Regional Council: Making decisions that matter November 17, 2021

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 November 17. Please refer to the minutes for an official record of the meeting. 

Council approves implementation of Anti-Racism Advisory Working Group recommendations

In an effort to create healthier, safer and more inclusive communities, Regional Council approved the implementation of recommendations that address systemic racism in Waterloo Region. Created by the Anti-Racism Advisory Working Group, the recommendations seek to make meaningful changes in programs, services and policies. The recommendations include increasing diversity and better supporting inclusion for Region of Waterloo employees, improving crisis mental health supports for community members, continuing to fund and reduce barriers to funding for Indigenous-led organizations, launching a consultation process with Indigenous community members to better understand how to provide access to culturally safe and appropriate spaces, and creating a Director of Reconciliation role to provide leadership and guidance to support the Region’s commitment to truth and reconciliation. For more information, read the Anti-Racism Advisory Working Group’s recommendations to Council.

Region acquires part of Duke Street to relocate Kitchener GO station

Regional Council approved the process to obtain a part of Duke Street from the City of Kitchener to support two-way-all-day GO service. The Region is obtaining Duke Street between the CN Rail tracks and Victoria Street. This stretch of Duke Street will be closed at a later time to assist Metrolinx in the relocation of the existing Kitchener GO station to the future transit hub site at King and Victoria streets.

Once complete, the transit hub will connect ION, GRT, two-way-all-day GO, VIA, pedestrians and cyclists in one convenient location. The integrated transit hub will improve connectivity along the Toronto-Waterloo Region Innovation Corridor and sustainably move people between the two areas every day to support a thriving economy.

Council awards 2021 Community Innovation Grant

Regional Council is excited to award the 2021 Community Innovation Grant to Kind Minds Family Wellness, a counseling, education and research advocacy group that addresses anti-black racism and systemic oppression in Waterloo Region. The $50,000 grant will help support a culturally informed skills development and entrepreneurship program for youth who identify as Black in the community. This initiative aims to address identified gaps for the Black community, which has been disproportionally impacted by COVID-19 and faces barriers due to racial discrimination. The Community Innovation Grant helps to promote Healthy, Safe and Inclusive Communities in Waterloo Region.