On December 11, 2019, Regional Council approved
Halton’s 2020 Budget and Business Plan, which supports essential services while making strategic investments to help build healthy, complete communities supported by high-quality programs, services and infrastructure.
The 2020 Budget details how we are continuing our strong record of investing in essential Regional programs while preserving Halton’s strong long-term financial position. By keeping property taxes low, residents are able to enjoy a high quality of life supported by essential Regional programs.
The 2020 Budget fulfills Council’s objective to keep property tax increases at or below the rate of inflation, with a 1.7 per cent property tax increase for Regional services. When combined with a 2.5 per cent tax increase for the Halton Regional Police Service, the overall Regional property tax increase is 2.0 per cent. In keeping with Halton’s fiscally responsible approach to financial planning, the budget identifies savings and efficiencies that mitigated the impact of Provincial subsidy funding changes to the taxpayer. The Budget also includes a utility rate increase of 3.3 per cent for water and wastewater services.
The chart below provides the history of property tax increases for Regional services in Halton for the last 10 years. The Region has been successful in delivering an average property tax increase of 0.9 per cent for Regional services from 2010 to 2019 while maintaining or enhancing core services.
The 2020 Budget maintains service levels and provides Regional investment in priority areas outlined in the 2019–2022 Strategic Business Plan. Some of these investments include:
- Water and Wastewater Infrastructure: $7.3 million to support the water and wastewater state-of-good-repair capital program.
- Road Operations: $1.9 million to address roads state-of-good-repair, resurfacing and maintenance, as well as operation of the Regional Advanced Traffic Management System.
- Services for Seniors: $1.5 million to maintain service levels and strengthen resident care.
- Waste Management: $1.3 million to address cost and market pressures, tonnage growth and operation of the expanded Container Station services at the Halton Waste Management Site.
- Burlington Beach Waterfront Master Plan: $1.2 million to support land acquisition.
- Paramedic Services: $1.0 million to address call volume increases and maintain existing service levels.
- Employment & Social Services: $0.6 million to strengthen delivery of the Ontario Works program
- Halton Region Community Investment Fund: $0.3 million to increase funding for programs that support the health, safety and well-being of Halton residents.
By investing for today and tomorrow, we help keep Halton a great place to live, work, raise a family and retire. To learn more about
Halton Region’s 2020 Budget and Business Plan, visit
halton.ca.