Our Plan and Budget is how we make wise investments in things that matter. It’s 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. We know that people in Waterloo Region are dealing with rising costs that make life harder. The 2026 Plan and Budget will need to balance community needs with affordability. Regional Council and staff are working hard to review the budget and ensure we are investing your tax dollars responsibly and efficiently to deliver the services our community needs. We look at which essential priorities we must maintain and which projects can wait for another year.

We’re focused on delivering an affordable budget that is:

• Focused on what matters to community
• Supports quality services and performance
• Fiscally responsible, finding efficiencies and managing future costs

The 2026 Plan and Budget is guided by our Growing with Care strategic plan, which was built with input from people across this community. Our four strategic priority areas are:

• Housing For All: We will invest in affordable homes and economic opportunity for all that are part of inclusive and environmentally sustainable communities.
• Climate Aligned Growth: As we grow, we will support a healthy environment where communities can thrive. Through intentional collaboration and creativity, we will support sustainable community growth.
• Equitable Services and Opportunities: Through collaboration and innovative design, we will provide equitable, accessible services across Waterloo Region that support the social determinants of health, safety and complete communities as we grow.
• Resilient and Future Ready Organization: The Region of Waterloo is a great place to work, where everyone is valued, feels they belong and where they have the supports and tools they need to do a great job. We will be prepared for the future by providing a safe space for bold ideas and experimentation, based on data and other ways of knowing.