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Council Info for March 24, 2021

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

Regional Council approves developer for Beechwood affordable housing

Regional Council has accepted Southside Construction Management Ltd.’s proposal for the development of affordable housing units at 555 Beechwood Drive in Waterloo. Southside Construction met all requirements in the RFP as well as other Regional goals, including housing that will be integrated into the community. At least 30 percent of the units will have rents at or below 80 percent of the CMHC Median Market Rent (MMR). With support from Region staff, Southside Construction will continue seeking input from the Beechwood community around visual compatibility with the neighbourhood, building materials, and green space.

Region covers development charges for affordable housing projects

Regional Council approved three grants to cover the cost of affordable housing projects in Waterloo Region. These include:

  • $713,835 to oneROOF Youth Services for the development of a 45-unit affordable and supportive housing project.
  • $650,383 to the YW Kitchener-Waterloo for the development of a 41-unit affordable and supportive housing project.
  • $793,150 to Southside Construction Management Ltd. for the development of affordable housing units at 555 Beechwood Drive in Waterloo.

Federal and provincial funding helps offset COVID-19 budget impacts

Despite numerous financial challenges, fiscal prudency coupled with an ability to react in real time to the pandemic, as well as significant federal and provincial funding helped to offset COVID-19 related impacts in 2020. This includes federal and provincial funding allocations like Safe Restart Funding (operating and transit streams) and the Social Service Relief Funding (SSRF), along with a variety of program specific COVID funding allocations.

As a result, direct Regional tax supported operations ended with a modest surplus of $4.4 million or approximately 1.1% of the 2020 property tax levy for these programs, while Waterloo Regional Police Services (WRPS) ended the year with a $3.2 million surplus (1.8% of Police levy).

Examples of the additional COVID-19 costs the Region contended with during 2020 included Housing and Homelessness program expenses to support emergency shelters and physical distancing; Paramedic Services expenditures including staffing, supplies and equipment; Public Health and Seniors’ Services. For the most part these costs were offset by one-time funding from senior levels of government.  These additional costs were incurred as Public Transit fare revenues were lower than budgeted by approximately $20 million.

Council approves design concept for Kressler Road

The design concept is for the resurfacing, watermain replacement, on-road bike lanes and sidewalk installation on Kressler Road from Lobsinger Line to Arthur Road, Village of Heidelberg, Townships of Wellesley and Woolwich. This will allow for construction of on-road bike lanes and sidewalks on both sides of Kressler Road from Lobsinger Line to Arthur Road as part of the watermain replacement and road resurfacing works.

Council approves development of Waterloo Region plan for community safety and wellbeing

Regional Council has approved the development of a Waterloo Region Community Safety and Wellbeing Plan. The Region will procure a consultant to review community safety and wellbeing outcomes achieved to date and facilitate a community engagement process that will inform the plan. This process will focus on equity and amplifying the voices of Black, Indigenous, racialized and marginalized communities.

Regional Council approves funding for temporary public art project

Regional Council has approved up to $18,500 in funding from the Public Art Reserve to support a temporary public art installation along the ION Rapid Transit corridor as part of the Contemporary Art Forum Kitchener and Area (CAFKA) biennial public art festival. The installation will be part of a self-guided walking/biking or transit tour. Regular ION riders will also have the opportunity to engage with the art throughout the festival.

Tenders/Contracts:   

The following tenders/contracts were approved by Council:

  • $3,214,289.00 to BGL Contractors Corp. for various construction projects at the Manitou Wastewater Residuals Management Centre (WWRMC) Hauled Wastewater Receiving Station in Kitchener.
  • $1,039,976.00 to Paulsan Construction Inc. for the removal and disposal of the existing decommissioned salt conveyor, installation of new conveyor building, inclusive of large salt pit, hopper, and new conveyor at the Salt Conveyor Building - Operations Centre, 100 Maple Grove Road.
  • $1,418,976.94 to Zoll Medical Canada Inc. for the supply and maintenance of defibrillators for Paramedic Services.

Next Regional Council meeting: April 21, 2021 at 7 p.m.

For more information contact:

T.J. Flynn, Director, Corporate Communications 519-575-4400

Regional Clerk’s Office, 519-575-4400