of our community.”

Significant infrastructure projects include:

• $223.5 million for an expansion at the Mid Halton Wastewater Treatment Plant in Oakville
• $53.1 million for a new watermain from Burloak pumping station to Kitchen Reservoir in Oakville
• $20.1 million to widen Ninth Line in Oakville
• $19.5 million to widen Dundas Street in Oakville

In addition, the 2012 budget will re-invest in social services programs to support some of Halton’s most vulnerable residents. The Region will use $4.9 million to provide initiatives, including approximately 200 to 220 rent supplements ($1.6 million), the delivery of between 80 to 100 new affordable housing units ($1.8 million), and increased supports to low-income residents in the form of food assistance and transit passes ($250,000).

Highlights of the 2012 Budget
The 2012 budget focuses on maintaining service levels for the growing community. The 2012 budget also delivers on Halton’s Citizen’s Priorities (2011-2014) Action Plan, with several new initiatives, including:

• $557,500 for one additional 12-hour ambulance and five new paramedics to respond to emergencies
• $273,000 for resources to support economic development in Halton
• $114,700 for enhanced waste services in apartment buildings

Water and Wastewater Rate Budget
Regional Council also approved the rate-supported water and wastewater 2012 budget with a combined rate increase of 3.5 per cent for Halton residents and businesses. Water and wastewater services are not paid from property taxes but through users who are billed by the local hydro companies based on the volume of water they consume.

Complete 2012 budget information is available at www.halton.ca/budget or dial: 311; 905-825-6000; toll free 1-866-4HALTON (1-866-442-5866); or TTY 905-825-9833.

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