Regional Council 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, 
  • D. McCabe, 
  • J. Nowak, 
  • S. Shantz, 
  • B. Vrbanovic, 
  • K. Williams, 
  • and P. Wolf 
Members Absent:
  • J. Liggett 
  • and N. Salonen 

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

Council will consider a motion to go into Closed Session at the start of the meeting. The Open Session will resume following Closed at approximately 7:00 p.m.

1.
Call to Order

 

Chair Redman called the meeting to order at 4:00 p.m.

2.
Land Acknowledgement

 

Regional Chair K. Redman provided a land acknowledgement and acknowledged that it is the summer solstice and National Indigenous Peoples Day.

3.
Motion to go into Closed Session

 
  • Moved byS. Foxton
    Seconded byP. Wolf

    That a closed meeting of Council be held on Wednesday, June 21, 2023 at 4:05 p.m. in accordance with Section 239 of the “Municipal Act, 2001”, for the purposes of considering the following subject matters:
    1. Receiving advice that is subject to solicitor-client privilege for the purpose of providing instructions related to potential litigation
    2. Providing instructions to be applied to ongoing negotiations
    3. Receiving advice that is subject to solicitor-client privilege related to ongoing litigation

    Carried

4.
Motion to Reconvene into Open Session

 
  • Moved byC. James
    Seconded byJ. Nowak

    That Council reconvene into Open Session.

    Carried

5.
Declarations of Pecuniary Interest under the “Municipal Conflict of Interest Act”

 

None declared. 

6.
Presentations

 

6.1
Waterloo Region Police Services

This item has attachments. 
1.20230521 Chief Presentation to Regional Council (5).pdf
2.2023-133 2022 Waterloo Regional Police Services Annual Report.pdf

Chief Mark Crowell presented the Waterloo Region Police Services (WRPS) Mid-Year Regional Council Update and the WRPS Annual Report. A copy of the presentation is appended to the original minutes. M. Crowell explained that the annual report provides an overview of their services and statistics of the calls they responded to in 2022. He highlighted the work that they are doing to respond to mental health calls, road safety, and community engagement.

Responding to questions, M. Crowell stated that eighteen new officers and five experienced officers were hired in March 2023. He further noted that the community safety wellbeing team is are more like case workers, while the DART team is focused on enforcement. Both groups are working in collaboration on issues such as the encampment at 150 Main Street in Cambridge. He further noted that WRPS supports the automated speed enforcement expansion and are actively working with the board on the response to KPMG report. 

7.
Petitions

 

8.
Delegations

 

8.1
Frank Monteith, Kitchener

 

F. Monteith appeared before Council to express his concerns with the removal of the senior and high school student fares in 2021. He noted that this change increased the GRT costs for these individuals by 115%. He expressed concerns that this was approved during the Covid pandemic and pointed to other municipalities that have reduced or free fares for students and seniors. He encouraged the Region to grandfather these fee changes and ensure that the public has somewhere to complain. 

8.2
Vaughn Bender, COO, and Alex Vandersluis, Project Manager, Schlegel Urban Developments

 

V. Bender, A. Vandersluis, Doug Green, Dillion Consulting, and Emily Ecker, BA Group, provided a presentation on their request for a left in lane 1950 Fischer-Hallman Road. A copy of the presentation is appended to the original minutes. A. Vandersluis provided an overview of the project and explained that their work indicates that a 50 meter left turn storage is adequate and queuing will not exceed the moving of vehicles.  

In response to a question from Council, V. Bender stated that they would not have a concern with staff recommending that they turning lane be closed if a certain traffic volume is met.

In response to a question from Council, Mathieu Goetzke, Commissioner, Transportation Services, Transportation explained that staff have concerns with vehicles crossing two lanes of traffic and then crossing the multi use trail, resulting in multiple places for conflict. 

