Regional Municipality of Waterloo
Strategic Planning and Budget Committee
Addendum Agenda

Meeting #:

Date:

Wednesday, December 11, 2024

Regular Session:

8:45 A.m. - 9:45 A.m.

Location:

Council Chambers/Electronic

Should you require an alternative format please contact the Regional Clerk at Tel.: [phone], TTY: 519-575-4605, or

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1.

Call to Order

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2.

Land Acknowledgement

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3.

Declarations of Pecuniary Interest under the “Municipal Conflict of Interest Act”

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4.

Motion to go into Closed Session

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• Recommended Motion:

  That a closed meeting of the Strategic Plan and Budget Committee be held on December 11, 2024 at 8:50 a.m. in the Waterloo County Room, in accordance with Section 239 of the “Municipal Act, 2001”, for the purposes of considering the following subject matters:

  1. labour relations

5.

Motion to Reconvene into Open Session

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• Recommended Motion:

  That the Strategic Plan and Budget Committee reconvene into Open Session.

6.

Introduction of the Main Budget Motion

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That the Regional Municipality of Waterloo take the following action with respect to the 2025 Plan and Budget:

1. Approve the 2025 Plan as set out Appendix A of report COR-CFN-24-029 dated December 11, 2024;
2. Approve the 2025 Operating Budget as summarized in Appendix D of report COR-CFN-24-029 dated December 11, 2024 with a net expenditure of $1,693,675,894 and a property tax levy of $834,717,114 in 2025; and
3. Approve the 2025 Capital Budget and 2026-2034 Capital Forecast as summarized in Appendix D of report COR-CFN-24-029 dated December 11, 2024 and subject to final adjustments for 2024 project carry-forwards.

7.

COR-CFN-24-029, Final 2025 Plan, 2025 Operating Budget and 2025-2034 Capital Program.

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• Recommended Motion:

  That the Region of Waterloo take the following action with respect to the 2025 operating budget and 2025-2034 capital program as set out in COR-CFN-24-029 dated December 11, 2024:

   

  1. Increase 2025 operating budget funding for Housing Services by $1,708,636;
     
  2. Decrease 2025 operating budget user fee revenues for Transit Services by $2,028,550;
     
  3. Adjust the 2025 operating budget for Children’s Services to reflect reduced expenditures and offsetting funding of $322,207 (no levy impact); and
     
  4. Amend the 2025 Capital Budget and 2026-2034 Capital Forecast as set out in Appendix B.

   

8.

RSC-SPR-24-001, Options to Achieve the 2025 Budget Guideline

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For Information. 

9.

Service Expansions - Moved Forward to Final Budget Day

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Equitable Services and Opportunities

No Levy Impact:

1. Automated Speed Enforcement (keeping residents safe on the roads)
2. CWELCC Staffing resources (meeting accountability requirements for increased childcare program)
3. Immigration Partnership Support Staff (building a thriving community)

Levy Impact:

1. Accessibility/REDI Advisor (meet growing accessibility needs of residents)
2. Additional PT Library Hours (increasing access)
3. Homemaking and Nursing Services Program (supporting vulnerable residents independence)
4. High Intensity Needs Personal Support Workers (supporting high need seniors and reducing OT costs)
5. Health Inspectors and Information Assistants (meeting regulatory requirements)
6. 2025 PSV Master Plan Expansion (to meet increasing 911 call demands)
7. Paramedic Services Relief Levels (reduce OT costs and better meet service targets)

Resilient and Future Ready

No Levy Impact:

1. Sunnyside Facility Maintenance Worker (reducing vacancy losses and reducing contractor costs)
2. Fleet Outfitter (PSV) (counter cost escalation and reduce delays in de-commissioning)

User Rate Supported:

1. Cyber Security Analyst 1 FTE (safety of our water and wastewater system (Resilient and Future Ready Priority Area))

Levy Impact:

