Taken from the roll call in the town’s own minutes. The minutes record who was not there and almost never why.
What was decided (4 motions)
3 carried, 1 recorded otherwise. Every motion below is printed as the minutes print it.
That the Consent Agenda items be received for information and approved. In Favor (14): K. Redman, D. Craig, J. Erb, S. Foxton, J. Gowing, M. Harris, C. Huinink, C. James, J. Liggett, D. McCabe, M. Rodrigues, N. Salonen, S. Shantz, and P. Wolf
Moved by J. Erb, seconded by S. Foxton
Carried
That the Regional Municipality of Waterloo approve the updated Council Conference Policy, as outlined in report PDL-CAS-26-013, dated August 11, 2026. In Favor (14): K. Redman, D. Craig, J. Erb, S. Foxton, J. Gowing, M. Harris, C. Huinink, C. James, J. Liggett, D. McCabe, M. Rodrigues, N. Salonen, S. Shantz, and P. Wolf
Moved by C. James, seconded by M. Rodrigues
Carried
Whereas municipal property taxes continue to represent a continual and growing expense for households, businesses, and and seniors living on fixed incomes, And whereas, inflation is only one measure of affordability and does not fully reflect residents’ financial circumstances or their ability to absorb additional tax increases, And whereas, the true ability to pay is influenced by household income growth, housing costs, utility costs, food prices, transportation expenses and others cost of living pressures, THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED THAT: Regional Council direct staff to develop and implement a “Household Affordability Framework” to be included annually as part of the Region’s budgeting process, And that, the framework include where practical : Medium household income trends within the Region of Waterloo; Property tax burden as a percentage of household incomes; Cost of living indicators including housing, utilities, food, transportation, and insurance costs; Affordably impacts on seniors and residents living on fixed incomes; Comparison of proposed budget increases against inflation, population growth, and assessment growth; Historical trends in municipal tax increases and cumulative impacts on households; AND BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED; That staff report annually on the affordability implications of the proposed budget and identify the impact of tax supported budget increases on the average household, And that the Household Affordability Framework be used as an advisory tool to
Moved by D. Craig, seconded by C. James
Defeated
That the meeting adjourn at 4:13 p.m. In Favor (11): K. Redman, D. Craig, J. Erb, S. Foxton, M. Harris, C. James, J. Liggett, D. McCabe, M. Rodrigues, N. Salonen, and P. Wolf