Kitchener Mayor Berry Vrbanovic is advocating for more investments in park amenities and special events as part of the 2026 budget process.

Vrbanovic presented his proposed budget during a special council meeting on Monday afternoon.

Largely a reflection of the draft budget presented by city staff during an initial budget session last week, the budget proposes a 2.2 per cent property tax increase — one of the lowest tax levies per capita when compared to other large municipalities in Ontario, Vrbanovic said.

“Although Kitchener only makes up 30 per cent of the local residential tax bill, Kitchener city council and staff understand the challenging economic environment that residents have faced over the past many years, so we’re doing our part to keep property taxes as low as possible w

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