8.3
Tony LaMantia, Waterloo EDC

 

T. LaMantia appeared on behalf of Business and Economic Support Team of Waterloo Region (BEST Waterloo) and noted that in 2016 it was identified that there was need to identify shovel ready sites in Waterloo Region. He highlighted that last year the region currently had the lowest industrial vacancy rate in the country and encouraged Council to not defer the recommendation in report PDL-ECD-23-011, Employment Lands Shovel-Ready Strategy.

In response to a question from Council, T. LaMantia noted that the region has missed out on opportunities because of the lack of shovel ready sites. He stress that 1 in 5 jobs depends on advanced manufacturing and that existing companies are challenged to grow within the Region.

9.
Minutes of Previous Meetings

 
  • Moved byP. Wolf
    Seconded byS. Foxton

    That the following minutes be approved.

    Carried

10.
Communications

 

11.
Motion to Go Into Committee of the Whole to Consider Reports

 
  • Moved byS. Foxton
    Seconded byC. Huinink

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

    Carried

12.
Reports

 

12.1
Finance Reports

 

12.1.1
COR-CFN-23-027, 2024 Plan and Budget Process and Guidelines (revised Appendix A)

This item has attachments. 
1.COR-CFN-23-027, 2024 Plan and Budget Process and Guidelines (revised Appendix A).pdf
2.COR-CFN-23-027_Revised_Appendix_A__Proposed_2024_Plan_and_Budget_Process_Timetable_(for_June_21__2023_Council).pdf
3.Appendix B 2023 In-Year Council Approvals.pdf
4.Appendix C 2024 Plan and Budget Powerpoint.pdf
5.Appendix D - 2024 Plan and Budget Process - June 21 Council.pdf

Craig Dyer, Commissioner, Corporate Services/Chief Financial Officer and Bruce Lauckner, Chief Administrative Officer, provided a presentation outlining the revisions to the proposed Plan and Budget Schedule and recommending a set of principles to provide guidance to staff in preparation of the 2024 Plan and Budget. A copy of the presentation is appended to the original minutes.

Council noted that six hour meetings could be extended to eight hours; and requested that final budget day start at 10:00 a.m., and that the meeting proposed for November 15, 2023 be rescheduled due to a conflict for the Regional Chair and the City Mayors. C. Dyer noted that those changes can be made and the meeting on November 15th can be moved to November 8th.  

Councillors provided additional budget principles including reviewing of growth of non-mandatory Regional services and refocusing on areas of required services, future ready lands and economic growth, special concern for staff reductions, and focus on equity and diversity seeking groups, including those with accessibility needs.

D. Craig requested that the Regional Clerk provide information on what areas of the region delegations are coming from.

  • Moved byC. Huinink
    Seconded byB. Vrbanovic

    That the Regional Municipality of Waterloo take the following action with respect to the 2024 Plan and Budget as set out in report COR-CFN-23-027 dated June 21, 2023:

    1. Approve the 2024 Plan and Budget review timetable as set out in Appendix A;
    2. Forward a copy of Report COR-CFN-23-027 to the Waterloo Region Police Services Board and to the Area Municipalities in Waterloo Region.
    3.  Approve the following principles to guide the development and consideration of the 2024 Region of Waterloo Plan and Budget:
      • Build on past success and strategic investments
      • Strategic plan guides everything we do
      • Maintain existing regional services to residents in all parts of the region
      • Meet growing resident service demands
      • Review provincial and federal responsibilities currently funded in whole or in part by the property tax levy
      • Invest in critical elements of organizational success including employee wellbeing; technology innovation to drive efficiencies; supporting staff through change; and building employee recruitment and retention capacity
      • Invest in service modifications and expanded access to address inequities
      • Respect taxpayer dollars – investments should deliver intended outcomes 
      • Avoid decisions that make future budgets more difficult – balance affordability and long-term risk (not sacrificing long-term for short-term tax reductions)
      • Review of growth of non mandatory Regional services and refocus on areas of required services
      • Future ready lands and economic growth
      • Special concern for staff reductions
      • Focus on equity and diversity seeking groups, including those with accessibility needs
    Carried

