Planning and Works Committee Minutes

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Council Chambers
Members Present:
  • K. Redman, 
  • D. Craig, 
  • R. Deutschmann, 
  • J. Erb, 
  • S. Foxton, 
  • M. Harris, 
  • C. Huinink, 
  • C. James, 
  • J. Liggett, 
  • D. McCabe, 
  • J. Nowak, 
  • N. Salonen, 
  • S. Shantz, 
  • B. Vrbanovic, 
  • K. Williams, 
  • 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 regionalclerk@regionofwaterloo.ca


1.
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Chair C. James called the meeting to order at 9:00 a.m.

2.
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Chair C. James provided a land acknowledgement.

J. Liggett joined the meeting at 9:01 AM. ()

4.
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I. Rinne provided information on an initiative to transform rural roadsides through tree-planting and growth.
I. Rinne played a video about a cost effective tree-planting program. This video depicted the tree-planting and its benefits that would support declining biodiversity. I. Renne said it aligns with the Regional strategic plan priority, Climate Aligned Growth. Further, the Township of Woolwich provided staff and funding along with some corporate donors. The organization’s ask is for the Region to match Woolwich’s commitment of $50,000 a year for 2 years.
Replying to a question from the Committee, I. Renne indicated that they have not connected with the University of Waterloo for the Future City program, but have worked with GRCA and a project manager who is a landscape professional.
Replying to a question from the Committee, pertaining to the beautification of roadways, Doug Spooner, Acting Commissioner, Transportation Services, indicated staff have been looking at similar projects overall. I. Renne added that the project is scalable, where other municipalities are looking at similar models.
In reply to a question from the Committee, I. Renne confirmed they are asking for $50,000 for 2 years, and that this funding would ‘finish’ the financial requirements for the project.
Replying a question from the Committee, I. Renne confirmed that they did apply to the environmental fund but have not heard back from staff.
In reply to questions from Committee, D. Spooner indicated that staff could provide a report in August.
In response to a question from the Committee, I. Renne confirmed that while planting would occur in mid-October, the project needs to be planned substantially ahead of time, with sourcing trees as a major challenge.

  • Moved byS. Shantz
    Seconded byN. Salonen

    That the Regional Municipality of Waterloo waive notice of motion as per section 70 of By-law 22-051, A By-law to Provide Rules for Governing the Proceedings of Council and its Committees, and to repeal By-Law 00-031, as amended.

    In Favor (10)B. Vrbanovic, J. Erb, J. Nowak, S. Shantz, D. McCabe, D. Craig, P. Wolf, R. Deutschmann, N. Salonen, and C. Huinink
    Opposed (5)K. Redman, M. Harris, S. Foxton, J. Liggett, and C. James
    Carried (10 to 5)
  • Moved byS. Shantz
    Seconded byN. Salonen

    That the Regional Municipality of Waterloo support the Trees for Woolwich request for $50,000 for two years with the funding source to be determined.

  • Moved byK. Redman
    Seconded byJ. Liggett

    That the Regional Municipality of Waterloo defer the motion discussed under item 4.1 to August 2024.

    In Favor (13)J. Erb, J. Nowak, K. Redman, M. Harris, S. Foxton, D. McCabe, J. Liggett, D. Craig, P. Wolf, C. James, R. Deutschmann, N. Salonen, and C. Huinink
    Opposed (2)B. Vrbanovic, and S. Shantz
    Carried (13 to 2)

N. Chukwuma spoke to how students would be directly impacted by changes to Route 72, and that his organization will support the changes. N. Chukwuma described that route 62 being a conventional route is beneficial for students, but raised 3 general concerns. N. Chukwuma described that route 62 being a conventional route is beneficial for students, but raised some concerns including the distance of one of the stops from campus creates issues for students with accessibility needs and safety concerns, the need for new bus stops to have suitable accessible structures, and that the service is one way and not including weekends.

Replying to a question from the Committee, D. Spooner expanded on the process for developing the GRT business plan, noting that it will begin with public consultation.

