Region proposes bold approach to shape community for future generations

Waterloo Region –A draft amendment for the Regional Official Plan (ROP), that will help shape the community for future generations, will be presented at a special Planning and Works Committee meeting this afternoon.

The draft amendment includes a recommended approach to growth, as well as draft policies related to affordable housing, economic prosperity, Indigenous relationships and reconciliation, equity and inclusion, growth management, and transformational climate action to support all residents.

The Region’s population is expected to grow to 923,000 people by 2051 – an approximate 50% increase – and jobs are forecasted to reach 470,000 in the same timeframe. Every five years, municipalities complete a review process of their established official plans to identify community and employment land areas to support critical growth, meet Provincial obligations, and address new and evolving challenges, like climate change, and the need for affordable housing.

The Region’s plan over the next 30 years, for example, includes 121,000 homes built, with many across all housing forms - low density (singles and duplexes), medium density (townhomes and stacked towns), and apartments.

This amendment to the Regional Official Plan will help ensure Waterloo Region can achieve its vision for an inclusive, thriving, and sustainable region of connected rural and urban communities with global reach, fostering opportunities for current and future generations.

After months of technical analyses and in-depth conversations with community and area municipal staff and Councils, the recommended approach to growth and draft policies presented offer an ambitious and achievable plan.

Further public engagement is planned throughout July. Additional information on the Regional Official Plan review process, including upcoming opportunities to participate in public meetings, can be found on EngageWR.

This afternoon’s special Planning and Works Committee meeting can be viewed on the Region of Waterloo Council YouTube Channel.

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