Regional Council Minutes

Wednesday, October 25, 2023 at 6:00 P.m. - 7:00 P.m.

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, 
• and K. Williams 

Members Absent:

• P. Wolf 

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

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1.

Call to Order

Regional Chair K. Redman called the meeting to order at 6:00 p.m.

2.

Land Acknowledgement

Regional Chair K. Redman provided a land acknowledgement.

3.

Motion to go into Closed Session

M. Harris joined the meeting at 6:03 PM. ()

• Moved by S. Foxton
  Seconded by J. Nowak

  That a closed meeting of Council be held on Wednesday, October 25, 2023 at 6:00 p.m. in accordance with Section 239 of the “Municipal Act, 2001”, for the purposes of considering the following subject matters:

  1. Providing direction to staff with respect to a position to be applied to ongoing negotiations related to a request for proposals
  2. Receiving advice that is subject to solicitor client privilege related to potential litigation.  

  In Favor (14)

  B. Vrbanovic, J. Erb, J. Nowak, K. Redman, M. Harris, S. Shantz, S. Foxton, D. McCabe, D. Craig, C. James, R. Deutschmann, N. Salonen, C. Huinink, and K. Williams

  Carried (14 to 0)

4.

Motion to Reconvene into Open Session

• That Council reconvene into Open Session.

  In Favor (14)

  B. Vrbanovic, J. Erb, J. Nowak, K. Redman, M. Harris, S. Shantz, S. Foxton, D. McCabe, D. Craig, C. James, R. Deutschmann, N. Salonen, C. Huinink, and K. Williams

  Carried (14 to 0)

5.

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

M. Harris declared a pecuniary interest with respect to item 2 on the Closed Committee Summary due to the nature of his employment. 

6.

Presentations

6.1

2022 Water Efficiency Excellence Award – CCC Sulphur Products

Regional Chair K. Redman presented the Water Efficiency Excellence Award to Canada Colors & Chemicals, an Elmira-based company, which is the first recipient from the Township of Woolwich. The company's $4 million water reuse and energy recovery project, with a steam turbine generator upgrade in 2022, resulted in a 27% reduction in their water usage, saving 147 cubic meters of water per day. This initiative was commended for its positive impact on water conservation and the Region's long-term water supply planning.

7.

Petitions

None.

8.

Delegations

8.1

Aunty Ken:ni and Professor Chestnut

Aunty Ken:ni and Professor Chestnut did not appear when called. 

8.2

Nathan Whalen, Cambridge

N. Whalen provided a presentation outlining proposed amendments to the recommendation related to 651 Concession Road, Cambridge (former Kinsmen Children’s Centre). A copy of the presentation is appended to the original minutes. He recommended shifting the proposal to maximize affordable housing, adding units through height and parking, applying for federal dollars to support this project, and consulting key partners early.

Councillors noted that there was no intention of placing a homeless shelter at that location. In response to a question from Council, N. Whalen stated that he would be satisfied if the motion specifically excluded a homeless shelter at that location. 

8.3

Sam Nabi, Hold The Line Waterloo Region

S. Nabi appeared before Council with respect to the Region’s official plan. He stressed that it is a good plan based on significant public input and keeps the countryside line in place. He expressed concerns with the Region’s lack of response to changes made by the province to the official plan and with the recent decision by the province to cancel those changes, he encouraged the Region to endorse the official plan as it was originally passed. 

8.4

Susan Weber, St. Jacobs

Chair K. Redman indicated that S. Weber withdrew her delegation request. 

8.5

Edward Lengyell, Cambridge

E. Lengyell did not appear when called.

8.6

Kevin Thomason, Grand River Environmental Network

K. Thomason appeared before Council to express his support for the recent provincial decision to reverse the changes they made to the Region’s Official Plan. He praised the original submission to the province and noted that any adjustments can be made in 3 years when the mandatory 5-year review kicks in. He encouraged Council to request that it be approved by the Minister with no changes. 

8.7

Francisco Escudero, Cambridge

F. Escudero did not appear when called. 

8.8

Bernadette Patterson, Cambridge

B. Patterson appeared with respect to the proposed redevelopment of the former Kinsmen Children’s Centre. She expressed her concerns with the lack of communication with the public on the project and the public misconception that that it would become a homeless shelter.

In response to a question from Council, B. Patterson stated that she had heard that the site would become a homeless shelter through both social media and in person conversations. 

8.9

Chris Patterson Cambridge

C. Patterson appeared with respect to the proposed redevelopment of the former Kinsmen Children’s Centre noting that Appendix B of the report states that it could be a homeless shelter. He further stressed issues with traffic in the area and his concerns with bringing more people to the area.  