Staff provided a presentation pertaining to agenda items 6.1.2 through to 6.1.5. Ryan Pogrzeba, Supervisor Policy, Data & Research (Community Planning), came forward and discussed growth and development in terms of data and scale. The presentation revealed how the data aligns with Council’s strategic goals, and expanded on the highlights from the report. Amanda Kutler, Associate Director Regional Development and Growth Services, provided further information on community planning and development, including the various systems in place to increase efficiency. There are several phases to implementation to fully carry out the system in a dynamic manner.
In response to a question from the Committee, A. Kutler explained that the majority of the applications do result in recommendations for approval, some ending up at the Ontario Land Tribunal and some with recommendations for refusal. The new tracking system, called the Development Tracking System, will transform the development application review process, and will provide more information in this regard.
In reply to a question from the Committee, Danielle De Fields, Director of Community Planning, explained that specific data on meeting deadlines is not available, but in general staff are meeting the deadlines. She further noted that the funding increase is needed due to the increased complexity and volume of applications. She stressed that the new tracking system and updating internal processes and technology will benefit staff.
Responding to questions from the Committee, D. De Fields indicated that though powers may be transferred to local municipalities, Regional staff still anticipates Regional participation in planning, and this tracking system will allow agility in how they may be participating in the future. In follow-up, D. De Fields answered that technology is insufficient on its own, but is just one component for reviewing approvals. D. De Fields explained that the money for the program has been budgeted for operating, and that money has been received from streamlining development fund as well.  She expanded that this is an appropriate time for this type of investment as it allows automation of systems, and is important due to the updated roles and responsibilities.
Replying to questions from the Committee, D. De Fields answered that there is a framework for delegated authority for Plan of Subdivision, available to any municipalities, and that staff is open to having that conversation in relation to Bill 23. D. De Fields explained that the Committee could get a summary of delegated authority.

K. Williams joined the meeting at 10:13 AM. ()

6.
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  • Moved byS. Foxton
    Seconded byP. Wolf

    That the Consent Agenda items be received for information and approved.

    In Favor (16)B. Vrbanovic, J. Erb, J. Nowak, K. Redman, M. Harris, S. Shantz, S. Foxton, D. McCabe, J. Liggett, D. Craig, P. Wolf, C. James, R. Deutschmann, N. Salonen, C. Huinink, and K. Williams
    Carried (16 to 0)
  • Moved byS. Foxton
    Seconded byP. Wolf

    That the Regional Municipality of Waterloo support the updated Source Protection technical assessment that applies within the Region of Waterloo in the draft amended Grand River Source Protection Plan, as described in Report EES-WAS-24-005, dated May 7, 2024.

    Carried
  • Moved byS. Foxton
    Seconded byP. Wolf

    That the Regional Municipality of Waterloo approve the recommended design for a proposed multi-lane roundabout at New Dundee Road (Regional Road 12) and Strasburg Road in the City of Kitchener, as described in Report EES-DCS-24-004, dated May 7, 2024.  Upon completion of construction, that The Regional Municipality of Waterloo amend Traffic and Parking By-law 16-023, as amended to:

    1. Remove from Schedule 17, Rates of Speed, 80 km/h on New Dundee Road (Regional Road 12) from 500 meters east of Fischer-Hallman Road (Regional Road 12) to 550 meters west of Homer Watson Boulevard (Regional Road 28);
    2. Add to Schedule 17, Rates of Speed, 80 km/h on New Dundee Road (Regional Road 12) from 500 meters east of Fischer-Hallman Road (Regional Road 12) to 400 meters west of Strasburg Road;
    3. Add to Schedule 17, Rates of Speed, 60 km/h on New Dundee Road (Regional Road 12) from 400 meters west of Strasburg Road to 400 meters east of Strasburg Road;
    4. Add to Schedule 17, Rates of Speed, 80 km/h on New Dundee Road (Regional Road 12) from 400 meters east of Strasburg Road to 550 meters west of Homer Watson Boulevard (Regional Road 28);
    5. Add to Schedule 15, Lane Designation, on New Dundee Road (Regional Road 12) eastbound at Strasburg Road; Left, Through;
    6. Add to Schedule 15, Lane Designation, on New Dundee Road (Regional Road 12) southbound at Strasburg Road; Left, Right;
    7. Add to Schedule 15, Lane Designation, on New Dundee Road (Regional Road 12) westbound at Strasburg Road; Right, Through; and
    8. Add to Schedule 10, Level 2 Pedestrian Crossover, New Dundee Road (Regional Road 12) at Strasburg Road, On All Entry and Exits.
    Carried
  • Moved byS. Foxton
    Seconded byP. Wolf

    That the Regional Municipality of Waterloo direct and authorize the Regional Solicitor to take the following actions with respect to the expropriation of lands for improvements at the intersection of Fischer Hallman Road (Regional Road 50) and New Dundee Road (Regional Road 12), in the City of Kitchener and in the Township of North Dumfries, in the Regional Municipality of Waterloo, as detailed in report PDL-LEG-24-013, dated May 7, 2024.

