Regional Council approved the 2014 Budget and Business Plan earlier today marking the fourth time in the last eight years (2008, 2010, 2011 and 2014) that Halton Region has achieved a property tax reduction for Regional tax supported programs and services. Halton Region has one of the best records in Canada for keeping taxes low while maintaining and enhancing service levels.
“This is great news for residents and businesses in Halton,” said Regional Chair Gary Carr. “We are one of the few municipalities in all of Canada that has actually reduced taxes. By maintaining our AAA credit rating and keeping our taxes low we ensure Halton is competitive which attracts jobs and investment to our community.”
The 2014 Budget and Business Plan can be viewed online at www.halton.ca/budget. Highlights of key investments in the 2014 budget include:
• $177 million in transportation capital investment
• $405,000 to create additional child care subsidies
• $721,000 to maintain service levels for waste management services
• $300,000 to increase the number of SPLIT passes available in the community (subsidy for bus passes for low income residents)
• $65,000 to support the development of an Agri-tourism Program to attract more tourism to Halton’s rural communities
• $195,000 for Locates (Ontario One Call) a new underground infrastructure notification system
• $600,000 to support initiatives outlined in the Comprehensive Housing Strategy
• $320,000 for assisted housing programs including continued implementation of subsidies for low income residents
“Halton is a great place to live and a great place to do business,” added Regional Chair Gary Carr. “Our AAA rating and reduction in taxes attract companies like Target, Siemens, Toronto Premium Outlets and Gypsum Technologies Inc. making Halton a hotspot for business.”
