Regional Council: Making Decisions That Matter - August 24, 2022
With input from the community, Regional Council sets the direction for the Region as an organization and makes decisions that help improve the lives of Waterloo Region residents every day. Here is a summary of the major decisions made by Council on August 24, 2022. Please refer to the minutes for an official record of the meeting.
Region lowers fees for children under six who attend licensed home child care
Regional Council has approved lowering fees by 25% for children under six who attend licensed home childcare in the community as part of the first phase of the federal Canada Wide Early Learning and Child Care (CWELCC) program. Reduced rates will begin September 1, 2022 with retroactive rebates of 25% provided to parents for care during the period of April 1 to August 31. The Region manages the community’s Licensed Home Child Care program and works with caregivers to provide inclusive and accessible care to residents.
Council adds funding for upstream initiatives
Council is adding to the Region’s effort to help improve people’s wellbeing by allocating $180,000 of unused funds from 2021 to the Upstream Fund initiative. Informed and created with the community, the $2.1 million Upstream Fund is an initiative approved by Council that will research and develop alternative service delivery models that will help improve the mental health, safety and social determinants of health for residents. It’s part of the Region’s goal of helping to create more equitable futures.
Council greenlights next steps for bringing Stage 2 ION to Cambridge
Regional staff are putting together the framework to help build Stage 2 ION in Cambridge. The Region is looking to secure funding from upper levels of government as it writes its business case, and staff are re-evaluating the location of the terminal for the Cambridge extension to ensure it’s cost efficient and operates smoothly. Stage 2 ION will complete the region-wide light rail transit service providing residents with a sustainable, safe an affordable transportation option to get from Waterloo to Cambridge.
Region of Waterloo becoming a Living Wage Employer
The Region of Waterloo is submitting an application to Ontario Living Wage to become a Living Wage Employer. A living wage is what people need to earn to cover the actual costs of living in their community. In November 2021, the living wage rate for Waterloo Region increased to $17.20 per hour. When the application is approved, the Region will become an official Living Wage Employer in the New Year. The Region of Waterloo is proud to be an employer that is creating an environment for staff to feel fulfilled, and supported to be and do their best.
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Council supports investment into staff’s mental, emotional and physical wellbeing
The Region of Waterloo employs more than 3,000 people who have a passion for serving the community. Council supports continuing the Employee and Family Assistance Program (EFAP) that provides professional help to staff members for a range of personal and family issues. The program, offered through Homewood Health, helps to improve mental, emotional and physical health.
Region maintains Aaa (Triple A) credit rating for 22nd year
The Region is committed to providing important services that provide value for money for taxpayers. Thanks to responsible management of taxpayer dollars, the Region is maintaining an “Aaa stable” credit rating from Moody’s Investors Service, the highest rating possible. While dealing with the challenges of inflation, Moody’s predicts slow debt growth for the Region and highlights the community’s resilient and diverse local economy. This is the 22nd year in a row the Region has maintained its Triple A rating.