Strategic Planning and Budget Committee Minutes

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Council Chambers/Electronic
Members Present:
  • K. Redman, 
  • D. Craig, 
  • R. Deutschmann, 
  • J. Erb, 
  • S. Foxton, 
  • M. Harris, 
  • C. Huinink, 
  • C. James, 
  • J. Liggett, 
  • D. McCabe, 
  • J. Nowak, 
  • S. Shantz, 
  • B. Vrbanovic, 
  • and K. Williams 
Members Absent:
  • N. Salonen 
  • and P. Wolf 

Should you require an alternative format or a copy of the official minutes please contact the Regional Clerk at Tel.: 519-575-4400, TTY: 519-575-4605, or [email protected]

1.
Call to Order

 

Chair M. Harris called the meeting to order at 6:00 p.m.

2.
Land Acknowledgement

 

Chair M. Harris provided a land acknowledgement.

3.
Declarations of Pecuniary Interest under the “Municipal Conflict of Interest Act”

 

None declared.

4.
Delegations

 

4.4
Alexandra Oestreicher, Vice President, Conestoga Students Inc.

 

A. Oestreicher appeared before the Committee to address increased ridership, the new terminal at Doon Campus, the positive impact of the Light Rail Transit (LRT), and enhanced access to housing options. They highlighted that Conestoga Students Inc. (CSI) is pleased with the necessary investments and improvements in public transit. Additionally, they emphasized that implementing a two-way route would significantly improve travel times to the Sportsworld Hub.

4.5
Rodney Chan and David Teresi, TriTAG members

This item has attachments. 
1.Regional Council 2024 TriTAG Presentation.pdf

R. Chan and D. Teresi, members of TriTAG, appeared before the Committee and provided a presentation on GRT operations, fares, the Frequent Transit Network, Phase 2 ION, the Transit Hub, and Vision Zero. A copy of the presentation is appended to the original agenda. They noted that the Region currently has only two all-week routes operating at 15-minute intervals or better and highlighted that many other routes, such as iXpress, are close to meeting this standard but require additional evening or weekend service enhancements.

In response to questions from the Committee, R. Chan clarified that the map in their presentation illustrates the varying levels of transit frequency across the Region. D. Teresi further explained that while all iXpress routes operate at moderate frequency, service decreases to 30-minute intervals during evenings and on weekends.

4.2
Jaime Stief, Waterloo

 

J. Stief appeared before the Committee to address the Erb’s Road report and the 2025 Regional Budget. She expressed concerns about systemic change being hindered without significant effort, noting that the report suggests a cautious approach.

Members of the Committee encouraged her to extend her advocacy by engaging with local MPPs. In response, J. Stief stated that she has not yet done so, as she wanted to begin her advocacy efforts at the municipal level.

She also highlighted the consequences of individuals lacking access to Narcan kits and the challenges associated with obtaining them.

4.6
Jim Moss, Co-Chair, Children and Youth Planning Table (CYPT)

 

J. Moss appeared before the Committee to present data from the Children and Youth Planning Table relevant to budget discussions and decision-making. He emphasized the importance of considering this data when making decisions, highlighting that many children and youth in the Region are facing significant challenges and that their needs are not being adequately met. He stressed that, as adults entrusted with making decisions on their behalf, more effort is needed to address these issues. J. Moss also provided statistics on the identities and experiences of youth, emphasizing that this is a critical time in the planning and budgeting process to utilize the data collected. He urged the Committee to honour the trust placed in them by children and youth who shared their insights and to incorporate this data into the decision-making process.

Members of the Committee inquired about method used to collect data, and also about what the greatest needs among children and youth in the community is from this study. J. Moss noted that, broadly, their well-being and sense of belonging are the biggest challenge, particularly when these are intertwined with their identities.

J. Erb joined the meeting at 6:47 PM. ()

4.7
Shiva Subramanian, Waterloo

 

S. Subramanian appeared before the Committee to discuss the GRT Business Plan. She emphasized the need for increased operational funding, highlighting that investing in the transit system makes it a viable option for all residents. She noted that such investments reduce the burden on individuals who cannot afford to own a car while enhancing the overall quality of life in the community.

Councillor McCabe commented on the delegation's presentation regarding ION Stage 2, noting her understanding that advancing the project will require substantial funding. She emphasized the importance of seeking support from federal and provincial counterparts and clarified that the challenge is not due to a lack of interest or action from local leaders. She encouraged continued advocacy with other levels of government to secure transit funding. In response, S. Subramanian noted that she has not had success in obtaining support from the provincial government as of yet, but will keep trying.

4.8
Sam Goncalves-Horton, VP Activism, University of Waterloo NDP Club

 

S. Goncalves-Horton appeared before the Committee to express support for the GRT Business Plan. He emphasized that the proposed changes are essential next steps to making GRT the safest and most convenient choice for residents. He noted that these improvements will significantly enhance the quality of life for many individuals.

4.3
Terra-Lynn Weber, Kitchener

 

The scheduled delegation was not present to address the Committee.

5.
Call for Delegations

 

6.
Communications

 

7.
Other Business

 

No other business. 

8.
Adjourn

 

7:05pm

  • Moved byS. Foxton
    Seconded byB. Vrbanovic

    That the meeting adjourn at 7:05 p.m.

    In Favor (14)B. Vrbanovic, J. Erb, J. Nowak, K. Redman, M. Harris, S. Shantz, S. Foxton, D. McCabe, J. Liggett, D. Craig, C. James, R. Deutschmann, C. Huinink, and K. Williams
    Carried (14 to 0)
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