Regional Council: Making decisions that matter October 20, 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 October 20. Please refer to the minutes for an official record of the meeting. 

Council directs staff to provide report on how to implement Anti-Racism Advisory Working Group recommendations

The Anti-Racism Advisory Working Group (ARAWG) has presented recommendations to Council on how to address systemic racism in Regional policies, procedures and practices. In response, Council has directed staff to consult with the working group and come back with a report on how to put the recommendations in place. The ARAWG provides advice and information to the Region of Waterloo on ways to address systemic racism within the workplace and the services delivered by the Region.

Region shares outcomes of current equity initiatives and plan for 2022

Regional staff provided an update to Council on initiatives to address systemic racism and advance equity and reconciliation in support of Council’s vision for healthy, safe and inclusive communities. Initiatives from this past year include an equitable vaccine rollout led by unprecedented engagement and co-planning with a diverse group of community partners. The plan for 2022 will include many internal changes at the Region, including transforming human resources and hiring processes so that the organization reflects the larger population.

The Region is also working alongside the community and its partners to develop an integrated plan to improve the wellbeing and safety of everyone. This involves collaborating with diverse members of the community and integrating existing community-led plans into a clear path for renewed action and change.

Council to investigate options to better support people out of homelessness

Regional Council directed staff to investigate alternative options and supports that could better help people who are homeless into permanent housing. The request came after Council reaffirmed its support for affordable and supportive housing options as the best alternatives to encampments. Staff will bring recommendations and costs to Council in November. Providing enough permanent affordable and supportive homes for people experiencing homelessness is part of the Region’s Building Better Futures: 2,500 affordable homes in 5 years. Of the over 500 new affordable homes in development, 150 are supportive homes to help end chronic homelessness.

Council calls on Province to increase emergency shelter funding

Regional Council will call on the provincial government to increase funding for emergency shelters in order to ensure safe sheltering options and connections to housing supports and services for people who are homeless. There is a need to add more spaces and shelter options to emergency shelters over the winter to respond to anticipated capacity pressures and meet the unique needs of everyone experiencing homelessness. As temporary pandemic funding from higher levels of government end in March, Regional staff continue to work with community partners and emergency shelter providers on plans to wind down expanded and enhanced services.

Construction on expansion of multi-use trail to start in November

Regional Council has approved the contractor for the second stage of the Iron Horse Trail link to the future transit hub. Capital Paving Inc. will develop the three-metre wide paved trail between Joseph Street and King Street West in Kitchener. The trail will encourage cycling and walking, and improve safety for drivers, pedestrian, and cyclists. It is expected to open in July.