Regional Council: Making Decisions that Matter – May 25, 2022

With input from the community, Regional Council sets the direction for the Region as an organization and makes decisions that affect Waterloo Region residents every day. Here is a summary of the major decisions made by Council on May 25, 2022. Please refer to the minutes for an official record of the meeting. 

Region moves forward with new airport parking lot to meet growing demand

Council has approved the vendor for the expansion of the Region of Waterloo International parking lot. The project will nearly double the amount of parking currently available in order to accommodate flights scheduled for 2022. It also provides capacity for future growth. The Region’s airport was the sixth busiest in Canada last year, and is doubling in size to meet growing demand.

Bridge Street reconstruction to increase active transportation and improve safety

Council has approved the vendor for a $9.4 million reconstruction project on Bridge Street in Kitchener. The project will include new concrete curbs, on-road cycling lanes, and pedestrian crossings to increase active forms of transportation and improve safety for drivers, cyclists and pedestrians. Construction will take place on Bridge Street between University Avenue and Lancaster Street. Work will begin in June and is expected to be complete by October 2023.

Council approves two roundabouts to improve safety and reduce delays

Council has approved two roundabouts – one at Sawmill Road and Ebycrest Road, and another at Cedar Creek Road (Regional Road No. 97) and Trussler Road to address safety concerns and reduce delays for drivers. Both intersections have experienced serious collisions in the past. Construction on both roundabouts is planned for 2024.

Council endorses calls for government to decriminalize simple drug possession and invest more in prevention, treatment and harm reduction

Council has endorsed calls for higher levels of government to decriminalize simple drug possession with expanded access to health interventions. This policy position aligns with the recommendation put forward by the Waterloo Region Integrated Drugs Strategy (WRIDS). The letters call for increased investment in prevention, treatment and harm reduction programs, including safer supply programs overseen by health professionals. Safer supply programs are a legal and regulated alternative to the toxic, illicit drug supply. They aim to prevent overdoses and overdose deaths through safer alternatives.

Noise standards

Staff will begin reviewing noise standards along Regional roads. Recommendations will be made if noise standards need to be reassessed, and to research the feasibility and costs associated with developing a long-term plan for placing noise walls along Regional Roads. A report will be presented to the Planning and Works Committee in November 2022.