Council Info for May 19, 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.
Region to hire additional operations staff to enhance year round road maintenance throughout the Region
After a review of its operations and winter maintenance alternatives, the Region of Waterloo will hire 15 permanent maintenance operations staff over the next two years. The move will see the Region continue to provide cost effective winter maintenance of its roads in the Townships while improving other maintenance services it provides throughout the entire Region, and lead to other efficiencies. With permanent instead of temporary staff, and rather than outsourcing some winter maintenance services, the Region can catch up on a backlog of work. This includes preventative surface maintenance, drainage, and other right of way maintenance to both improve the right of ways and save roadway capital costs over time. It will also enable improved tree/vegetation management, with reduced reliance on contractors, and potentially assist other Regional program areas with staffing and equipment challenges.
Region extends mask bylaw until Province revokes its requirements
Regional Council has voted to extend the Face Covering and Code of Use bylaws (and amendment bylaws) given the increasing risks related to COVID-19 remain a significant risk locally and provincially. Key variants of concern can spread more easily and lead to more severe illness. Although vaccines are available, broad community distribution and uptake will take time and public health experts continue to recommend masks, as they are an important tool to reduce transmission. Public Health Ontario has found that regions with mandatory public mask policies had a decrease in new COVID-19 cases compared to regions with no mask policies. Council will review the mask bylaw and code of use bylaws once the Province revokes its requirements for businesses and organizations.
Local AIDS committee to lead service hub for vulnerable in Cambridge
Regional Council has approved a lease agreement that will see the AIDS Committee of Cambridge, Kitchener, Waterloo and Area lead a coordinated service hub for vulnerable community members at the Regional building on 150 Main Street in Cambridge. Several community agencies are providing services there, including housing services, street outreach services, primary health care, mental health and harm reduction supports. The coordinated services support an average of 52 people on each day that it operates. With a lead agency in place, the service hub can expand operations and provide support to more community members in need.
Region calls on Province to dedicate more funding to housing supports
Regional Council will request the Province dedicate sustained funding for housing supports in response to the urgent and growing need to end chronic homelessness in Waterloo Region. The number of people experiencing homelessness for longer periods of time and with complex needs has grown in the last year. In response to this need, Regional Council approved a strategic plan in January that will accelerate the development of thousands of new units of affordable housing across the region. While affordable homes are foundational to ending homelessness, pairing affordability with housing support measures promotes recovery from homelessness and longer-term housing stability.
Regional Council considers eliminating election signs from Regional property
Regional Council will consider reducing or eliminating the placement of election signs on property owned by the Region. A motion initiated by Councillor Jim Erb states that election signs create clutter and often are not removed quickly. The motion also states that municipal property should not be used as free advertising space for candidates seeking election. Council directed staff to bring a report on the issue in a timely manner to the Licensing and Hearings Committee and that the report include consideration from a diversity, equity and inclusion lens.
Regional Council endorses findings of Cambridge-to-Toronto GO Train Feasibility Study
Regional Council has endorsed the findings of the Cambridge-to-Toronto GO Train Feasibility Study. The Region, in collaboration with the City of Cambridge, Metrolinx, and MTO conducted the study to assess the feasibility of providing GO train passenger service from Cambridge to Toronto via Guelph, along the Canadian National (CN) Railway Company’s Fergus Subdivision. This study represents the first of many steps towards making passenger rail service a reality for residents in Cambridge. Council has directed staff to conduct the high-level conceptual track and station design exercise to lead into the Metrolinx Business Case process, subject to 2022 budget approval.
For more information contact:
Lynsey Slupeiks, Manager, Corporate Communications, lslupeiks@regionofwaterloo.ca
Regional Clerk’s Office, 519-575-4400