1. Sunnyside Employee Wellness and Peer Support Program (mitigate long term mental health issues and associated high costs)
2. Licensing and Enforcement Services Bylaw Officers (extend temporary support for encampments)
3. Solicitor (reduce legal counsel costs)
4. Increased Program Support and Recruitment Strategy 3 student FTEs (improve recruitment pipeline and increase capacity for digital/IT growth)
5. Business Continuity Plan - specialist and cloud-based software (increased capacity for natural disasters and cybercrime)
6. Legal Assistant (increase in demand)

Homes for All

No Levy Impact:

1. Senior Engineer (coordination of Regional Infrastructure and achieve faster approvals)

Levy Impact:

1. Affordable Housing Resources 2 FTEs (supports for households at risk of losing their tenancies) for housing [as amended]
2. 2 staff resources to Improve WRH insurability (reduce risks and longer-term costs)
3. Plan to End Chronic Homelessness (prioritized and measured implementation investments)
4. Employment Program Pilot Temporary Transition Funding (transition to non-tax-levy supported program)

Climate Aligned Growth

No Levy Impact:

1. One energy student and one facilities management student (workorders, grant applications for new revenue and data analysis)
2. Invest in 18 temporary positions to implement the approved automated cart collection program (modernized waste collection service)  
3. Deliver Water, Wastewater, and Waste Management Capital programs through 2 FTEs 

User Rate Supported:

1. One Scada Specialist (support over $30M in capital upgrades over ten years)
2. Multi-Year Expansion and Renovation 1 FTE (meet changes in regulatory requirements, keep pace with expansions of water supply, water distribution and storm and sanitary sewer systems)
3. Water and Wastewater Student Resource (increase in sampling activities, increase recruitment pipeline)
4. Project Hydrolgeologist (Maximize the sustainable use of local water resources)
5. Project Hydrolgeologist (Improve critical support to the Operations team for community growth)
6. Student Resource  (Maintain compliance with the Clean Water Act)
7. Water Program Coordinator (Maximize water conservation and efficiency)
8. Infrastructure Program Analyst (Minimizing risk of unplanned service disruptions and costly emergency work)
9. Infrastructure Management Project Coordinator (Supporting critical infrastructure inspections and renewal work)
10. Three Specialists: Process Operations, Systems, Maintenance (Operate and maintain growing water supply infrastructure)
11. Water Operations Summer Students 1.65 FTEs (assist with water quality sampling and minor operational tasks)
12. Senior Engineer (Water and Wastewater resiliency addressing emerging issues and assessing infrastructure)
13. Senior Engineer (Advance the Region's Water Supply Strategy Update)
14. Student Resource 1 FTE (review applications and reports, increase capacity)
15. Student Resource 1 FTE (to assist with water loss measurements and studies, support of leak detection)

Levy Impact:

1. Transit - Core Network Improvements 8 FTEs  (Respond to growth and reduce system overloads) [as amended]
2. Transit – Customer-Driven Operational Adjustments and 5 FTEs (Effective customer service and transit reliability) [as amended]
3. Transit - MobilityPLUS Capacity and 2FTEs  (Respond to growing demand including late night service) 
4. Transit Service support staff 13 FTEs (Safety/compliance of vehicles/licenses and customer service) [as amended]
5. Traffic Systems Management Analysts 1 FTE (Traffic efficiency, mobility and connectivity) [as amended]
6. Road Maintainer Summer Students 1.3 FTEs (Escalating maintenance responsibilities)

10.

Library Budget Approval 

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• Recommended Motion:

  That the Regional Municipality of Waterloo take the following action with respect to the 2025 Region of Waterloo Libraries (RWL) Budget:

  1. Approve the 2025 RWL Operating Budget with a net expenditure of $3,599,351 and a net property tax levy of $3,182,053; and
  2. Approve the 2025 RWL Library Capital Budget and 2026-2034 Capital Forecast as summarized in Appendix B of Report COR-CFN-24-025, dated November 26, 2024, subject to final adjustments for 2024 carry-forwards.

11.

