Making Decisions That Matter – May 22 edition3 min read
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This is a summary of Regional Council’s decision from its May 22, 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.
Major improvements coming to Ottawa Street
Regional Council has approved major improvements to Ottawa Street in Kitchener, from Fischer-Hallman Road to Mowat Boulevard for pedestrians, cyclists and drivers.
The project will create a new roundabout at Ottawa and Westmount and create a new multi-use trail on both sides of Ottawa Street. New or upgraded watermains, storm sewers, sidewalks and pedestrian islands are also on the way.
Council selected Capital Paving Inc. to do this work for $10.1 million, which was the lowest of six bids. Work is set to begin in June 2024 with completion expected December 2025.
New roundabout coming for New Dundee Road
Regional Council has approved a multi-lane roundabout for a new intersection coming when Strasburg Road is extended to meet New Dundee Road in Kitchener. Council is investing $3.2 million for this roundabout to help keep people moving. The Region is also lowering the speed limit from 80 km/h to 60 km/h on part of New Dundee Road around the roundabout.
Moving forward with new system for waste and green bin collection
The Region of Waterloo is moving to a new method of collecting residents’ waste. Council has selected Emterra Environmental, one of our current service providers, to collect and transport garbage and green bin materials using a new automated cart system, starting in 2026. Bulky items, yard waste and Christmas trees will continue to be collected manually.
Emterra will also provide the new carts to residents. The Region of Waterloo has an eight-year agreement with the company worth $285 million. The automated carts result in less litter on windy days and better protection against pests. It is safer and easier for collection workers. The new fleet of trucks will also use more environmentally-friendly compressed natural gas, instead of diesel.
Improving safety on regional roads
The Region of Waterloo is making road safety improvements in the City of Kitchener, the City of Waterloo, City of Cambridge and the Township of Woolwich.
Four new pedestrian crossovers will be added throughout the Region, and a school bus loading zone on Frederick Street in front of Suddaby Public School. No Right Turn on Red restrictions are being implemented at University Avenue and Erb Street in Waterloo and Arthur Street and Whippoorwill Drive in Woolwich. Council has also lowered the speed limit from 70 to 50 km/h on Bleams Road in Kitchener from Trussler Road to Fischer-Hallman Road.
Region of Waterloo adding community housing units
The Region of Waterloo is adding more units to its portfolio of affordable housing. The Region is assuming ownership and management of 50 townhouse units at 595 Greenfield Ave, Kitchener that were previously owned by Better Homes Canada, Inc.
The Region and the previous owners are working together to ensure a smooth transition and make this a positive change for the families currently living there.