Council Info for June 3, 2020

August 01, 2025

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.

Regional Council approves Grand River Transit’s electric bus strategy.

Transit Services has implemented a number of measures to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, including procuring hybrid electric buses, implementing anti-idling technology, adjusting maintenance programs, using ultra-low sulphur diesel and launching electric ION light rail vehicles. Regional Council has approved the recommended approach to ending the use of diesel only standard buses and transition the transit fleet to zero emission vehicles. While battery electric vehicles will be piloted over the next few years, hybrid electric buses will be used as an interim measure. The Region will purchase six electric buses in 2022 and five electric buses in 2023. Staff will review the results of the pilot electric buses in 2024 and update the zero emission vehicle strategy at that time. Shorter mid-sized nine metre buses will also be piloted starting in 2021. Regional Council also approved revisiting of the strategy should funding from the federal government become available or should there be significant technology changes with a goal of implementing an electric fleet as soon as feasible.

Council approves Transit Hub design concept
Using previous public input, two preferred design options were presented for public consultation early in 2020. There was a wide range of opinions on the two concepts but Option 1 became the clear preference. This design aligns the transit infrastructure along the rail corridor and presents a large public square at the corner of King and Victoria. Council voted to endorse the public’s preferred design for further development by WZMH Architects. It’s expected there will be more opportunities for further input as the design progresses through the remainder of the year and beyond.

Council approves personal protective equipment (PPE) grant

Council approved a $50,000 grant to Waterloo Region Personal Protective Equipment Co-operative to assist with start up costs and a sterilization re-use program. This not-for-profit central ordering and distribution mechanism will act as the first point of contact for Regional groups requiring hard-to-find PPE. The purchasing co-operative will:

  • Provide access for community organizations of every size.
  • Ensure competitive pricing through large volume orders.
  • Create a tracking mechanism so community organizations and practitioners may communicate their existing PPE inventory, expected needs and actual usage.
  • Use private investor funds to bulk-purchase PPE items on behalf of community organizations.
  • Distribute PPE orders throughout the Region across all levels.
  • Run the Waterloo Region PPE sterilization for re-use program (which can sterilize up to 19,200 N95 masks daily).


Pandemic recovery framework approved by Council

Council approved a Pandemic Recovery Planning Framework that outlines the Region’s gradual, phased approach to service resumption. This approach aligns with the direction provided by the Province and reflects the best Public Health advice available. Under the proposed recovery plan, Regional buildings will tentatively re-open to the public once the Province enters Phase 2 of their recovery plan, expected by mid-June. Other Regional programs and services will re-open based on program-specific triggers (e.g. when the Province lifts specific emergency orders.) Regional staff are currently looking at ways to adapt our buildings, service delivery and programming to ensure the health and safety of citizens and staff.

Council approved capital grant for Supportive Housing of Waterloo (SHOW)

Council approved a capital grant of $200,000 for Supportive Housing of Waterloo (SHOW). This grant will help SHOW purchase 144 Erb St. E in Waterloo, a 24-unit seniors building. SHOW has been providing supportive and affordable housing in Waterloo Region since 2010. The purchase of this property will help continue to provide affordable housing for seniors in the community, which aligns with Region’s 10 Year Housing and Homelessness Plan.

Tenders/Contracts:      

The following tenders/contracts were approved by Council:

  • $2,095,190 to The Aftermarket Parts Company LLC for Driver Protection System for a three (3) year term.

Next Council Meeting
June 24, 2020 at 7 p.m.


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