WRPS Budget Approval 

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• Recommended Motion:

  That the Regional Municipality of Waterloo take the following action with respect to the 2025 Waterloo Region Police Service Budget: 

  1. Approve the Waterloo Regional Police Service 2025 Operating Budget with a net expenditure of $278,467,629 and a property tax levy of $252,468,301; and
  2. Approve the Waterloo Regional Police Service 2025 Capital Budget and 2026-2034 Capital Forecast as summarized in Appendix C of Police Services Board report 2024-224, dated November 13, 2024, subject to final adjustments for 2024 carry-forwards.

12.

Councillor Motions - Where Notice Has Been Provided

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12.1

Councillor C. James, Re: Food Bank

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• Recommended Motion:

  Whereas the Region of Waterloo currently provides the Food Bank of Waterloo Region with an annual funding grant of $744,000.00;

  And whereas the CEO of the Food Bank of Waterloo Region has advised Regional Council that they are seeing the highest numbers in the 40-year history of The Food Bank;

  Whereas rising cost of living in Waterloo Region has significantly increased financial pressure on families and individuals, contributing to food instability;

  And whereas food insecurity, defined as not having access to sufficient food, or food of an adequate quality, to meet basic household needs is often exacerbated by high housing costs due to limited household budgets;

  And whereas one in eight households is now accessing emergency food support—compared to just one in 20 three years ago—this underscores the growing challenges faced by community members, including rising living costs, job insecurity, and other mounting economic pressures;

  And whereas visits to The Food Bank totalled 558,545 in 2023/2024, which is a 24 per cent increase from the number of visits in 2022/2023;

  And whereas 73,615 people accessed a Food Bank program in 2023/2024, up 25 per cent from 58,688 people in 2022/2023.

  THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the Region of Waterloo increase its annual grant to the Food Bank of Waterloo Region in 2025 to $1.5 million, which is an additional $756,000

  THEREFORE BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that funding allocated to the Food Bank of Waterloo Region be increased annually in alignment with the cost of living index to ensure its ability to meet rising demands for food assistance and to reflect the growing economic pressures faced by residents of Waterloo Region.

12.2

Councillor C. James, Re: Changing the Definition of GRT Child Fares from 4 & Under to 6 & Under

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• Recommended Motion:

  WHEREAS GRT currently provides “no-fare paid” transit to Children 4 years of age and under;

  AND WHEREAS Transit is a critical service for families that are required to group multiple trip purposes, such as daycare and school drop off, groceries, and work commitments;

  AND WHEREAS GRT is currently examining a new fare strategy as part of the 2025-2030 GRT Business Plan;

  1. BE IT RESOLVED THAT:
     Region or Waterloo Council direct GRT staff to update the Region of Waterloo Fees & Charges bylaw to make the definition of a child fare for children “6 & under”, with an unknown but minimal revenue impact (due to the lack of collection of age based data for children).
  2. GRT staff will identify an appropriate age for a child fare through the 2025-2030 Business Plan, and report back on the revenue/budget impacts associated.
  3. GRT implement the fare changes in July 2025.

12.3

Councillor C. Huinink, Re: EasyGO-2 Fare

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• Recommended Motion:

  WHEREAS access to affordable public transit is essential for supporting the mobility, independence, and well-being of all residents in the Waterloo Region;

  AND WHEREAS not-for-profit agencies in the Waterloo Region play a critical role in addressing barriers to transportation for individuals and families experiencing financial hardship;

  AND WHEREAS the Grand River Transit (GRT) EasyGO 2-fare card is an exclusive card available for purchase by qualifying not-for-profit agencies, and each card holds 2 fares (+ transfers) for a cost of $5.

  BE IT RESOLVED THAT:

  1. Waterloo Regional Council allocate $25,000 in deferred revenue from GRT fare collection, as part of a pilot program to support not-for-profit agencies, to subsidizing the purchase of EasyGO 2-Fare cards.
  2. On an annual basis, eligible not-for-profit agencies will be able to purchase up to 500 EasyGO 2-Fare cards for $3 ($2 reduction from $5 to $3).  This would place the discounted 2-Fare cards in line with the ATP rate for electronic fare ($3 to $1.50 per trip)
  3. GRT staff will work with eligible not-for-profit agencies, already involved in the EasyGO 2-Fare program, to confirm the distribution process and to implement this program efficiently and equitably.
  4. GRT staff will monitor and evaluate the program's effectiveness, additional administrative costs, agency feedback, and overall effectiveness and report back to Council prior to or as part of the 2026 Plan & Budget cycle, with recommendations for future initiatives, if applicable.

