Council Info for August 20, 2020

Council Info is a summary of discussion and the major items presented at Council meetings. It is circulated immediately following each meeting. You are encouraged to quote from and copy this information. Please refer to the minutes for an official record of the meeting.

Council accepts Bombardier Compensation

Regional Council has agreed to resolve all contractual claims for the delayed delivery of the Region’s light rail vehicles. As a result, the Region will receive liquidated damages of $2.2 million. Bombardier will also provide one additional light rail vehicle to the Region at no cost. This will bring the number of permanent vehicles in Waterloo Region to 15. The additional vehicle to the ION fleet will provide additional capacity and reliability to passengers.

Council approves recommendations from Ad Hoc COVID 19 Economic Recovery Committee

Council approved recommendations of the Ad Hoc COVID 19 Economic Recovery Committee. Some of these recommendations include continuing with planned infrastructure investments, requesting that provincial and federal governments expedite funding for the Investing in Canada Infrastructure Program (ICIP) and continue to advocate to the Province to approve funding for the Kitchener GO Service expansion project. Staff have been asked to review the draft 2021-2030 capital program though an economic recovery lens as we continue to move through the phases of pandemic control and economic recovery. Regional staff will also continue to work with Area Municipal staff to identify opportunities to streamline the development approvals process. Staff will also continue to update the Ad Hoc Committee on labour force data, and building permit and development activity on a monthly basis.

Region to develop dorm-style shelter space

Council approved the creation of dormitory-style shelter spaces to address the shortage of emergency beds for homeless men. Two locations will be leased for up to a year to provide much-needed shelter space and staff will explore developing alternative housing with supports to help end chronic homelessness in Waterloo Region. Dorm-style spaces allow individuals to have their own room, compared to shared rooms in a typical shelter. These initiatives will help support the actions in the Region’s 10-Year Housing and Homelessness Plan.

Beechwood affordable housing project moving forward
The Region will move forward with a call for proposals to build affordable housing in the Beechwood neighbourhood of Waterloo. Proposals must meet design guidelines related to density, number of units, height considerations and community integration. There will also be robust communication with neighbourhood residents. Staff will report back to Council in late October with a recommendation for the site.

Bechtel Street in Cambridge alternative housing project moving forward

Regional staff have developed design guidelines and a neighbourhood communications strategy for the Bechtel Street alternative housing project in Cambridge, a Waterloo Region Housing community. Council will make a decision on the project in November 2020. The Region continues to encourage the development of innovative housing solutions, including alternative housing models that are designed to meet the needs of diverse populations in Waterloo Region. This aligns with the 10-Year Housing and Homelessness Plan.

Immigration Partnership strategy endorsed by Council

Regional Council endorsed a community-developed strategy “Building Community Through Immigration: Community Action Plan 2020-2025.” The goal of this strategy is to help immigrants reach their full potential and contribute to creating and sustaining a thriving, prosperous community for everyone.  The Immigration Partnership is a collaboration of residents and over 60 community service, business, post-secondary and municipal organizations working together to create the conditions for immigrants to succeed and help build a welcoming, dynamic community.

Tenders/Contracts:   

The following tenders/contracts were approved by Council:

• $3,362,420 to H2Ontario Inc. for a Waterloo Landfill West Gas Header Extension.
• $2,835,300 to Skyhigh Maintenance Inc. for GRT bus stop maintenance for a five-year term and $1,217,500 for GRT bus stop repairs as required for a five-year term.
• $470,241 to Xterra Construction Inc. for MH5 and K4C Well Connections to Water Supply System in Maryhill and Kitchener.
• $450,000 to Guild Electric and Provincial Road Markings for contractors for Transportation Operations Centre line road painting.
• $425,000 (an amendment to the existing Consulting Services Agreement) to Dillon Consulting Limited for additional design services, construction services, and post construction services required for the Waterloo Landfill West Gas Header – Part 2
• $382,110 to Siemens Canada Limited for Building Automation System upgrades.

For Information:
Regional Council unanimously approved the following motion put forward by Councillor Karl Kiefer on the Public display of hate and racial intolerance:

WHEREAS the Region of Waterloo strongly opposes all forms of racism; 

WHEREAS the Region of Waterloo is committed to advancing the work of a community-led Anti-Racism Advisory; 

AND WHEREAS Region of Waterloo’s Strategic Focus prioritizes Healthy, Safe and Inclusive Communities that enhance community safety and wellbeing in Waterloo Region;

NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED THAT Council request staff investigate and report back on: 

• Options available to the Region of Waterloo to prohibit the public display of symbols of hate and racial intolerance in both public and private spaces having regard to municipal legislative authority; 
• Collaborate with local municipalities with regards to any jurisdictional issues; 
• Request that the provincial and federal governments provide Region of Waterloo an update on their efforts to address hate propaganda.

Next Council Meeting
September 23, 2020 at 7 p.m.

For more information, contact:
Bryan Stortz, Director, Corporate Communications, 519-575-4408
Regional Clerk’s Office, 519-575-4400