12.1.2
COR-TRY-23-019, T2023-126 - 2023 Various Road and Active Transportation Improvement

This item has attachments. 
1.COR-TRY-23-019, T2023-126 - 2023 Various Road and Active Transportation Improvements.pdf
2.Appendix A- Scope of Work Contract T2023-126.pdf
3.Appendix B -Detailed Financial Implications.pdf
  • Moved byS. Foxton
    Seconded byD. McCabe

    That the Regional Municipality of Waterloo take the following action with respect to T2023-126 - 2023 Various Road and Active Transportation Improvements as set out in report COR-TRY-23-019 dated June 21, 2023:

    1. Accept the tender of Steed and Evans Limited for the T2023-126 - 2023 Various Road and Active Transportation Improvements in the amount of $2,435,157.10 plus all applicable taxes;
    2. Increase the capital budget and amend the sources of financing for project # 07392 Victoria Street N., Kitchener/Woolwich Boundary to Bruce St. in the amount of $216,000 as set out in Appendix A;
    3. Increase the capital budget and amend the sources of financing for project # 66144 Trinity Village Pedestrian Improvements in the amount of $314,400 as set out in Appendix A;
    4. Increase the capital budget and amend the sources of financing for project # 66149 R&T Phillip Street MUP - Pad & Illumination in the amount of $143,300 as set out in Appendix A; and
    5. Increase the capital budget and amend the sources of financing for project # 66150 Westchester Walkway in the amount of $56,600 as set out in Appendix A.
    Carried

12.2
Committee Reports

 

12.2.1
TSD-TRP-23-010, Automated Speed Enforcement – 5-Year Expansion Plan – Additional Information

This item has attachments. 
1.TSD-TRP-23-010, Automated Speed Enforcement – 5-Year Expansion Plan – Additional Information.pdf
2.Appendix A - Financial Summary for Proposed Fixed ASE Expansion Plan.pdf
3.Appendix B - Financial Summary for Semi-Fixed ASE Expansion Plan.pdf

In response to a question from Council, Mathieu Goetzke, Commissioner, Transportation Services, Transportation explained that the proposal is based on the fixed camera model.  

Received for information. 

12.2.2
Planning and Works Summary - June 6, 2023

This item has attachments. 
1.PW Summary - June 6, 2023.pdf
  • Moved byR. Deutschmann
    Seconded byC. James
    1. That the Regional Municipality of Waterloo approve the expropriation of lands for the purpose of completing the remaining Farmers Market Trail works (Northfield Drive West from the railway corridor to the Northfield Drive / Parkside Drive intersection), in the City of Waterloo, as detailed in Report PDL-LEG-23-026 dated June 6, 2023, described as follows:
      Fee Simple Partial Taking:
      i. Part of Lot 10, German Company Tract, being Parts 1, 2, 4 and 5 on 58R-21590, (Part of PIN 22281-0356 (LT)), City of Waterloo, Regional Municipality of Waterloo (580 Weber Street North, Waterloo).

      Temporary Easement – Grading: 