12.4

Councillor S. Foxton, Re: Construction Payment FTE

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• Recommended Motion:

  That the Strategic Planning and Budget Committee amends the 2025 budget to add 1 FTE at levy impact of $86,000 for an Accounts Assistant -Facilities in order to meet service level targets for invoice processing.

12.5

Councillor D. McCabe, Re: ClimateActionWR

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• Recommended Motion:

  WHEREAS Reep Green Solutions and Sustainable Waterloo Region currently hold a Partnership Agreement with the Region of Waterloo to operate the ClimateActionWR program,
  AND WHEREAS The Region of Waterloo holds a secondary agreement with the City of Cambridge, City of Kitchener, and City of Waterloo to equally fund the program, 
  AND WHEREAS Each of the municipal townships (Township of North Dumfries; Township of Wellesley; Township of Wilmot; and Woolwich Township) have continued their participation in the work of the collaborative that originated under the FCM Funded T2050 Partnership grant to produce TransformWR in 2019, 
  AND WHEREAS ClimateActionWR was directed by Regional Council in 2023 to create a business plan outlining what is required to enable them to improve and accelerate the work they are doing on behalf of the region and local municipalities to meet our collectively agreed upon targets (see attachment), 
  AND WHEREAS We are not on target to meet our shared 50by30 emissions reduction targets as outlined in ClimateActionWR’s most recent greenhouse gas re-inventory community report  which underscores the necessity of transformational climate action and an accelerated response to meet our 50by30 target,
  AND WHEREAS Unlike other Partnership Agreements, Reep Green Solutions and Sustainable Waterloo Region have not received an increase beyond a cost-of-living increase despite the fact that the complexity and the urgency of the work has increased significantly, 
  AND WHEREAS Without an increase to the program budget ClimateActionWR will continue to be more limited in its ability to maintain current community engagement levels while simultaneously meeting the increased responsibilities of a more significant role in managing the implementation of GHG reductions,
  AND WHEREAS The increased proactive, upstream approach of reducing our emissions which ClimateActionWR will be able to do with an improved mandate will help the region, local municipalities, businesses and community organizations avoid significant and costly damage caused by climate change,
  AND WHEREAS Similar to other Partnership Agreements, working in partnership with ClimateActionWR is a more cost-effective and more flexible approach to ensuring the work needed to achieve our shared targets is done, 
  THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED THAT

  • The regional contribution for ClimateActionWR be increased from $63,037.50 to $126,075.00 with an annualized cost of living increase of 2.5% as per the budget proposed in the attachment.

12.6

Councillor D. McCabe, Re: Improved Transit Service for the Vista Hills Neighbourhood

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• Recommended Motion:

  WHEREAS The Vista Hills neighbourhood in Northwest Waterloo is a growing centre for residents, economic development and job creation including clean tech, med tech, and similar sectors as well as retail;

  AND WHEREAS GRT service, active transportation and multi-use trails to this area are very limited with Route 31 Columbia being the closest Route with the closest stop at Columbia and Sundew which is 2km from the northern most point in Vista Hills;

  AND WHEREAS The City of Waterloo is developing Generation Park, the first light industrial net zero employment park in Canada, that is being developed with high sustainability standards in the building and operation of the site. Businesses interesting in purchasing sites and conducting their business from Generation Park are requesting transit and active transportation access;  

  AND WHEREAS There is longstanding community interest in improving transit service to the area both from residents, those seeking to shop in the various retail outlets in the area and from business owners, entrepreneurs and employees who will work at Generation Park;

  AND WHEREAS The region is currently operating a shuttle bus to provide transit service to the residents of the managed encampment and if Route 31 Columbia was initiated, the shuttle bus could potentially be discontinued and those savings could be directed to the cost of running Route 31 Columbia; 

  THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED THAT:

  1. Region of Waterloo Council direct GRT staff to introduce a new Vista Hills Route that starts at the Boardwalk Terminal, and travels to Vista Hills by way of Platinum Dr. at an annual cost of $700,000, along with 4 additional FTE’s (3 Bus Operators, 1 Bus Technician/Mechanic);
  2. GRT staff will also connect Route 31 and with Route 29 to improve overall connectivity in Northwest Waterloo with no additional budget impact and
  3. GRT implement the service changes in September 2025.

