Council Info - June 6, 2018

August 01, 2025

Council approves transit service improvements

Regional Council approved the 2018 planned Grand River Transit (GRT) service improvements. GRT has been experiencing continuous ridership increases since September 2017. In the remaining months of 2018, significant changes will help integrate the conventional bus network with ION LRT service. The streamlining of routes will improve directness of travel and create more of a grid-like network as well as serve new areas of growth. The first service improvement stage was the implementation of Route 205 iXpress Ottawa. The second stage will occur on September 3. It will boost service on existing routes that serve Conestoga College Doon Campus as well as extending routes to cover new residential areas west of Fischer Hallman and Huron Roads and the Conservation Meadows community. A new dedicated route will also be added to the Huron Business Park. The third stage will occur when ION LRT is launched and the planned network redesign is implemented.    

Council agrees to greenhouse gas emission reduction target

Regional Council endorsed a region-wide community greenhouse gas emission reduction target of 80 per cent below 2010 levels by the year 2050. This will align with international, federal and provincial reduction targets also recently approved by the cities of Cambridge, Kitchener and Waterloo.

Council renews Safer Communities commitment

Council voted to renew the Region’s agreement with the province for the Safer Communities – 1,000 Officers partnership program and the Community Partnership program for another year. The Region has been part of the Safer Communities program since 2006 to enhance community policing and increase the number of sworn officers addressing areas including dangerous offenders, domestic violence and illegal substances. The purpose of the community partnership is to make Ontario communities safer by enhancing police visibility.

Transit pilot programs get approval

To improve Grand River Transit (GRT) service in areas where operating traditional bus routes is challenging, Regional Council has approved three pilot transit alternative service delivery options. On September 4, 2018 three new pilot projects will begin: a subsidized taxi program, a community bus and a ridesharing partnership program with RideCo. These pilots will focus on seniors’ facilities and provide connections to conventional transit in northwest Waterloo, Central Hespeler and Trinity Village/Freeport areas. The estimated cost of running a ten-month pilot for all three areas is approximately $180,000. The implementation of these pilot programs will allow GRT to gain knowledge and test an innovative new form of transportation service delivery, while providing a cost-effective option more suitable than conventional bus service. The pilot project will be monitored for a ten-month period and adjustments will be made as necessary to respond to demand and customer experience.

Tenders/Contracts:

The following tenders/contracts were approved by Council:

  • $18,178,000 to Magil Construction Ontario Inc. for Paramedic Services Headquarters – 1001 Erbs Road, Wilmot.
  • $2,927,000 to Steed and Evans Limited for University Ave. reconstruction and widening from Erb St. to Westmount Rd. Add $294,600 project cost increase to facilitate work undertaken on behalf of the city of Waterloo.
  • $2,328,072 to Steed and Evans Limited for rural resurfacing of Nafziger Rd. from Berletts Rd. to Erbs Rd. in Wilmot.
  • $1,944,967 to Bestco Construction Ltd. for system upgrades to the Ayr wastewater treatment plant.
  • $1,870,000 to Steed and Evans Limited for miscellaneous roadwork. Add $163,600 for spot resurfacing. Add $112,100 for culvert replacements and $103,300 for retaining wall repairs.
  • $1,711,833 to E & E Seegmiller Limited for roundabout construction at Ament Line and Herrgott Road in Wellesley.
  • $706,305 to SST Group Ltd. for Waterloo Regional Police North Division asphalt and parking deck membrane replacement.
  • $657,362 to GM BluePlan Engineering Ltd. for the detailed design and services during construction for the new Water Transmission Main from St. Jacobs to Conestogo Plains, Pumping Station Upgrades and Regional road 17 Rural Resurfacing in the Township of Woolwich.
  • $399,806 to Associated Engineering Ltd. to provide engineering consulting services for preliminary design, detailed design, contract administration and construction inspection services.
  • $185,000 to PowerPlan Canada ULC for decision support software.

For more information, contact:

Bryan Stortz, Director, Corporate Communications, 519-575-4408
Regional Clerk’s Office, 519-575-4420