Peter Sweeney, Commissioner, Community Services explained that staff are only asking for direction from Council to explore options for the site. He stressed that consultation with the City and the community will be a part of the process.  

9.

Minutes of Previous Meetings

J. Liggett joined the meeting at 7:59 PM. ()

• Moved by M. Harris
  Seconded by J. Liggett

  That the following minutes be approved.

  In Favor (15)

  B. Vrbanovic, J. Erb, J. Nowak, K. Redman, M. Harris, S. Shantz, S. Foxton, D. McCabe, J. Liggett, D. Craig, C. James, R. Deutschmann, N. Salonen, C. Huinink, and K. Williams

  Carried (15 to 0)

10.

Communications

10.3

Correspondence - Joseph Pazzano

R. Deutschmann requested that a copy of the letter from Chief Mark Crowell that is referred to in J. Pazzano’s correspondence be included in the public package.

Regional Chair K. Redman stated that staff will look into the request and respond by the next Council meeting. 

Received for information.

11.

Motion to Go Into Committee of the Whole to Consider Reports

• Moved by J. Nowak
  Seconded by C. Huinink

  That Council go into Committee of the Whole to consider reports.

  Carried (15 to 0)

12.

Reports

12.1

Finance Reports

12.1.1

COR-CFN-23-033, Bill 134, Affordable Homes and Good Jobs Act, 2023

In response to a question from Council, Craig Dyer, Commissioner, Corporate Services/Chief Financial Officer, stated that the province has not provided any more details on how municipalities will be made whole from changes to development charges.

• Moved by J. Erb
  Seconded by S. Foxton

  That the Regional Municipality of Waterloo endorse and submit to the Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing the comments on the Proposed Regulatory Matters Pertaining to the Development Charges Act as set out in report COR-CFN-23-033 dated October 25, 2023.

  In Favor (15)

  B. Vrbanovic, J. Erb, J. Nowak, K. Redman, M. Harris, S. Shantz, S. Foxton, D. McCabe, J. Liggett, D. Craig, C. James, R. Deutschmann, N. Salonen, C. Huinink, and K. Williams

  Carried (15 to 0)

12.1.2

COR-TRY-23-033, P2023-06 Region of Waterloo Water and Facilities Buildings Security Upgrades

• Moved by J. Erb
  Seconded by S. Foxton

  That the Regional Municipality of Waterloo accept the proposal of Fire Monitoring of Canada for P2023-06 Region of Waterloo Water and Facilities Buildings Security Upgrades in the estimated amount of $13,713,069.75 plus all applicable taxes as set out in report COR-TRY-23-033 dated October 25, 2023.

  In Favor (15)

  K. Redman, D. Craig, R. Deutschmann, J. Erb, S. Foxton, M. Harris, C. Huinink, C. James, J. Liggett, J. Nowak, N. Salonen, D. McCabe, S. Shantz, K. Williams, and B. Vrbanovic

  Carried (15 to 0)

12.2

Committee Reports

12.2.1

Strategic Planning and Budget Summary - October 4, 2023

Council considered an amendment to the motion to invite all the area MPPs and MPs to a public forum in early 2024 to discuss the depreciating fiscal situation and the need for more immediate assistance. Councillors noted that there is ongoing advocacy done by Heads of Council, Councillors, and other organizations.  

• Moved by C. Huinink
  Seconded by M. Harris

  That the following recommendation from the Strategic Planning and Budget Committee be approved: 

  1. WHEREAS the Region of Waterloo’s population will grow to 1 million by 2050;
     
     and WHEREAS property taxation and existing outdated revenue tools are inadequate to fund both the social supports and critical infrastructure needed to accommodate that growth;  
     
     and WHEREAS the residents and businesses in the Region of Waterloo now contribute $150 million in property taxes annually to fund services that should be financed from provincial and federal revenues; 
     
     and WHEREAS Canadian municipalities own and manage over 60% of all public infrastructure in the country; 
     
     and WHEREAS the expectations of municipal governments are misaligned with municipalities’ ability to generate revenue to pay for services; 
     
     and WHEREAS the Province of Ontario has struck a steering committee to assist the City of Toronto with a new, yet to be determined municipal fiscal framework; 
     
     NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED THAT:  
     • The Region of Waterloo formally requests that the Province of Ontario commit to a new municipal fiscal funding framework for the Region of Waterloo in order to maintain sustainable service delivery and sound infrastructure within Waterloo Region;
     • The Region of Waterloo requests that the Province of Ontario and Government of Canada undertake an open and transparent review of the current municipal fiscal framework in order to ensure the long term sustainability of municipalities and work in collaboration with municipalities to develop a revenue model that supports future growth; and
     • A copy of this motion and supporting letter be circulated to all Ontario municipalities requesting them to also pass a similar motion, all Waterloo Region Members of Parliament and Members of Provincial Parliament, the Association of Municipalities of Ontario (AMO) and the Federation of Canadian Municipalities (FCM).
     • That this be circulated to the Prime Minister, Federal Minister of Finance, the Premier of Ontario, Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing and the Ontario Minister of Finance requesting a committee or task force to be formed address this issue.
     • And that the Region of Waterloo invite all the area MPP's and MP's to a public forum in early 2024 to discuss the depreciating fiscal situation and the need for more immediate assistance.

  In Favor (15)

  B. Vrbanovic, J. Erb, J. Nowak, K. Redman, M. Harris, S. Shantz, S. Foxton, D. McCabe, J. Liggett, D. Craig, C. James, R. Deutschmann, N. Salonen, C. Huinink, and K. Williams

  Carried (15 to 0)
• Amendment:
  Moved by D. Craig
  Seconded by S. Foxton

  That the following be added to the motion:

  And that the Region of Waterloo invite all the area MPP’s and MP's to a public forum in early 2024 to discuss the depreciating fiscal situation and the need for more immediate assistance

  In Favor (11)	J. Erb, J. Nowak, K. Redman, M. Harris, S. Shantz, S. Foxton, D. McCabe, J. Liggett, D. Craig, R. Deutschmann, and K. Williams
  Opposed (4)	B. Vrbanovic, C. James, N. Salonen, and C. Huinink

  Carried (11 to 4)

12.2.2

Planning and Works Summary - October 10, 2023

• Moved by B. Vrbanovic
  Seconded by J. Liggett

  That the following recommendations from the Planning and Works Committee be approved:

  1. That the Regional Municipality of Waterloo take the following action with respect to the proposed amendment to the Regional Official Plan:

  a.    Adopt the proposed amendment to the Regional Official Plan as set out in Attachment ‘B’ to Report PDL-CPL-23-029 dated October 10, 2023 to:

  i.    Revise Section 6.G – Countryside Settlements of the Regional Official Plan (ROP) to add Special Policy 6.G.11 as follows:

  6.G.11 Notwithstanding Policy 5.B.8, the lands shown on Figure 19 in the Township of Wilmot, located at 63 Benjamin Street in the New Dundee Rural Settlement Area may be developed to a maximum of six (6) lots using tertiary wastewater treatment systems, subject to all other policies of this Plan. 

  b.    Direct staff to prepare the implementing by-law for the proposed amendment to the Regional Official Plan as set out in Attachment ‘C’ to Report PDL-CPL-23-029 dated October 10, 2023 for consideration by Regional Council.

  
  2. That the Regional Municipality of Waterloo refer the report back to Staff for changes discussed under TSD-TRS-23-010, Changes to GRT Advertising Policies for consideration prior to the final 2024 budget day on December 13, 2023.
  
  And that consultation on this issue be included as part of the 2024 Budget Consultations in the context of overall budget priorities, and;
  
  And that any Regional information campaigns not be included in the limit for bus wraps and that a funding source and process be identified;
  
  And that the Regional Municipality of Waterloo continue the Truth and Reconciliation bus wrap until February 29, 2024.

  
  3. That the Regional Municipality of Waterloo approve the recommended design of physically separated two-way cycle tracks along the west side of Duke Street (Regional Road 63) between Francis Street and Water Street built by the City of Kitchener, as described in Report TSD-TRP-23-012, dated October 10, 2023;
  
  And that the section from Frederick to Water Street be revisited as part of the integrated mobility plan and that staff report back to the Committee at that time.

  In Favor (15)

  B. Vrbanovic, J. Erb, J. Nowak, K. Redman, M. Harris, S. Shantz, S. Foxton, D. McCabe, J. Liggett, D. Craig, C. James, R. Deutschmann, N. Salonen, C. Huinink, and K. Williams

  Carried (15 to 0)