    1. Complete application(s) to the Council of The Regional Municipality of Waterloo, as may be required from time to time, for approval to expropriate land, which is required for improvements at the intersection of Fischer Hallman Road and New Dundee Road, and described as follows:

       

    Fee Simple Partial Taking:

    1. Part of Lot 9, Beasley’s New Survey, Township of Waterloo, being Parts 1 and 3 on 58R-21999, (Part of PIN 22723-0035), City of Kitchener (2315 Fischer Hallman Road, City of Kitchener)
    2. Part of Lot 9, Beasley’s New Survey, Township of Waterloo, being Part 2 on 58R-21999, (Part of PIN 22723-0024), City of Kitchener (2258 New Dundee Road, City of Kitchener)
    3. Part of Lot 9, Beasley’s New Survey, Township of Waterloo, being Part 4 on 58R-21999, (Part of PIN 22722-0015), City of Kitchener (2320 Fischer Hallman Road, City of Kitchener)
    4. Part of Lot 42, Concession 12, being Parts 5 and 8 on 58R-21999, (Part of PIN 03847-0010), Township of North Dumfries (Southeast Quadrant of Intersection of Fischer Hallman Road and New Dundee Road, Township of North Dumfries)
    5. Part of Lot 42, Concession 12, being Part 9 on 58R-21999 and Part of the Road Allowance Between Lots 42 & 43, Concession 12, being Part 11 on 58R-21999, (Part of PIN 03847-0007), Township of North Dumfries (2351 Fischer Hallman Road, Township of North Dumfries)
    6. Part of Lot 43, Concession 12, being Part 10 on 58R-21999, (Part of PIN 03847-0006), Township of North Dumfries (2267 New Dundee Road, Township of North Dumfries)

       

    Temporary Easement – Grading:

    The right and easement, being a temporary easement in gross, for the free and unobstructed, right, interest and easement terminating, for the subject property set out below, on the 31st day of December, 2028, for itself, its successors and assigns, and anyone authorized by it, on, over, under and through the following property for the purposes of excavation, construction, installation, replacement, alteration, grading, and landscaping as required in connection with the improvements at the intersection of Fischer Hallman Road and New Dundee Road, and all related improvements, and works ancillary thereto and for such purposes, the free, unimpeded and unobstructed access to the lands at all times by employees, agents, contractors, workers and anyone authorized by it, and vehicles, supplies and equipment at all times and for all purposes and things necessary for or incidental to the exercise and enjoyment of the right and easement:

    1. Part of Lot 42, Concession 12, being Parts 6 and 7 on 58R-21999, (Part of PIN 03847-0010), Township of North Dumfries (Southeast Quadrant of Intersection of Fischer Hallman Road and New Dundee Road, Township of North Dumfries)
    2. Part of the Road Allowance Between Lots 42 & 43, Concession 12, being Part 12 on 58R-21999, (Part of PIN 03847-0007), Township of North Dumfries (2351 Fischer Hallman Road, Township of North Dumfries)

       

    2.Serve notices of the above applications(s) required by the Expropriations Act (the “Act”);

    3.Forward to the Chief Inquiry Officer any requests for a hearing that may be received within the time prescribed by the Act;

    4.Attend, with appropriate Regional staff, at any hearing that may be scheduled;

    5.Discontinue expropriation proceedings or any part thereof, in respect of the above described lands, or any part thereof, upon the registration on title of the required documentation to complete a transaction whereby the required interests in the lands are conveyed or if otherwise deemed appropriate in the opinion of the Commissioner of Engineering and Environmental Services and the Regional Solicitor; and

    6.Do all things necessary and proper to be done and report thereon to Regional Council in due course.

    Carried
  • Moved byS. Foxton
    Seconded byP. Wolf

    That the Regional Municipality of Waterloo undertakes the following with respect to the Region-owned lands municipally known as 555 Conestoga Boulevard, in the City of Cambridge, and legally described as Lot 17, Registrar’s Compiled Plan 1382; Cambridge, being all of PIN 22642-0018 (LT) (the “Lands”):

    a)Declare the Lands surplus to the needs of the Region, as detailed in Report No. PDL-LEG-24-014, dated May 7, 2024; and,

    b) That the Regional Solicitor be authorized to execute an Agreement of Purchase and Sale on behalf of the Region to sell the Lands to Skyline Commercial Real Estate Holdings Inc. for the sum of $50,000.00, with all terms and conditions subject to the satisfaction of the Commissioner, Engineering and Environmental Services and the Regional Solicitor, in accordance with the Region’s Disposal of Land By-Law (No. 20-042).

