Waterloo Region Property Tax Increase Sparks Renewed Calls for Provincial Reform

A regional councillor in Waterloo Region is renewing calls for property tax reform as residents face another year of rising taxes, despite a smaller increase than last year.

The regional portion of the property tax bill is set to rise by 5.1 per cent in 2026, adding roughly $142 to the average household bill. While this is significantly lower than 2025’s 9.48 per cent increase, which cost homeowners about $241, former Cambridge mayor and current regional councillor Doug Craig says the increase remains unsustainable.

Craig argues that municipalities are being forced to raise taxes because the province has shifted major responsibilities onto local governments without providing long-term funding. He points to costs related to homelessness, housing, and addiction services, saying these are provincial responsibilities now funded through municipal property taxes.

According to Craig, the regional property tax rate has increased by about 30 per cent during the current council term, largely due to decisions made at Queen’s Park. He also criticized what he sees as a growing erosion of local decision-making, citing provincial actions such as changes to municipal planning rules, strong mayor powers, and transportation policies.

Craig further argued that Ontario’s property tax system is outdated and disproportionately affects seniors and residents on fixed incomes, particularly those who may own high-value homes but have limited cash flow.

Across the region, tax increases vary by municipality. Kitchener approved a 2.2 per cent increase, Cambridge is increasing taxes by 2.4 per cent, while Waterloo residents will see a 6.4 per cent hike, or about $107 for the average household.

Craig is calling on the province to resume responsibility for certain services and begin broader property tax reform to ease the burden on local taxpayers.

Source: CityNews Kitchener