WATERLOO REGION — The Region of Waterloo approved a 3.84 per cent tax increase for 2020, including 1.38 per cent for police services.

The budget, approved by council on Wednesday evening, will cost the average household an extra $78 compared to last year.

Regional programs account for 2.46 per cent, coming in just under council's 2.5 per cent target.

"I think that's a pretty reasonable tax increase," said Coun. Sean Strickland, budget committee chair.

"We were able to provide service enhancements that our community needs."

Ambulances, public transit and support for the homeless were among areas receiving extra funding in the budget.

Paramedic services will get an additional two 12-hour crews, 10 paramedics, and three vehicles to keep pace with growing call volumes and ensure an ambulance is always available to respond in an emergency.

Grand River Transit will get 35,000 additional service hours — above the 15,000-hour option recommended by staff to stay within the council-directed tax-increase target. All three bundles were approved to keep up with the service's master plan rather than a scaled-back version that would mean having to catch up later.

"We thought it was important to put those two bundles back into the budget," Strickland said.

The added service hours focus on routes serving Cambridge and changes in travel related to the launch of Ion light rail in Kitchener and Waterloo. Regional Chair Karen Redman pointed out that boosting Cambridge ridership will be essential when presenting a case for the second phase of Ion to senior levels of government.

"Frequency is important to people who are considering alternate modes of transportation," said Coun. Tom Galloway, adding that investing in transit services is also part of the region's commitment to climate action.

Council approved an additional $330,500 for two new initiatives to help people experiencing homelessness: a pilot project by Ray of Hope for a supportive daytime drop-in space; and temporary winter youth beds at OneRoof. The extra funding is expected to fit within the existing homelessness operating budget, with the tax stabilization reserve as a backup.

However, Kitchener Mayor Berry Vrbanovic wondered if it was enough, adding that the region's current shelter system doesn't work for everyone.

"I'm concerned that we should perhaps be setting aside some additional dollars," Vrbanovic said.

Galloway said the region will learn over the winter how these projects are going and more resources could be added later if they're needed, calling it a "prudent way" to move forward.

The budget includes $180 million for the Waterloo Regional Police Service, costing the average household $663 for policing — an increase of just under $28 from last year.

The region's current operating and capital budget is $1.3 billion.

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Almost $90 million is being spent on active transportation over 10 years starting in 2020, including sidewalks, trails and cycling lanes.

jweidner@therecord.com

Twitter: @WeidnerRecord