Regional Council: Making decisions that matter - June 30, 2021
The following is a summary of the major decisions made at the Regional Council meeting on June 30, 2021. Please refer to the minutes for an official record of the meeting.
Council moves forward with actions to reduce greenhouse gas emissions
Regional Council has directed staff to develop detailed plans on how the Region will implement the TransformWR community climate action strategy. The strategy aims to reduce Waterloo Region's greenhouse gas emissions by 80% by the year 2050, while building an equitable, prosperous, resilient low-carbon community. This planning includes developing a detailed corporate climate change plan to transition the Region off fossil fuels as an organization and community service provider. Staff will also work with local partners on monitoring and reporting progress on the strategy’s goals, and the Region will advocate for provincial and federal support to achieve the changes outlined in TransformWR. The Region is the lead organization on 28 action items in the strategy, including co-lead with local municipalities on 18 of those items.
Council approves plan to protect tenants in rent supplement units
Regional Council is taking steps to protect the subsidy that tenants receive through the Region’s rent supplement program. Council approved a staff plan to renew expiring contracts with private housing providers by increasing market rents over a reasonable period and ensuring their financial stability. The plan will preserve 711 affordable units. Council will also call on the Province to dedicate permanent funding for rent supplements.
Council approves plan to purchase land for affordable homes along proposed ION route
Regional Council authorized staff to strategically purchase properties along the ION Stage 2 preferred route in Cambridge for affordable home development. As the Region acquires sites for the ION route, staff will examine the development potential of neighbouring properties. If the lands are optimal for developing affordable homes, the Region would acquire the lands.
Region to replace rooves in Waterloo Region Housing complex
Regional Council is investing more than $1.5 million into roof replacements for hundreds of tenants living in Waterloo Region Housing at 45-65 Holborn Drive in Kitchener. The properties contain 40 and 45-unit apartment buildings, as well as blocks of row housing with 25 units. Replacing the roof systems will increase quality of life for tenants and lower maintenance and repair costs.
Region moves forward with two projects to protect water resources
The Region is moving forward with the process of planning for $14 million in upgrades that will ensure the Shingletown Wells meet Health Canada’s more stringent aesthetic drinking water targets. An environmental study report for the project is now out for a public review and comment period. The upgrades will require a new building to house treatment equipment, as well as land acquisition.
The Region is also hiring a consultant to develop a master plan for the Manheim Water Treatment plant that will include identifying upgrades and improvements, as well as opportunities to reduce energy consumption and operating costs required to treat water. For the past 25 years, the Mannheim Water Treatment Plant has served a vital role in the Region’s drinking water serving the Cities of Kitchener, Waterloo, Cambridge and the communities of St. Agatha, Elmira, St. Jacobs, Breslau, Conestogo and West Montrose.
Council approves four projects that add 103 affordable housing units
Regional Council has approved four projects that will add 103 affordable housing units in Waterloo Region. The projects include units for people with mental health issues, older adults, and people experiencing chronic homelessness.
Council approves tender for $11 million in expansion work at Region of Waterloo International Airport
Regional Council has approved Amico Infrastructures as the vendor to complete expansion work at the Region of Waterloo International Airport. The $11 million dollar project includes site improvements and pavement rehabilitation to prepare for the new terminal building, which will accommodate up to 1,000,000 passengers and increase the capacity of the baggage system. The airport projects a large increase in demand for travel once it is safe to do so.
Council approves reinvestment priorities for child care
Regional Council has approved the reinvestment priorities for $4.3 million in provincial funding previously used to support the Region’s directly operated children’s centres. The priorities include initiatives around equity and inclusion, quality improvement, increasing access and affordability of child care, as well as sustaining the current child care system through grants for operators impacted by COVID-19.
Council approves guiding principles for redevelopment of Charles Street terminal
Regional Council has approved the principles that will guide the redevelopment of the former Charles Street terminal. The principles include leveraging economic development opportunities and promoting housing options. The site is currently a COVID-19 testing clinic but the Region and the City of Kitchener are working together to determine a long-term use for the property. Technical and background studies on the site will begin this summer.