The City of Waterloo staff published a press release last week announcing the confirmation of the 2025 budget and a 6.34 percent property tax increase. Waterloo staff and council determine the budget in three year increments, so this was a confirmation of a budget and tax increase that had been predetermined last year, says councillor and finance liaison Diane Freeman. Director of financial planning and asset management for the city, Brad Witzel explained how the average annual increase to each household is determined, as well as the city’s infrastructure funding gap of 39 million dollars.
dan kellar Cambridge, ON – Cambridge Mayor Jan Liggett has used the “strong mayor” powers granted to her in 2023, to present her own “strong mayor budget” for the first time on October 28th. While Liggett had the power ahead of the 2024 budget, she directed staff to prepare that budget.
Strong Mayor powers were introduced in 2022 by the provincial government for Toronto and Ottawa and expanded in 2023 to include Cambridge, Waterloo and Kitchener. The provincial government argued the new powers would help alleviate the ongoing housing crisis by allowing mayors to gain by-law approvals with only 1/3rd of council support, grant veto powers to mayors in the budget process, and require a 2/3rds majority for councillors to override any vetoes.
The budget presentation in cambrdige initiated a 50 day approval process which includes 30 days for public delegations and amendments, 10 days for the Mayor to veto the amendments, and a further 10 days where city council can override any vetoes with a 2/3rds majority vote.
On November 7th public delegations responded to the budget, and staff is still accepting written comments to present to city council on November 21st.
This show features an interview with Danielle Manton, Cambridge’s city clerk. Manton speaks about the “Strong Mayor”powers, how the process for the budget will proceed, and how residents can still take part. Mayor Liggett was not available to discuss the budget.
Mary Neil is a singer, songwriter, community musician with a MA in Community Music, and founder of KW Junk Music
Mary makes music accessible to everyone, and encourages people to think about their sustainable practice by making instruments out of material diverted from landfills and recycling plants. Mary challenges people to wonder, “why do we have so much junk to make instruments out of?” and how we can make a difference in our lives toward a more sustainable future. As the 2019 City of Kitchener artist in residence, Mary’s residency project involves engaging with participants creating music that reflects the values and diversity of communities across the City of Kitchener. Mary is also working on an album of songs inspired by issues faced by the rapid growth in our community, communicating narratives of people with lived experience. Joining her perform live on air in studio was Jeff Cowell and Len McCarthy
Talking about his love for travelling, seeing and exploring new places is Zdravko Gunjevic, aka ‘Zee’. Zee’s love to explore new places has led him to travel across Canada, around the US, Caribbean, Europe, down to Australia and China. North, South, East and West. He likes to see it on a budget, experience cities and cultures like a local. Zee talked about how he chooses to make it all happen and the tricks and tips of travelling. He also suggested a few amazing websites that offer some great deals, listen to find out.
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