The Council Round-Up (July 2024)
A snapshot of what's happening in council chambers around Waterloo Region
Okay, okay, I know - it’s summer. We should be digging into the sand at the beach, not digging into council meeting minutes! Let’s keep this month’s update short so you can get outside and enjoy the summer.
Region of Waterloo:
Willow River Centre in Downtown Kitchener is creating a place for ceremony, resources, space, and culture, and most importantly, connection to one another. “Since opening, the Centre has provided space for private and public safety workshops, many different ceremonies, health clinics, sacred fires, artisan events, concerts, drumming, and more. These gatherings have brought together a community full of vibrancy and hope for a better way forward and a sustainable future.” Click to learn more about Land Back Camp and Willow River Centre.
Regional Council has approved a new roundabout at Ottawa and Westmount which will also include 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. Read the full report.
Cambridge:
Cambridge city council has agreed to move ahead with nine internal capital projects to facilitate the construction of more housing in Cambridge. Projects include “fast-tracking some municipal lands for affordable and attainable housing, enhancements to Cambridge's online portal, which would make it easier for the public or builders to obtain building permits, as well as a study as to what kind of housing would best meet Cambridge's needs.”
Regional Council is considering road improvements to Ainslie Street to address deteriorating infrastructure. The improvements also include cycle tracks through the central part of Downtown Cambridge. Cycle WR noted that there “is strong pushback from the Business Improvement Association to build the cycle tracks only as far north as the Ainslie Bus Terminal, and retain parking through the centre.” You can read more about Cycle WR’s thoughts on the project here. While the public survey closed on June 30th, you can contact elected officials here to share your thoughts.
Kitchener:
The City of Kitchener is looking for ways to improve water quality and reduce flood risks through stormwater measures at Cherry Park. Learn more and have your say with the online virtual open house, until July 18th.
Kitchener Council approved several housing-related policies recently.
The rental replacement bylaw “aims to provide stability and compensation for tenants displaced by redevelopment, while ensuring a transparent and predictable rental permitting process. Landowners demolishing or converting six or more rental units must now offer alternative housing or compensation to tenants and provide replacement rental housing in new developments.”
“Compensation could include a temporary offsite rental unit, waiving rent for a year, or paying tenants the equivalent of 10 months’ rent.” However, this bylaw only protects tenants whose building will be demolished. Provincial rules prevent it from applying to evictions due to renovations, often referred to as ‘renovictions’. Read the rental replacement staff report.
Lodging homes, also known as rooming houses, are now permitted in all residential zones and the decision has been forwarded to the Region of Waterloo for further approval. You can read more about the Shared Accommodation Bylaw here.
Council has also approved the revised vision for the Bramm Yards Master Plan. “Redevelopment of the site aims to boost innovation employment and housing, support business growth in the Innovation District and enhance municipal tax revenues.” Staff will conduct a market assessment to determine the optimal timing for selling the property and identify potential development constraints to ensure a successful redevelopment process. Read the full report online.
Waterloo:
As evidenced by the update above, Kitchener has been pumping out policy after policy in support of more housing lately. Now, it looks like Waterloo may be trying to catch up. It seems there will be a number of housing policy discussions happening at Waterloo Council over the next several months and it may all start with the Waterloo Official Plan review. “The Official Plan provides direction through land use and planning policy to achieve the City’s intended vison for growth and community, and must be reviewed and updated every 10 years.” A version of Waterloo’s Official Plan (with all draft policy updates and modifications) is posted online for review at www.engagewr.ca/waterloo-official-plan. Stay tuned for more updates.
Waterloo is also reviewing the City's Residential Rental Licensing Bylaw. “The review and potential updates to Waterloo's rental licensing regulations is a proactive approach to address evolving housing needs, affordability concerns, safety and the evolving dynamics of the rental market while balancing the interests of both tenants and landlords.” Staff will explore potential measures, including: current licensing regulations, short-term rental licensing, mid-rise/high-rise rental building safety program, and rental eviction or "renoviction" regulations. “Staff will conduct the reviews (including extensive community engagement) and will return to Council with more information and recommended next steps and, where appropriate, proposed regulations.”
The City of Waterloo has been marking National Indigenous Peoples Day for the last several years by partnering with Indigenous artists to create original artwork on the surface of Waterloo Public Square. “The artwork serves as a visual reminder of the territory and land on which the city was founded.”
This year’s mural was created by Maddie Resmer of Western Sky Designs and is based on the Algonquin word “ànikobidigàn”, which means both ancestor and descendant, translating to “they are strung together”. “The mural equally honours those who’ve come before us, as well as those who will come after.” Maddie discusses the significance of this year’s mural design and reflects on Indigenous Peoples Day in a video shared online.
As always, thanks for reading…now go outside and enjoy this weather!