Niagara Region has released the results of the 2013 pre-budget survey that was conducted with Niagara residents over the summer.

The full results of both the online budget survey and the face-to-face community dialogue sessions were presented to Regional council at last night’s Budget Review Committee of the Whole meeting.

More than 600 residents completed the online survey, with responses coming from residents in all 12 municipalities, including over 800 comments.

In addition to the online survey, three community dialogue sessions were held, two in Thorold, at Regional headquarters, and one in Welland, with 26 participants in all, representing communities across Niagara.

Staff was also present at community events throughout the summer, collecting resident comments at fairs and festivals.

Several consistent themes emerged including a need for programs and services to show taxpayers what their tax money is buying, concerns over water and wastewater rates, governance in Niagara and a two per cent increase in pay for councillors.

To view the survey results, please visit the Region’s website at www.niagararegion.ca.