      The right and easement, being a temporary easement in gross, for the free and unobstructed, right, interest and easement terminating on the 31st day of December, 2024, 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 construction and access of the multi-use trail along Northfield Drive West from the railway corridor to the Northfield Drive / Parkside Drive intersection, 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:
      ii. Part of Lot 10, German Company Tract, being Part 3 on 58R-21590, (Part of PIN 22281-0356 (LT)), City of Waterloo, Regional Municipality of Waterloo (580 Weber Street North, Waterloo).
      And that staff be instructed to register a Plan of Expropriation for the property within three months of the granting of the approval to expropriate the property, as required by the Expropriations Act;
      And that the registered owners be served with a Notice of Expropriation and a Notice of Possession for the property after the registration of the Plan of Expropriation and the Regional Solicitor is authorized to take any and all actions required to enforce such Notices including but not limited to any application pursuant to Section 40 of the Expropriations Act;
      And that the Regional Solicitor is authorized to enter into an agreement with the registered owners, or to make an application under Section 39 of the Expropriations Act, to adjust the date for possession specified in the Notice of Possession as may be required;
      And that all above-referenced fee simple partial takings situated adjacent to an existing Regional public highway be acquired for road widening purposes and therefore be deemed to form part of the adjacent public highway in accordance with subsection 31(6) of the Municipal Act, 2001;  
      And that if no agreement as to compensation is made with an owner, the statutory Offer of Compensation and payment be served upon the registered owners of the property in the amount of the market value of the interests in the land as estimated by the Region’s appraiser in accordance with the Expropriations Act;
      And that the Regional Solicitor be authorized to execute any Indemnity agreement or other document related to payment of the statutory Offer of Compensation;
      And further that the Regional Solicitor be authorized to 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 the transaction or if determined by the Commissioner, Transportation Services, that such lands, or any part or interest thereof, are not required for the subject Project.

    2. That the Regional Municipality of Waterloo approve the expropriation of lands for improvements at the intersection of Cedar Creek Road (Regional Road No. 97) and Trussler Road (Regional Road No. 70), in the Township of North Dumfries, in the Regional Municipality of Waterloo, and County Road No. 8, in the County of Oxford as detailed in Report PDL-LEG-23-027, dated June 6, 2023, described as follows:
      Fee Simple Partial Taking:
      I. Part of Lot 1, Concession 13, being Parts 2 and 4 on 41R-10418, (Part of PIN 00297-0021 (LT)), Township of Blandford-Blenheim, County of Oxford (3541 Trussler Road, Blandford-Blenheim);
      II. Part of Lot 1, Concession 12, being Part 5 on 41R-10418, (Part of PIN 00296-0025 (LT)), Township of Blandford-Blenheim, County of Oxford (927762 Oxford Road 8, Blandford-Blenheim);
      III. Part of Lot 38, Concession 11, being Parts 1 and 2 on 58R-21584, (Part of PIN 03847-0461 (LT)), Township of North Dumfries, Regional Municipality of Waterloo (3434 Trussler Road, North Dumfries);
      IV. Part of Lot 38, Concession 10, being Part 3 on 58R-21584, (Part of PIN 03850-0282 (LT)), Township of North Dumfries, Regional Municipality of Waterloo (3704 Trussler Road, 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, 2024, 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 Cedar Creek Road, Trussler Road and County Road No. 8, 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:
      I. Part of Lot 1, Concession 13, being Parts 1 and 3 on 41R-10418, (Part of PIN 00297-0021 (LT)), Township of Blandford-Blenheim, County of Oxford (3541 Trussler Road, Blandford-Blenheim);

      And that staff be instructed to register a Plan of Expropriation for the properties within three months of the granting of the approval to expropriate the properties, as required by the Expropriations Act;

      And that the registered owners be served with a Notice of Expropriation and a Notice of Possession for the properties after the registration of the Plan of Expropriation and the Regional Solicitor is authorized to take any and all actions required to enforce such Notices including but not limited to any application pursuant to Section 40 of the Expropriations Act;
      And that the Regional Solicitor is authorized to enter into an agreement with the registered owners, or to make an application under Section 39 of the Expropriations Act, to adjust the date for possession specified in the Notice of Possession as may be required;
      And that all above-referenced fee simple partial takings situated adjacent to an existing Regional public highway be acquired for road widening purposes and therefore be deemed to form part of the adjacent public highway in accordance with subsection 31(6) of the Municipal Act, 2001;
      And that if no agreement as to compensation is made with an owner, the statutory Offer of Compensation and payment be served upon the registered owners of the properties in the amount of the market value of the interests in the land as estimated by the Region’s appraiser in accordance with the Expropriations Act;
      And that the Regional Solicitor be authorized to execute any Indemnity agreement or other document related to payment of the statutory Offer of Compensation;
      And further that the Regional Solicitor be authorized to 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 the transaction or if determined by the Commissioner, Engineering & Environmental Services, that such lands, or any part or interest thereof, are not required for the subject Project.