    Carried

6.1
Strategic Priority - Homes for All

  

Item 6.1.1 was removed from the Consent Agenda.

In reply to a question from B. Vrbanovic regarding process, Will Short, Regional Clerk, indicated that if approved, the report could be added to Special Council, but it would require a motion at Special Council, with 2/3rds in favour.

  • Moved byB. Vrbanovic
    Seconded byC. Huinink

    That the Regional Municipality of Waterloo enter into an Agreement with Habitat for Humanity Waterloo Region Inc. (Owner) related to the relocation of critical Regional water infrastructure at 100 St George St, Kitchener as outlined in report EES-WAS-24-006, May 7, 2024, on terms and conditions satisfactory to the Regional Solicitor; and that the Commissioner, Engineering and Environmental Services be authorized to execute the agreement on behalf of the Region.

    In Favor (16)B. Vrbanovic, J. Erb, J. Nowak, K. Redman, M. Harris, S. Shantz, S. Foxton, D. McCabe, J. Liggett, D. Craig, P. Wolf, C. James, R. Deutschmann, N. Salonen, C. Huinink, and K. Williams
    Carried (16 to 0)

6.2
Strategic Priority - Climate Aligned Growth

  

Item 6.2.3 was removed from the Consent Agenda.
In reply to question, Mathieu Goetzke, Acting Chief Administrative Officer, expressed more pedestrian crossings are being looked at. In follow-up, D. Spooner answered that crosswalks regulation relates to geometry, and that he cannot answer about specific design today but that this can be taken away and looked at.

  • Moved byD. McCabe
    Seconded byS. Foxton

    That the Regional Municipality of Waterloo approve the installation of various types of traffic control in the City of Kitchener, the City of Waterloo, City of Cambridge, and the Township of Woolwich by amending the Region’s Traffic and Parking By-law 16-023 as follows:

    • Add to Schedule 10, Level 2 Pedestrian Crossover – Type C, on Courtland Avenue (Regional Road 53) in the vicinity of Courtland Avenue Public School, in the City of Kitchener;
    • Add to Schedule 10, Level 2 Pedestrian Crossover – Type B, on Frederick Street (Regional Road 6) at East Avenue, in the City of Kitchener;
    • Add to Schedule 10, Level 2 Pedestrian Crossover – Type B, on Queen Street (Regional Road 6) at Joseph Schneider Haus Trail Crossing, in the City of Kitchener;
    • Add to Schedule 10, Level 2 Pedestrian Crossover – Type C, on St. Andrews Street (Regional Road 75) at Gilholm Avenue, in the City of Cambridge;
    • Remove from Schedule 10, Level 2 Pedestrian Crossover on Borden Avenue (Regional Road 66), at the Iron Horse Trail Crossing, in the City of Kitchener;
    • Add to Schedule 20, School Bus Loading Zone, on Frederick Street (Regional Road 6) from 8 meters east of Irvin Street to 32 meters east of Irvin Street (in front of Suddaby Public School), in the City of Kitchener;
    • Add to Schedule 14, Prohibited Movements, No-Right-Turn-on-Red, Erb Street (Regional Road 9) at University Avenue (Regional Road 57), All Directions, Anytime, in the City of Waterloo;
    • Add to Schedule 14, Prohibited Movements, No-Right-Turn-on-Red, Whippoorwill Drive at Arthur Street (Regional Road 85), Eastbound, Anytime, in the Township of Woolwich;

    • Remove from Schedule 17, Rates of Speed, 70 km/h on Bleams Road (Regional Road 56) from Trussler Road (Regional Road 70) to 400 m west of Fischer-Hallman Road (Regional Road 58), in the City of Kitchener;
    • Add to Schedule 17, Rates of Speed, 50 km/h on Bleams (Regional Road 56) from Trussler Road (Regional Road 70) to Fischer-Hallman Road (Regional Road 58), in the City of Kitchener;
    • Remove from Schedule 17, Rates of Speed, 60 km/h on Bleams Road (Regional Road 56) from 400 m west Fischer-Hallman Road (Regional Road 58) to Manitou Drive (Regional Road 69), in the City of Kitchener; and
    • Add to Schedule 17, Rates of Speed, 60 km/h on Bleams (Regional Road 56) from Fischer-Hallman Road (Regional Road 58) to Manitou Drive (Regional Road 69), in the City of Kitchener.

    as outlined in Report TSD-TRP-24-005 dated May 7, 2024.

