It calls for better provincial funding, property tax review
The Niagara region's Corporate Services Committee is asking the provincial government for a new financial partnership, for better funding.
It passed the "New Deal for Niagara" this week, that challenges provincial downloading, and a review of property taxes.
Councillor/mayor Wayne Redekop says property taxes should not be paying provincial responsibilities. "We've all heard the talking points from the province, about the runaway tax increases in Niagara. We don't hear about the $44.5-million that this region has contributed to the new hospital in South Niagara."
He largely blames 30 years of federal and provincial downloading.
The deal also asks for dedicated, predictable funding for tourism and infrastructure.
Councillor/Mayor Mat Siscoe says these requests were made in 2006. "Talking about the same problems, talking about the same issues, talking about the same imbalances. And, asking for similar actions to be taken. So, from a regional perspective, I think we need to keep pushing this more than just a priority, I think we need to keep looking internally."
A number of councillors noted this is not just a Niagara problem.
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