    3. That the Regional Municipality of Waterloo approve the removal of the existing Level 1 Pedestrian Crossover at the Arthur Street and Mill Street intersection and replace it with an Intersection Pedestrian Signal, in the Township of Woolwich, by amending the Region’s Traffic and Parking By-law 16-023, as amended, to:
      - Remove from Schedule 9, Level 1 Pedestrian Crossover on Arthur Street (Regional Road 21) at Mill Street;
      And that, the Regional Municipality of Waterloo, as a By-law “housekeeping” measure, approve the removal of the following non-existent Level 1 Pedestrian Crossovers from Schedule 9 of the Region’s Traffic and Parking By-law 16-023, as amended:
      - Remove from Schedule 9, Level 1 Pedestrian Crossover on Arthur Street (Regional Road 21) at Park Avenue; and
      - Remove from Schedule 9, Level 1 Pedestrian Crossover on Courtland Avenue (Regional Road 53) at Kent Avenue;
      As outlined in Report TSD-TRP-23-008, dated June 6, 2023.

    4. That the Regional Municipality of Waterloo take the following action with respect to Report PDL-CPL-23-015, dated June 6, 2023:
      - Approve funding allocations totalling $103,795 from the Community Environmental Fund to support 20 stewardship and sustainability projects as described in this report;
      - Increase the allocation for GRCA’s Dog Strangling Vine Response to $8,800; and
      - Fund the increase in total allocations of $3,795 from the operating budget.

    5. That the Regional Municipality of Waterloo extend the Funding Agreement with the rare Charitable Research Reserve for an additional five-year period requiring a contribution of $50,000 annually over the next five years (2023 – 2027) as outlined in PDL-CPL-23-014 dated June 6, 2023.

    6. That the Regional Municipality of Waterloo take the following actions as part of the Charles Street Terminal Visioning process:
      - Direct staff to proceed with a municipally led Risk Assessment (“RA”) and Record of Site Condition (“RSC”) process to address identified soil and groundwater contamination on the property in advance of a future Request for Proposal on the lands for redevelopment, as outlined in report PDL-ECD-23-010, dated June 6, 2023.

    7. That the Regional Municipality of Waterloo approve the following in order to expand the Automated Speed Enforcement Program to all School Zones within the Region, subject to 2024 budget approval and as outlined in report TSD-TRP-23-009, dated June 6, 2023:
      a. Implement Automated Speed Enforcement at 25 to 30 new School Zones per year starting in 2024 with completion of all 175 schools by the end of 2028;
      b. Direct staff to prepare and submit staffing and budget requirements as part of the 2024 Plan and Budget and as needed in subsequent budget years; and
      c. Direct staff to develop criteria for identifying and prioritizing Community Safety Zones for the purpose of implementing Automated Speed Enforcement near certain schools and at other critical locations around the Region.

    8. That the Regional Municipality of Waterloo implement a Route 34 extension effective September 5, 2023 with an estimated 2023 net cost of $98,000 to be funded from the Tax Stabilization Reserve and an estimated net cost of $294,000 to be included in the preliminary 2024 budget as set out in report TSD-TRS-23-006 dated June 6, 2023 and to implement additional iXpress stops (both directions) at Highland/Walkway to Burnaby.

