Making Decisions That Matter – April 22 edition
This is a summary of Regional Council’s decisions from its April 22, 2026 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.
Community collaboration leads to new Conestogo River pedestrian bridge
Cyclists and pedestrians on the Guelph to Goderich (G2G) Rail Trail will have a smooth route over the Conestogo River thanks to a new trestle bridge in the Township of Wellesley. The Region of Waterloo is helping move this collaborative project forward and will fund $2.1 million of the $8.3 million estimated cost. Two community donors have offered $5.5 million towards the project, and the Township of Wellesley will fund $560,000. Construction is expected to begin this summer.
Work to begin on new Scheifele Bridge
The Scheifele Bridge over the Conestogo River on Northfield Drive will be rebuilt and upgraded over the next several years. The upgrades will include wider shoulders to accommodate buggies and cyclists, plus a sidewalk on the east side of the bridge. Regional Council has approved Sierra Infrastructure Inc to complete the $19.4 million project. This includes reconstructing and realigning Northfield Drive to tie into the new bridge location, and building retaining walls to reduce impacts to nearby wetlands. Work will start in May 2026 and will be completed in phases until November 2029. Two-way traffic will continue to flow throughout the project.
Expanding Fischer-Hallman to improve traffic capacity
Fischer-Hallman Road is getting an upgrade between Rosenberg Way and Plains Road. This $11.4 million project will improve the streetscape for all users. It includes widening the road from two to four lanes with a raised centre median, constructing multi-use paths on each side of the road, intersection upgrades, new street lighting, bus stop pads, and water and storm sewer underground infrastructure. Increasing this road’s capacity will help meet Waterloo Region’s long-term traffic needs. Work begins May 2026, with project completion scheduled for December 2027. Two lanes of traffic will continue to flow on Fischer-Hallman Road through the construction, except for short-term full closures for asphalt work.
New traffic controls and signage will help people move safely
Council are making Regional roads safer with 10 changes to streets in Kitchener, Cambridge and Wilmot. The changes will be in place by fall 2026. They include:
- New all-way stop signs on Bleams Road at Wilmot Centre Road in Wilmot
- Adding pedestrian crossovers at the Iron Horse Trail crossing on Queen Street in Kitchener, and also on Concession Street at Cameron Street in Cambridge
- Lowering speed limits on portions of Fairway Road and Homer Watson Boulevard
- A new school zone on Fairway Road near Old Zeller Drive
Seeking new partnerships to advance Mooregate housing project
The revitalization of a Waterloo Region Housing site at 15-105 Mooregate Crescent is paused for now as staff explore new opportunities. Many large housing projects are challenged by the current combination of high construction costs, interest rates, and lower property values. Region staff will develop a framework to partner with non-profits or co-operatives for remaining Waterloo Region Housing Revitalization projects. The Region will also pursue federal funding through the Build Canada Homes program to fund the Mooregate project.