Snapshot of our progress so far in 2024
Mid-way through the year, the Region of Waterloo is making progress on the priorities in our Growing with Care strategic plan.
Region staff, with direction from Regional Council, are working every day on what matters to residents. We are working on affordable housing solutions, protecting the environment, keeping people safe and healthy, supporting local business growth, and much more.
Check out the data below to see just a few of the ways we’re investing in this community and growing with care.
Together with community, we’re working to support the quality of life in Waterloo Region. We’re helping build a compassionate community that cares for all people, stewards the land for future generations and where everyone has the opportunity to live a good life.
This is just a snapshot! Check out the full 2024 Mid-Year Report here.
The charts and graphics above show:
- Total shelter beds in Waterloo Region for people experiencing homelessness have increased from 254 in 2018 to 605 mid-way through 2024.
- The mix of affordable housing overseen by the Region of Waterloo at the mid-way point of 2024 is 100 Transitional Housing Units, 760 Supportive Housing Units, and 2,816 Community Housing Units.
- Grand River Transit’s ridership has changed from approximately 1.7 million riders in May 2023 to approximately 2.9 million riders in May 2024.
- In the first half of 2024, Region of Waterloo Library users borrowed 120,000 physical items, 82,000 digital items, and there were 55,000 visitors to our branches (all numbers approximate).
- Here’s how the Region of Waterloo municipal government has reduced our organization’s greenhouse gas and energy use since 2019:
- $2.2 million in utility costs save
- 11,500 MWh of electricity saved (equivalent to 1,280 homes)
- 1,340,000 m3 of natural gas reduced (equivalent to 550 homes)
- 3,700 tonnes of GHG emissions prevented (equivalent to 800 vehicles)