12.2.3

Closed Committee Summary - October 10, 2023

• Moved by S. Foxton
  Seconded by J. Nowak
  1. That the Regional Municipality of Waterloo approve the settlement with 250 King Street Inc. in relation to the partial expropriation from the lands municipally known as 255 King Street, Cambridge, whereby the Region pays compensation in the amount of $475,000 plus interest and reasonable costs, as determined by the Regional Solicitor, in accordance with the Expropriations Act.
  2. That the Regional Municipality of Waterloo:
  1. approve the minutes of settlement in relation to the development charge complaint of 2560390 Ontario Inc. for its condominium development at 460, 462 and 464 Columbia Street West, City of Waterloo, whereby the complainant and Region enter into certain agreements pursuant to the Condominium Act and Land Titles Act, in a form satisfactory to the Regional Solicitor, in order for the Complainant to obtain the discounted development charge rate in the amount of $678,275 for a “rental housing development” pursuant to the Development Charges Act;
  2. authorize the Region to enter into such similar and other agreements for condominium developments where the developer asserts that they are intended as a “rental housing development” pursuant to the Development Charges Act, to the satisfaction of the Chief Financial Officer and Regional Solicitor; and
  3. direct staff to prepare a by-law to amend by-law 22-018, being A By-law to Authorize and Govern the Delegation of Signing Authority on Behalf of The Regional Municipality of Waterloo and to Repeal By-law 18-036, to include the execution of such agreements.

  In Favor (14)	B. Vrbanovic, J. Erb, J. Nowak, K. Redman, S. Shantz, S. Foxton, D. McCabe, J. Liggett, D. Craig, C. James, R. Deutschmann, N. Salonen, C. Huinink, and K. Williams
  Conflict (1)	M. Harris

  Carried (14 to 0)

12.2.4

Administration and Finance Summary - October 10, 2023

• Moved by D. Craig
  Seconded by J. Liggett

  That the following recommendation from the Administration and Finance Committee be approved:

  1. That the Regional Municipality of Waterloo take the following action with respect to the Regionally-owned property located at 651 Concession Road, Cambridge (former Kinsmen Children’s Centre) as set out in report COR-FFM-23-007 dated October 10, 2023:
     
     a. Direct staff to explore, in consultation with necessary Regional departments and City staff, the concept of redeveloping the Regionally-owned property located at 651 Concession Road, Cambridge with a Regional multi-use building, including Paramedic Services, affordable housing, and potentially other integrated social service offerings, excluding any proposal for a homeless shelter; and
     
     b. Direct staff to proceed with applying for a Federation of Canadian Municipalities Sustainable Affordable Housing study grant for this property.

  In Favor (15)

  B. Vrbanovic, J. Erb, J. Nowak, K. Redman, M. Harris, S. Shantz, S. Foxton, D. McCabe, J. Liggett, D. Craig, C. James, R. Deutschmann, N. Salonen, C. Huinink, and K. Williams

  Carried (15 to 0)

12.2.5

Strategic Planning and Budget Summary - October 18, 2023

Council considered an amendment to the motion to extend the deadline for motions to be submitted to the Clerk to provide Councillors with time after the last meeting before final budget day to consider what amendments they would like to propose to the final budget. 

• Moved by C. James
  Seconded by K. Williams

  That the following recommendation from the Strategic Planning and Budget Committee be approved:

  1. WHEREAS accessibility, collegiality and respect are priorities shared by all of Council; and
     
     WHEREAS Council values the expert advice and analysis from Regional staff,  particularly on technical or financial matters; and
     
     WHEREAS Council should have adequate time to deliberate and consider changes to policy and budgeting; and
     
     WHEREAS residents and media deserve adequate time for input, consideration and transparency;
     
     THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED THAT:

  • • A motion to amend the final budget will be subject to notice and must be submitted in writing to the Clerk no later than noon on Monday, December, 4, 2023;
    •  All motions to amend the final budget that are received by the Clerk by the deadline will be published in the agenda;
    • A motion to amend the final budget can be further amended during the final budget meeting without requiring notice, provided that any amendments are relevant and continue to relate to the same issue which was the subject matter of the original motion to amend the final budget; and
    • Any motion to amend the final budget that is not received by the Clerk by the deadline may be introduced at the meeting on December 13, 2023 provided that:
      • it is submitted to the clerk in writing; and
      • the Strategic Plan and Budget Committee, without debate, dispenses with notice on the affirmative vote of at least two-thirds of the members present and voting.

