Bryan Causarano-Bolton

Regional Council · Region of Waterloo

All topics Housing Getting Around Climate Food Growth & Planning Budget & Taxes Water

This candidate finalized their responses after this guide and scoring methodology was published.

Budget & Taxes

Do you think the Region's or municipality's budget process should be more transparent and accessible to residents?single choice

It should be more transparent and accessible

Municipal and regional costs have generally risen faster than revenues restricted by property tax rules and limited local revenue tools. How would you balance tax increases against maintaining service levels and long-term financial sustainability?select up to 3 per part

A. Revenue approaches

Moderate, predictable tax increases to maintain service levels
Area-specific levies where residents in a defined area receive or request a distinct level of service
Actively pursue provincial and federal transfer funding and grants

D. Growth & cost recovery

Ensure new development pays a greater share of long-term infrastructure costs
Re-evaluate development incentives or subsidies that create long-term liabilities

B. Service levels

Adjust service delivery models to reduce costs without reducing access

C. Capital & infrastructure

Prioritize maintenance and state-of-good-repair over expansion
Require lifecycle cost analysis before approving any new infrastructure

Please describe one concrete example of a trade-off you would support (or oppose) when costs rise faster than revenues.candidate's own words

I would support deferring a lower-priority capital expansion when necessary to protect the maintenance and renewal of infrastructure we already depend on. We can't build for tomorrow by neglecting today. Maintaining what we own can save us from costly repairs and upgrades later.

If you chose "It should be more transparent and accessible", please describe how.candidate's own words

It's not just about access to the budget, it's about understanding of it. Communicating what the budget means, and why those decisions are made are part of transparency.