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

Debbie Chapman

City/Township Council · Kitchener Ward 9

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All topics Housing Getting Around Climate Food Growth & Planning Budget & Taxes
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
  • Actively pursue provincial and federal transfer funding and grants
  • Exploring new local revenue tools where permitted by provincial legislation
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
  • Maintain current growth and cost-sharing approaches
B. Service levels
  • Maintain current service levels, even if taxes rise
  • Adjust service delivery models to reduce costs without reducing access
  • Reduce discretionary programs to protect core services
C. Capital & infrastructure
  • Prioritize maintenance and state-of-good-repair over expansion
  • Require lifecycle cost analysis before approving any new infrastructure
  • Defer or cancel capital projects with low long-term return on investment

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

Kitchener has kept property tax increases at the rate of inflation for the past several years while maintaining services. I would like to see things continue along this trajectory. Governments need to be flexible and willing to pivot to accommodate changing needs and financial conditions. I support deferring or cancelling a capital project if necessary to keep taxes accessible.

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

The CD Howe Institute ranks municipal budgets very low. In their 2025 report, Kitchener was given a C grade. Transparency and accessibility are their primary concerns.