    In Favor (16)B. Vrbanovic, J. Erb, J. Nowak, K. Redman, M. Harris, S. Shantz, S. Foxton, D. McCabe, J. Liggett, D. Craig, P. Wolf, C. James, R. Deutschmann, N. Salonen, C. Huinink, and K. Williams
    Carried (16 to 0)

7.
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Jennifer Rose, Commissioner, Engineering and Environmental Services, provided background information on this item for Cart Collection.
In reply to a question from the Committee, J. Rose answered that Waste Diversion will be coming forward with waste management master plan.
Replying to questions Jon Arsenault, Director of Waste Management, explained that a plan to communicate the changes is in process. He further noted that staff has looked at bringing waste collection in house, but determined that it cannot be done cheaper. J. Arsenault stated that a review of continuing downtown waste services is underway and is expected to come back in August.
Responding to a question from the Committee, J. Arsenault indicated that if this is not approved, the alternative is the contract comes to end with aging trucks, with extensions already used.. In follow-up J. Arsenault answered that the contract includes a provision on accessibility related to the new bins.

  • Moved byJ. Liggett
    Seconded byM. Harris

    That the Regional Municipality of Waterloo accept the proposal of Halton Recycling Ltd. dba. Emterra Environmental for the P2023-33 Automated Cart-Based, and Manual Waste Collection, and Supply, Initial Distribution and On-Going Maintenance of Carts Within the Region of Waterloo for a contract period of eight (8) years commencing from March 2, 2026 to March 3, 2034 with the option to renew for two (2) additional one (1) year periods in the estimated amount of $284,691,880.00 (estimated annual cost of year one is $57,659,760.00 plus all applicable taxes, remaining years are estimated at an annual cost of $32,433,160.00) plus all applicable taxes as set out in report COR-TRY-24-013 dated May 7, 2024.

    In Favor (16)B. Vrbanovic, J. Erb, J. Nowak, K. Redman, M. Harris, S. Shantz, S. Foxton, D. McCabe, J. Liggett, D. Craig, P. Wolf, C. James, R. Deutschmann, N. Salonen, C. Huinink, and K. Williams
    Carried (16 to 0)

8.
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8.1
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The Council/Committee Tracking List was received for information.

9.
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S. Foxton raised an issue in North Dumfries related to drainage going onto a property, with pumping happening consistently for 4 years. Councillor S. Foxton asked that a commitment be made from J. Rose to allow for engineering to happen, or to allow the Township to have encroachment.
J. Rose stated that a reply can be given in late summer, and that this would be added to the tracking list.
J. Ligget commented on an issue related to property recently purchased, and was advised that this can be added to the Community and Health Services agenda.
D. McCabe raised a question about a Regional by-law for geothermal use, asking for this to be looked at or updated. J. Rose confirmed that there is a policy and indicated that staff will follow-up.
P. Wolf asked about the Waterloo Region Economic Development Corporation changed name, and whether this should this have come to the Region. Graham Walsh, Regional Solicitor/Director, Legal Services, answered that staff would have to follow-up, but noted that WREDC is an arm lengths organization.

10.
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11.
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M. Harris left the meeting at 11:04 AM. ()
  • Moved byJ. Erb
    Seconded byD. McCabe

    That a closed meeting of the Planning and Works, and Community and Health Services Committees be held on Tuesday, May 7, 2024 immediately following the Planning and Works Committee 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. A proposed acquisition of lands;
    2. Receiving advice that is subject to solicitor-client privilege related to a proposed acquisition of lands;
    3. Receiving advice that is subject to solicitor-client privilege related to a proposed acquisition of lands;
    4. Financial information that belongs to the municipality and has potential monetary value.
    In Favor (15)B. Vrbanovic, J. Erb, J. Nowak, K. Redman, S. Shantz, S. Foxton, D. McCabe, J. Liggett, D. Craig, P. Wolf, C. James, R. Deutschmann, N. Salonen, C. Huinink, and K. Williams
    Carried (15 to 0)

12.
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  • Moved byC. Huinink
    Seconded byJ. Nowak

    That the meeting adjourn at 11:05 a.m.

    In Favor (15)B. Vrbanovic, J. Erb, J. Nowak, K. Redman, S. Shantz, S. Foxton, D. McCabe, J. Liggett, D. Craig, P. Wolf, C. James, R. Deutschmann, N. Salonen, C. Huinink, and K. Williams
    Carried (15 to 0)
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