    9. That the Regional Municipality of Waterloo receive the 2023 Water and Wastewater Monitoring Report summarized in Report EES-WAS-23-006, dated June 6, 2023 as the account of water supply and wastewater treatment capacity as of December 31, 2022.
    Carried

12.2.3
Closed Committee Summary - June 6, 2023

This item has attachments. 
1.Closed Committee Summary - June 6, 2023.pdf
  • Moved byC. James
    Seconded byS. Foxton

    1. That the Regional Municipality of Waterloo:

      1. approve an Agreement of Purchase and Sale to purchase from Rosedale Securities, Ltd., approximately 1.66 acre parcel of land from the property municipally known as 1233 Cedar Creek Road, R.R#4, Cambridge, being Part of Lot 16 Concession 10, Township of North Dumfries, being Part 1 on Reference Plan 67R-2564; in the Township of North Dumfries, in the Regional Municipality of Waterloo, being part of PIN 03827-0498 (LT), at a purchase price of Nine Hundred Thousand Dollars ($900,000.00), plus applicable taxes and associated costs, on terms and conditions satisfactory to the Commissioner, Engineering and Environmental Services and the Regional Solicitor; and

      2. authorize and direct the Regional Solicitor to execute such other documents, to the satisfaction of the Commissioner of Engineering and Environmental Services and Regional Solicitor, to carry out the Agreement of Purchase and Sale.

     

    2. That the Regional Municipality of Waterloo enter into a Memorandum of Understanding with the Corporation of the City of Waterloo for the exchange of certain lands and easements at the properties known as 17, 23 and 29 William Street and 153 Herbert Street, in the City of Waterloo, to facilitate the Region’s project to upgrade the William Street Water Supply and the City’s project to develop a Civic Common pursuant to its Uptown Public Realm Strategy, on terms and conditions satisfactory to the Commissioner, Environment and Engineering Services and the Regional Solicitor; and

    That the Regional Municipality of Waterloo authorize the Commissioner, Environment and Engineering Services to execute the Memorandum of Understanding on behalf of the Region.

    Carried

12.2.4
Community and Health Services Summary - June 6, 2023

This item has attachments. 
1.CHS Summary - June 6, 2023.pdf
  • Moved byD. McCabe
    Seconded byS. Shantz
    1. That the Regional Municipality of Waterloo approve the 2023 funding allocations of $340,000 under the Major Arts and Culture Organizations grant program as outlined in report PDL-CUL-23-009 dated June 6, 2023.

    2. That the Regional Municipality of Waterloo direct Housing Services staff to implement a Housing Stability System Fee for Service Request and Proposal Response Protocol (‘the Protocol’) as outlined in Appendix A, to evaluate and respond to new housing-first fee for service requests from community partners as outlined in report CSD-HOU-23-016, dated June 6, 2023.

      That the Regional Municipality of Waterloo direct Housing Services staff to implement the Protocol beginning in the 2024 budget process.

    3. WHEREAS Regional Council is committed to addressing anti-racism and advancing Truth and Reconciliation, Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion; and

      WHEREAS the Anti-Racism Advisory Working Group (ARAWG) was created in 2020 to advise Regional Council on how to address systemic racism present in regional policies, procedures, and practices; and

      WHEREAS the Region as a result of the Anti-Racism Advisory Working Group has hired a Director of Equity, Diversity & Inclusion and a Director of Truth & Reconciliation; and

      WHEREAS continued work is required to engage residents, community partners and municipalities in anti-racism work; and

      WHEREAS this work needs to be decentralized and embedded within the way the Region operates;

      THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED
      1. That the Chief Administrative Officer (CAO) of the Region of Waterloo consider ways to further embed Reconciliation, Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion in Regional operations and community engagement, including options for:

        1. The continuation and expansion of a fixed team of community connectors specific to anti-racism, equity and reconciliation initiatives in the region of waterloo. To collaboratively work with staff and a newly formed Reconciliation Equity Diversity Inclusion (REDI) Action Partnership to further create a process for transparency and accountability in decision making.
        2. The roles of the Director, Equity, Diversity & Inclusion and Director, Truth & Reconciliation be included as part of the Region’s Corporate Leadership Team.