12.7

Councillor D. McCabe, Re: Investment Income Allocation and Calculation

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• Recommended Motion:

  WHEREAS The 2025 preliminary operating budget includes $20 million to $21 million in investment income which is directed to the Capital Reserve Fund, 
  AND WHEREAS Annually, there are numerous capital budgets which for a variety of practical and legitimate reasons are not moved forward, 
  AND WHEREAS Council and staff identified a number of capital projects to delay or defer for 2025 and potentially 2026, 
  AND WHEREAS Construction costs for municipalities’ capital projects remain stubbornly high despite the lowered inflation rate, 
  AND WHEREAS Removing funding from the Capital Reserve Fund impacts the 10 year capital forecast, 
  THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED THAT 
  The amount of investment income directed to the Capital Reserve Fund be modified to $15 million and the remaining approximately $5 million be directed to the operating budget for the next 10 years. 
  AND FURTHER THAT
  In 2025, staff be directed to review the interest allocation methodology for Corporate Finance and to report to Council on potential updates and changes recommended.

12.8

Councillor N. Salonen, Re: Waiving of Development Charges for Nith View Homes Long-Term Care Facility

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• Recommended Motion:

  WHEREAS the Region of Waterloo recognizes the critical need for increased long-term care capacity to serve the aging population in our community;

  AND WHEREAS Nith View Homes, a non-profit organization, is planning the construction of a 160-bed long-term care facility in Wilmot Township, which will address the urgent demand for senior housing and care in the region;

  AND WHEREAS this new facility aligns with the Region’s Strategic Plan 2023-2027, specifically:

  1. Thriving Communities, by enhancing well-being and access to housing and care for vulnerable populations;
  2. A Prosperous Economy, through the creation of over 100 jobs and supporting local economic growth;
  3. Growing Equitably, ensuring community growth is inclusive and sustainable;

  AND WHEREAS waiving development charges for non-profit long-term care facilities reflects the Region of Waterloo’s commitment to equitable access and community development;

  NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED THAT:

  1. Regional Council waive the applicable development charges for the construction of the new Nith View Homes long-term care facility in Wilmot Township.
  2. Staff be directed to prepare any necessary agreements or amendments to facilitate the waiving of these charges, ensuring alignment with regional policies and regulations.
  3. Staff report back to Council on the financial impact of this motion over a two year period to pay the amount into the development charges reserve 

12.9

Councillor P. Wolf, Re: Heritage Foundation

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• Recommended Motion:

  Whereas the Waterloo Regional Heritage Foundation has, as part of their strategic review, carefully reviewed its grant application process to align with the recently updated definition of heritage to ensure a more inclusive approach to the grant awarding process through the equity, diversity, and inclusion funding stream; 
  Whereas during the time from 2022 to now the WRHT was not funded by the Region while members of the WRHF worked with a consultant and staff to come up with new criteria for grants that included projects, buildings or publications within the Region of Waterloo, that promote or foster equity, diversity, inclusion, reconciliation, and accessibility; 
  Whereas as of January 1, 2025, the WRHF will once again be accepting applications for heritage grants which meet the new criteria; 
  And Whereas, The Waterloo Regional Heritage Foundation is asking for $75,000 to be added to the 2025 budget to be used for grants for heritage projects that meet the new criteria. In the past the WRHF received annual funding from the Region based on per/capita funding. The committee realizes that in this tight budget year the Region cannot afford the per/capita funding so has reduced their ask to $75,000.  
  Therefore, Be it resolved, That the Regional Municipality of Waterloo reinstate $75,000 to the Regional Waterloo Heritage Foundation. 

