Council Updates for December 2022

A snapshot of what's happening in council chambers around Waterloo Region

Region of Waterloo:

Child care rates continue to be reduced thanks to the Canada Wide Early Learning and Child Care Plan (CWELCC). For centres participating in the CWELCC program, families will have their fees reduced (Jan 1st, 2023) by more than 50% compared to rates earlier this year. And, that includes almost all centres locally because as of November 1, 2022, 98% of licensed child care centres and 100% of licensed home child care agencies have applied to opt in to CWELCC in Waterloo Region.

Two new affordable housing projects have recently been approved by Regional Council thanks to the allocation of $3.4 million in Regional and provincial funding. The first project at 137-149 Queen St. S, Kitchener, will see St. Paul's Not For Profit Corporation build 21 affordable, accessible housing units as part of a 48 unit apartment for seniors. As well, a private sector housing provider (55 Franklin GP Inc.), will develop 30 affordable housing units, as part of a larger development at 55 Franklin St. S., also in Kitchener.

Recently, Regional Council approved changes to Bleams Rd, including widening Bleams to 4 lanes and adding 4 roundabouts. The Region’s website notes that, “Technical evaluation and public input found that roundabouts were preferred over traffic signals or a combination of traffic signals and roundabouts.” However, given recent collisions at roundabouts, Waterloo Mayor Dorothy McCabe raised questions for regional staff, asking, "How do we make those roundabouts more safe for pedestrians, cyclists, and people using other mobility devices to cross?” A full report examining the safety of regional roundabouts is expected in March.

Cambridge:

Cambridge council recently heard an update on their plans for the new recreational complex. However, some councillors were surprised to hear the updated costs of the proposal: two build concepts come in at $23.9 million and $13.5 million over budget. The “full build,” (which includes a 10-lane swimming pool, running track and 1,000 additional square feet to the Idea Exchange) would cost $107.46 million. Yet, the total project budget is set at just $83.6 million. The updated costs left councillors debating whether to proceed with the project at all. Councillor Kimpson noted that, “the longer we delay then the more it costs.” The full concept designs and associated budgeting will be presented to council in March.

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Kitchener:

Council approved several new housing projects that will result in nearly 2,000 condominiums and rental apartments across Kitchener. Those projects include:

• 206-210 Duke St. E. will have 100 new units, including 40 deeply affordable homes, in a major transit station area. While this proposal was originally intended to be entirely affordable units, due to rising building costs, that has unfortunately shrunk to 40 units of deeply affordable housing. If additional funding comes in however, more units could be made affordable.

• 1251-1253 King St. E. will see the creation of a 27-storey mixed-use residential building and an 8-storey residential building with 408 residential units in total.

• 4220 King St. E. will see three towers of 14, 15 and 18 storeys with a total of 520 residential units plus commercial space.

• 1257-1265 Ottawa St. S. will have a three-storey, 20-unit building. It should be noted that this proposal will see two existing homes demolished which currently house at least 11 residents, who are paying affordable rents. Myself and several others delegated for more tenant protections for those under threat of eviction.

Staff presented an update on Kitchener’s annual growth report. You can read the staff report here, but a few tidbits that stood out to me include:

• 3,036 homes were created in Kitchener last year.

• 63% of those were multiple-dwelling types (67% of multiple-dwelling types were low-rise to mid-rise buildings); 5% were townhouses; and 32% were single-detached, semi-detached, and duplex dwellings.

• Kitchener had 51% of residential growth within the built-up area in 2021.

The Boathouse received final approval from council and construction is expected to begin early in the new year with an anticipated opening this summer.

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Waterloo:

At the December 12th council meeting, staff presented the 2023 proposed operating and capital budgets. The budget includes a proposed property tax increase of 5.35%. Combined annual water, sanitary sewer and stormwater rates will increase 5.1%.

The press release states that, “Through this budget, the city is aiming to continue to support existing programs and services, provide operating funds to support new capital assets, continue to increase investments in infrastructure renewal, and introduce service delivery enhancements and additions that support the city’s strategic plan.” On February 13, 2023, the operating and capital budget are decided on by council.

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This is my final Citified post for 2022. I’ll return January 13th, 2023. In the new year, I’ll share more details about local budgets, municipal snow clearing, and policing. I’m always interested in what you want to hear about as well, so feel free to comment below.

I wish everyone a time of rest, connection, and celebration in ways that are meaningful for you over the next few weeks and I look forward to sharing more of my thoughts on municipal issues and local politics in 2023. Thanks for reading!