      2. That a copy of this resolution and the committee report be circulated to area municipalities so it can inform their work on Truth and Reconciliation, Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion.
    Carried

12.2.5
Administration and Finance Summary - June 6, 2023

This item has attachments. 
1.Administration and Finance Summary - June 6, 2023.pdf
  • Moved byC. Huinink
    Seconded byM. Harris
    1. That the Regional Municipality of Waterloo defer the consideration of a Lobbyist Registry to the 2024 Plan and Budget as set out in report PDL-CAS-23-004 dated June 6, 2023.
    Carried

12.2.6
Audit Committee Summary - June 12, 2023

This item has attachments. 
1.Audit Committee Summary - June 12, 2023.pdf
  • Moved byM. Harris
    Seconded byC. James
    1. That the Regional Municipality of Waterloo appoint KPMG LLP as the Region’s external auditor for a one (1) year term comprising the 2023 fiscal year at a cost of $172,400 plus all applicable taxes as set out in report COR-TRY-23-17 dated June 12, 2023.
    Carried

12.3
Chief Administrative Officer

 

12.4
Regional Chair

 

Regional Chair K. Redman noted that it is the 4th anniversary of the launch of the ION. She noted that its construction brought nearly $5 billion in investment along the corridor, and the construction of housing and businesses along the route are serving to protect the core and green space.

12.5
Regional Clerk

 

12.5.1
PDL-CAS-23-007, 2024 Meeting Calendar

This item has attachments. 
1.PDL-CAS-23-007, 2024 Meeting Calendar.pdf
2.2024_Meeting_Calendar.pdf

William Short, Regional Clerk, noted that staff do their best to consider all of Council’s schedules when preparing the calendar.

B. Vrbanovic requested that staff consider changes to the 2025 schedule to accommodate the University of Waterloo Board of Governors meetings. Regional Chair K. Redman noted that if committee business is dealt with expediently the Councillors that sit on that Board will be able to attend both meetings. 

  • Moved byB. Vrbanovic
    Seconded byM. Harris

    That the Regional Municipality of Waterloo adopt the 2024 Council and Committee Meeting Calendar attached to Report PDL-CAS-23-007 as Appendix “A” dated June 21, 2023.

    Carried

12.5.2
PDL-CAS-23-008, 2023 Waterloo Regional Heritage Foundation Appointments

This item has attachments. 
1.PDL-CAS-23-008, 2023 Waterloo Regional Heritage Foundation Appointments.pdf
2.WRHF By-law.pdf

In response to a question from Council, Tim Brubacher, Deputy Clerk, noted that all appointees to Boards and Advisory Committees are provided with training on their responsibilities with respect to conflicts of interest and the code of conduct when they are appointed and on an annual basis. 

  • Moved byP. Wolf
    Seconded byC. James

    That the Regional Municipality of Waterloo ratify the following appointments to the Waterloo Regional Heritage Foundation in accordance with report PDL-CAS-23-008, dated June 21, 2023:

    a)Philippe Elsworthy for a term ending June 2026;

    b)Andrea Carswell for a term ending June 2026; and

    c)Brian Dietrich for a term ending June 2026.

    Carried

13.
Other Matters Under Committee Of The Whole

 

13.1
PDL-ECD-23-011, Employment Lands Shovel-Ready Strategy

This item has attachments. 
1.PDL-ECD-23-011, Employment Lands Shovel-Ready Strategy.pdf
2.Appendix 1 Proposed Regional Industrial Land Clusters - Updated ROPA 6 as Approved by Minister 02June2023.pdf

Matthew Chandy, Director, Economic Development, provided an overview of the work that has been done with the area municipalities and Waterloo Region Economic Development Corporation and noted that all parties have prioritized the need to have shovel ready land to be able to respond to inquires from businesses.

Council discussed the importance of supporting diverse businesses but being mindful of the natural environment and climate change. 