  In Favor (15)

  B. Vrbanovic, J. Erb, J. Nowak, K. Redman, M. Harris, S. Shantz, S. Foxton, D. McCabe, J. Liggett, D. Craig, C. James, R. Deutschmann, N. Salonen, C. Huinink, and K. Williams

  Carried (15 to 0)
• Amendment:

  That the motion be amended to remove:

  • A motion to amend the final budget will be subject to notice and must be submitted in writing to the Clerk no later than Wednesday, November 29, 2023;

  And replace it with:

  • A motion to amend the final budget will be subject to notice and must be submitted in writing to the Clerk no later than noon on Monday, December, 4, 2023

  In Favor (15)

  B. Vrbanovic, J. Erb, J. Nowak, K. Redman, M. Harris, S. Shantz, S. Foxton, D. McCabe, J. Liggett, D. Craig, C. James, R. Deutschmann, N. Salonen, C. Huinink, and K. Williams

  Carried (15 to 0)

12.3

Board of Health

12.3.1

Respiratory Season Update

Dr. Hsiu-Li Wang, Commissioner, Public Health & Emergency Services/Medical Officer of Health, provided an update on the status of respiratory illnesses in the community. She highlighted that Covid-19 wastewater levels remain high, but that staff expect it to plateau based on results in other parts of the province. Dr. H. Wang noted that vaccinations are available for high risk individuals for both Covid-19 and influenza, and that vaccinations will be available to all individuals on October 30, 2023. 

13.

Other Matters Under Committee Of The Whole

13.1

PDL-CPL-23-030, Collaborative Funding Agreement with Reep Green Solutions and Sustainable Waterloo Region for ClimateActionWR

In response to a question from Council, Rod Regier, Commissioner, Planning, Development & Legislative Services, stated that this is a house keeping report and approving this will not preclude the organizations from requesting additional funding during the budget process. 

J. Liggett left the meeting at 8:47 PM. ()

• Moved by J. Nowak
  Seconded by S. Foxton

  That the Regional Municipality of Waterloo authorize the Region’s Commissioner of Planning, Development and Legislative Services to enter into a new collaborative agreement with Waterloo Region Green Solutions operating as Reep Green Solutions, and Sustainable Waterloo Region to operate the ClimateActionWR program for a five year period, as outlined in report PDL-CPL-23-030, dated October 25, 2023, to the satisfaction of the Regional Solicitor.

  In Favor (14)

  B. Vrbanovic, J. Erb, J. Nowak, K. Redman, M. Harris, S. Shantz, S. Foxton, D. McCabe, D. Craig, C. James, R. Deutschmann, N. Salonen, C. Huinink, and K. Williams

  Carried (14 to 0)

14.

Motion for Committee of the Whole to Rise and Council Resume

• Moved by M. Harris
  Seconded by C. Huinink

  That Committee of the Whole rise and Council resume.

  In Favor (14)

  B. Vrbanovic, J. Erb, J. Nowak, K. Redman, M. Harris, S. Shantz, S. Foxton, D. McCabe, D. Craig, C. James, R. Deutschmann, N. Salonen, C. Huinink, and K. Williams

  Carried (14 to 0)

15.

Motion To Adopt Proceedings of Committee of the Whole

J. Liggett joined the meeting at 8:48 PM. ()

• Moved by D. Craig
  Seconded by J. Nowak

  That Council adopt the proceedings of Committee of the Whole.

  In Favor (15)

  B. Vrbanovic, J. Erb, J. Nowak, K. Redman, M. Harris, S. Shantz, S. Foxton, D. McCabe, J. Liggett, D. Craig, C. James, R. Deutschmann, N. Salonen, C. Huinink, and K. Williams

  Carried (15 to 0)

16.

Motions

17.

Notice of Motion

18.

Unfinished Business

19.

Other Business

20.

Questions

B. Vrbanovic stated that there are community concerns regarding a school that is proposed for Woolner Trail and Fairview Road in Kitchener. He noted that residents are looking for the City and the Region to take proactive steps to deal with traffic in the area before the school is built, including lowering the speed limit and a possible pedestrian crossing. Staff committed to contact the City and school board staff to look at the issue.  

J. Erb requested that Council provide direction to staff to look at future sites for another hybrid shelter. Councillors noted that it is important to wait to hear the plan for ending chronic homelessness before giving that direction. Peter Sweeney, Commissioner, Community Services stated that a recommendation to look at other sites will be a part of the plan.

Council recognized the upcoming retirement of Liz Monteiro from the Waterloo Region Record.

21.

Enactment of By-laws – First, Second & Third Readings

• Moved by J. Liggett
  Seconded by C. Huinink

  That the following by-laws be approved.

  In Favor (15)

  B. Vrbanovic, J. Erb, J. Nowak, K. Redman, M. Harris, S. Shantz, S. Foxton, D. McCabe, J. Liggett, D. Craig, C. James, R. Deutschmann, N. Salonen, C. Huinink, and K. Williams

  Carried (15 to 0)

22.

Adjourn

• Moved by S. Foxton
  Seconded by S. Shantz

  That the meeting adjourn at 9:05 p.m.