Peel Regional council approves its budget for 2008
By Anneleen Naudts

Peel Regional council approved its 2008 current and capital budgets earlier this month.

They contain an operating budget of $1.4 billion; a tax rate increase of 4.3 per cent or $65 per average household; and an average nine per cent or $33 per average household increase to the water and wastewater utility rate.

Caledon Councillor Richard Paterak said he considers the budget to be on the right track considering a recent rise in commodity and fuel prices.

The capital budget is aimed at maintaining, building and enhancing infrastructure to the tune $653 million.

Of the 4.3 per cent tax rate increase, the Region reported 1.7 per cent is for police services; one per cent for capital investment; 0.6 per cent for provincial funding shortfalls; and 0.4 per cent for all other Regional services. For an average family home assessed at $326,600, the increase translates into $65. For an average small business in Peel, with a current value assessment of $500,000, the tax increase is equivalent to $137.

The Region stated the tax increase will allow it to improve its delivery of services in a variety of areas. In terms of capital investments, with capital replacement costs growing through inflation, they will ensure the Region's reserves can sustain infrastructure costs for the next decade.

The planned services include 7,008 more paramedic hours to handle calls and maintain optimal emergency response times; 41,500 additional TransHelp trips; a new program to help communities deal with emerging human services issues; and service enhancement in Public Health, including annual dental care services for 1,575 seniors and 7,650 children.

Caledon Councillor Richard Whitehead said he regards the budget as positive overall. He reported that with a moderate tax increase, excellent services can be provided. Whitehead also stressed the significance of an additional $5 million in funding to the Credit Valley Conservation Authority (CVCA) and Toronto and Region Conservation (TRCA) to "aggressively deal with environmental matters and climate change."

The current budget also includes $225.1 million for Peel's water and wastewater program, which requires a 12.5 per cent increase in the water rate and a 5.5 per cent increase in the wastewater rate, effective April 1. The nine per cent average increase translates into a $33 increase for an average household and $70 per average small business. Residents in Peel will continue to have the lowest combined water and wastewater rates in the Greater Toronto Area.

"Regional council strives to ensure our budget provides adequate funding for services that sustain healthy communities," commented Regional Chair Emil Kolb. "This budget will allow the Region to remain debt-free while continuing to provide our residents with quality municipal services for their tax dollar."

Caledon Councillor Annette Groves commented it's unfortunate that there's to be a tax increase, even though it's a conservative one. She blamed provincial downloading over the years. She also asserted that in addition to paying for the Region's own services, Peel still adds to the pooling of social services for Toronto.

Caledon Councillor Allan Thompson stated he thinks the budget is fair and he hopes the province will deliver on the promise to upload its obligations. Thompson also expressed his support for a new dental health care program for senior citizens included in the budget. This program will provide financial assistance for seniors on a fixed income.

Tax-supported programs provided by the Region include transportation, longterm care, waste management, Ontario Works, housing, paramedic and emergency services, police, children's services, water, wastewater and public health.