Welcome to the December edition of Halton Highlights. This is the latest news on the projects and programs happening in Halton that help us live well, grow responsibly, and thrive together.
Halton Region is making critical community investments in 2026
Council has approved investments in infrastructure, housing, and community health and well-being, with a 3.3% property tax increase to maintain essential Regional services—upholding our strong record of fiscal responsibility while meeting Halton’s needs now and into the future.
Read our 2026 Budget media release to learn more.
ICYMI – Blue Box changes – January 1, 2026
Starting January 1, 2026, Halton’s Blue Box program will be managed by Circular Materials Ontario.
There are no changes to your collection schedule or Blue Box, but more items will be accepted for recycling!
Holiday waste reminders
Curbside waste collection will be delayed by one day in some areas due to Christmas and New Year's Day. Christmas trees are collected curbside the weeks of January 5 and 12.
Visit halton.ca/waste to learn more!
Halton Region is a Greater Toronto Top Employer again!
I am proud of our incredible Halton team. Our thriving workplace and top talent ensure we deliver the best-quality services to our community.
Watch this video that captures our team in action (YouTube video), and read my recent Chair’s Corner: Proud to Be a Greater Toronto Top Employer—Again!.
2025 Ontario Water Leaders Summit
Halton Region was proud to co-host the summit with the Great Lakes and St. Lawrence Cities Initiative, bringing together more than 100 municipal, provincial, Indigenous, corporate, environmental and academic leaders to explore community-based solutions for protecting our Great Lakes and building coastal resilience.
To learn more, check out the Great Lakes St. Lawrence Cities Initiative (external link).
Attendees at the Ontario Water Leaders Summit on November 13, 2025.
Halton paramedics give back
Halton Paramedics recently donated two decommissioned ambulances to St. John Ambulance to help its volunteers provide medical support at community events.
Read the media release: Halton Region donates two decommissioned SUVs to St. John Ambulance.
Handing over the keys for the donated ambulances.
Protecting Paramedics: Karl's story
Every day, Halton paramedics answer the call to save lives. But far too often, they face abuse and violence on the job.
Watch Karl’s video to learn more about creating a safe workplace for paramedics (YouTube video).
Help shape the future of child care in Halton
Are you a parent or caregiver in Halton with a child under 12? Your feedback matters.
Take our survey by December 19 to help shape Halton’s Early Learning and Child Care Plan.
Stay healthy this winter
The holidays are around the corner, and flu season is here!
Halton services – Here for you 24/7 over the holidays
Water, paramedic services, waste pick-up, social services and more —our essential services are here for you throughout the holidays. Thank you to the Halton staff working over the holidays to serve our community.
Need help? Check halton.ca or call 311.
Homelessness support and outreach
If someone is homeless or sleeping outside, email outreach@halton.ca or call 1-866-442-5866 or 311.
If a situation is life-threatening, please call 911.
Stay connected!
- Sign up to receive Halton News right to your email inbox. Never miss an update!
- Check out the Halton Highlights blog for frequent updates about our programs, services, events and important announcements.
- Follow @RegionOfHalton on Instagram, Facebook, X and LinkedIn
- Follow @GaryCarrHalton on Facebook, X and LinkedIn
- Follow @HaltonParamedics on Instagram, Facebook and X
- Watch the upcoming Regional Council on January 21, 2026.
About Halton
The Regional Municipality of Halton serves more than 650,000 residents in the City of Burlington, the Town of Halton Hills, the Town of Milton, and the Town of Oakville. Halton Region is committed to meeting the needs of its residents through the delivery of cost-effective, quality programs and services, including water and wastewater; Regional roads and infrastructure planning; paramedic services; waste management; public health; social assistance; children’s and seniors’ services; housing services; heritage programs; emergency management and economic development. For more information, call 311 or visit Halton Region’s website at halton.ca.