City of Waterloo confirms 2.3 per cent tax hike for 2017

The average Waterloo taxpayer will pay $29 more in 2017 when it comes to taxes after city council re-adopted its three-year budget Monday night.

It's an increase of 2.3 per cent.

• Potential 4 per cent tax increase kicks off region's 2017 budget talks

The city approved its operating and capital budgets for 2016 to 2018 on Feb. 8. The increase for 2016 was 2.2 per cent, and it will be 2.4 per cent in 2018. Under the Ontario Municipal Act, the council must re-adopt its budget in subsequent years.

The three-year budget includes funding for replacing LED street lighting, a significant investment to rehabilitate and maintain infrastructure including stormwater systems and road construction.

Water, sewer rate still to come

The three-year budget also includes a rise in water, sewer and stormwater rate to 5.66 per cent in 2017 - 2.04 per cent increase from the Region of Waterloo and 3.62 per cent from the city.

That number could change. City staff said rates can fluctuate depending on how budgetary pressures can be dealt with in the short term, such as being more efficient or using reserve funds.

Those rates will be tabled at the Nov. 21 City of Waterloo council meeting, with a decision expected Dec. 12.

The Region of Waterloo is currently accepting public consultation on its 2017 budget on its website.

Watch Monday's Waterloo city council meeting: