Making Decisions That Matter – April 24 edition4 min read
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This is a summary of Regional Council’s decision from its April 24, 2024 meeting. 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. Please refer to the minutes for an official record of the meeting.
Council approves Plan to End Chronic Homelessness
Council has approved the made in community, by community, for community Plan to End Chronic Homelessness as the official plan to prevent, address, and end chronic homelessness in Waterloo Region by 2030. The final report, Navigating Complexity Together: A Roadmap to Functional Zero by 2030, was created by a community-led co-creator group and was informed by extensive community engagement to respond to the growing crisis of homelessness in Waterloo Region. The report outlines seven strategic focus areas that will drive this work forward over the coming months. A detailed plan of recommendations including comprehensive funding and advocacy actions based on the Plan to End Chronic Homelessness will be delivered to Council in the fall as part of the 2025 Regional Budget process.
Region creates opportunities for culturally responsive child care
The Region is creating new opportunities for non-profit organizations to offer culturally safe and relevant child care for Indigenous families and others that face systemic barriers. Council has asked staff to identify providers who would have the option to lease 30 Christopher Drive in Cambridge and 104 Stirling Avenue South in Kitchener when those Region-owned buildings become available. The two programs would offer 92 new child care spaces in the community, providing connection to Indigenous culture and Indigenous ways of knowing in order to support healing and education. Their development is part of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s Calls to Action.
Grand River Transit reinstates late night transit service for students
Council will temporarily reinstate the late night transit loop in the university district to meet student needs for safe, affordable late night public transit. Route 91 will run Thursday to Saturday, connecting Waterloo’s uptown area with student residences in the university district. It was suspended in the spring of 2019 but will be reinstated before September 2, 2024. Grand River Transit is also working on a five-year business plan for future service improvements, expansions, and investments.
Yearbook shares progress on community priorities
The Region of Waterloo has released its award-winning yearbook for the second year in a row. 13 stories of care shares how the Region is meeting the needs of a growing community. Highlights include exceeding milestones in the Building Better Futures plan to add new affordable homes, record ridership on Grand River Transit, and innovating how we manage the impact of waste on the environment. Visit the yearbook to view the stories from 2023. The Region provides services that 650,000 residents rely on daily and works with partners to address challenges and meet community needs now and into the future.
Council approves contractor for Bleams Road improvements
Improvements to Bleams Road between Fischer-Hallman and Trussler Road in Kitchener are expected to start in May. Last night, Council approved the contractor for the project, which includes four new roundabouts, street lights, a multi-use trail on each side of the road and the installation of new sections of watermain and sanitary sewer. The upgrades will provide greener options for travel and will support future residential growth. Construction will take place in phases, with local access to residents and businesses, and is expected to be completed by December 2025.
Region extends lower speed on Swan Street in North Dumfries
The Region is extending the 50 km/h speed limit on a section of Swan Street heading out of Ayr to make this growing residential area safer. The lower speed limit will be extended from 500 metres north of Brant-Waterloo Road to Brant-Waterloo Road. Regional staff will survey the area to make sure drivers are slowing down and if not, staff will look for other ways to achieve lower speeds.
Region to hire project manager to work on MobilityPLUS scheduling upgrades
Council has approved hiring of a project manager to work on a new scheduling system for MobilityPLUS services. A new system could be used to optimize the number of trips provided to customers. The public, Grand River Accessibility Advisory Committee, Kiwanis Transit, and taxi companies will be consulted on requirements to be included in a new scheduling system.
Region to consider truck ban in downtown Ayr due to community concerns
The Region will consider a truck ban in downtown Ayr in response to concerns from local businesses and residents. Concerns included limited space for large vehicles to navigate the intersection in the core, as well as limited areas for large trucks to stop and park without blocking intersections. Regional staff will conduct a study to determine the best solution and will consult with local businesses and residents.