Chair Jim Bradley announces measure over concerns of affordable housing in Niagara
Niagara's Regional Chair says the region has lots of plan to move forward.
Jim Bradley issued his State of the Region address today in Niagara Falls.
In his address, he noted affordable housing is one of the region's top priorities.
He says council has approved the creation of an office of attainable housing, which will work with partners at different levels to address challenges in Niagara.
"We have heard loud and clear from the province that they expect more houses to be built across Ontario and we are ready to do our part."
He also addressed the 2023 budget, which includes a 7.5 percent increase on resident's portion of the tax bill.
Bradley says while the hike is substantial, there is very little new spending in the budget.
"Yes, council did approve a necessary but substantial increase, but I want to state something very plainly: there was no new spending in the 2023 regional budget that is being paid for by local taxes, save and except for Council putting two new ambulances on the road to ensure our residents can get the care they need. I think we would all agree that this is an investment that we cannot do without."
He also notes issues like global inflation and the lingering costs of the pandemic played a part.
In addition, Bradley spoke of economic investments impacting the region, including an investment from GM to build 400,000 drive units for electric vehicles at the St. Catharines plant.
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