12.10

Councillor K. Williams, Re: Cultural Programs

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• Recommended Motion:

  WHEREAS; The review of our cultural programs and funding models is ongoing, and there is no plan currently in place to distribute the funds,

  And WHEREAS;  There is not an active or established Arts Fund group or operating body currently in place,

  And WHEREAS; The one year funding contract with the WRCF is ending

  And WHEREAS; The current funding levels are inadequate to fund the many varying artists and projects in our community

  And WHEREAS; There is work to be done regarding the equitable distribution of funds and reducing barriers to accessing the funds

  THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED; That the $353,538 Arts Fund amount be paused for 2025 to allow for a reassessment of the fund and to evaluate and review an increase to a more appropriate amount and distribution model for 2026 going forward.

12.11

Councillor K. Williams, Re: Anti-Hate Campaign

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• Recommended Motion:

  WHEREAS; the Community Safety and Wellbeing Plan is an important part of our Regional Goals and is a key strategy for making our Region a great place to live that is safe, inviting, and inclusive.

  And WHEREAS; There is a changing complexity to crime in the region and one of the top categories of Complex Criminal Incidents is Hate Crimes.

  And WHEREAS; The Waterloo Regional Police reported a 57% increase in hate crimes in the region from 2022-2023 with a further increase in 2024.

  THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED THAT; we allocate $300,000 in 2025 to launch an Anti-Hate Campaign through the Community Safety and Well-being Plan to actively combat hate in our community.

12.12

Councillor R. Deutschmann, Re: Capital Program

This item has Video

• Recommended Motion:

  Be it resolved that the Region of Waterloo delay all projects to the Capital Program as provided in report COR-CFN-24-024 dated November 27, 2024, including the projects that are listed under “Recommended Change” and the projects listed under “Options for Deferral”.

13.

COR-CFN-24-028, 2025 User Fees and Charges Update

• Recommended Motion:

  That the Regional Municipality of Waterloo repeal By-Law 24-028, (A By-Law to amend By-Law Number 23-062, A By-law to Establish Fees and Charges for the Regional Municipality of Waterloo and repeal By-law 23-009, as Amended) and pass a new Fees and Charges By-law including the new and adjusted fees and charges in the 2025 Budget as set out in report COR-CFN-24-028 dated December 11, 2024.

14.

COR-CFN-24-027, Municipal Budget Regulation

• Recommended Motion:

  That the Regional Municipality of Waterloo adopt report COR-CFN-24-027 dated December 11, 2024 titled “Municipal Budget Regulation” as required by Ontario Regulation 284/09.

15.

Main Budget Motion Approval

• Recommended Motion:

  That the Regional Municipality of Waterloo take the following action with respect to the 2025 Plan and Budget:

  1. Approve the 2025 Plan as set out Appendix A of report COR-CFN-24-049 dated December 11, 2024;
  2. Approve the 2025 Operating Budget as summarized in Appendix D of report COR-CFN-24-029 dated December 11, 2024 [if amended, add "and as amended by Budget Committee on December 11, 2024"], with a net expenditure of $________________ and a property tax levy of $______________ in 2025;
  3. Approve the 2025 Capital Budget and 2026-2034 Capital Forecast as summarized in Appendix D of report COR-CFN-24-029 dated December 11, 2024, [if amended, add "and as amended by Budget Committee on December 11, 2024"] and subject to final adjustments for 2024 project carry-forwards.

16.

Communications

16.1

Tara De Souza, University of Waterloo

Re: Region of Waterloo Budget 2025 and Transit.

16.2

Douglas Bartholomew-Saunders, Cambridge

Re: Region of Waterloo Budget - Comments to Region, City & Township Councils.

16.3

Dr. Karen Baird, Region of Waterloo Dental Clinic

RE: Urgent: Reconsideration of Budget Cuts to the Region of Waterloo Dental Clinic.

16.4

David Kuhn, Waterloo Undergraduate Student Association

Re: Region of Waterloo Budget 2025 and Transit.

17.

Adjourn

This item has Video

• Recommended Motion:

  That the meeting adjourn at x:xx x.m.