  • Moved byB. Vrbanovic
    Seconded byS. Foxton

    That the Regional Municipality of Waterloo take the following action with respect to the development of a Waterloo Region Employment Lands Shovel-Ready Strategy as outlined in report PDL-ECD-23-011 dated June 21, 2023:

    Immediately initiate the development of a strategy prior to the 2024 budget process by extending the Region Official Plan contract with Dillon Consulting to complete the associated employment lands technical work at an estimated cost of $365,200 plus applicable taxes; and

    Engage the services of Newmark to examine the Region's market-readiness suitability state for investment supported by small, medium and large-sized parcels at an estimated cost of $120,000 plus applicable taxes.

    Carried

13.2
PDL-CPL-23-018, Proposed Access to Regional Road 58 (Fischer-Hallman Road) at 1950 Fischer-Hallman Road

This item has attachments. 
1.PDL-CPL-23-018, Proposed Access to Regional Road 58 (Fischer-Hallman Road) at 1950 Fischer-Hallman Road.pdf
2.Attachment 1 - Key Plan.pdf
3.Attachment 2 - Phasing Plan (from Schlegel Delegation) .pdf

M. Goetzke provided an overview of the road noting there are already a good number of accesses to the property, that queuing in the left turn lane could disrupt traffic on Fischer Hallman Road, and an increase of collisions with vulnerable users on the multi-use trail.

In response to a question from Council, M. Goetzke stated that the cost of the access will be paid by the developer.

Council debated the motion noting the need to ensure accessibility, protecting active transportation users, and the existing access level to the property.

B. Vrbanovic requested a recorded vote. 

  • Moved byB. Vrbanovic
    Seconded byD. Craig
    1. That the Regional Municipality of Waterloo approve an amendment to Controlled Access By-law #58-87 for a permanent commercial access permitting right-in, right-out, and left-in turning movements on the east side of Regional Road 58 (Fischer-Hallman Road) approximately 175m south of Huron Road for the property municipally addressed as 1950 Fischer-Hallman Road.
    2. and that the Regional Municipality of Waterloo, at the discretion of the Regional Supervisor of Corridor Management, remove the inbound left turn movement at this intersection should the inbound left-turn demand reach 120 movements per hour during weekday peak periods or the intersection operates with unacceptable delays, queues, or collisions.
    In Favor (9)B. Vrbanovic, J. Nowak, M. Harris, S. Shantz, S. Foxton, D. Craig, P. Wolf, C. James, and K. Williams
    Opposed (5)J. Erb, K. Redman, D. McCabe, R. Deutschmann, and C. Huinink
    Carried (9 to 5)

14.
Motion for Committee of the Whole to Rise and Council Resume

 
  • Moved byM. Harris
    Seconded byJ. Nowak

    That Committee of the Whole rise and Council resume.

    Carried

15.
Motion To Adopt Proceedings of Committee of the Whole

 
  • Moved byP. Wolf
    Seconded byD. Craig

    That Council adopt the proceedings of Committee of the Whole.

    Carried

16.
Motions

 

16.1
R. Deutschmann Notice of Motion

 

R. Deutschmann withdrew his motion.

16.2
D. McCabe Notice of Motion

 

D. McCabe introduced her motion noting the uniqueness of the countryside line to protect farmland and to encourage sustainable growth in urban areas.

In response to a question from Council, R. Regier noted that because the Minister’s decision is not appealable, it is possible that making changes could result in legal challenges.

Council agreed to defer the motion until August to hear from the Regional Solicitor on the issue. 
 

  • Moved byD. McCabe
    Seconded byC. Huinink

    WHEREAS the Region of Waterloo’s Countryside Line is a boundary that protects the cultural, economic, and environmental heritage of our rural lands from the pressures of urban sprawl, and

    WHEREAS, the Countryside Line protects the distinctiveness of rural communities from annexation for suburban residential expansion, and

    WHEREAS, Regional Council acknowledges and understands the importance of our rural communities and the contributions particularly with food security, green space and economic development, and

    WHEREAS as long as Bill 23 has not yet received Royal Assent and therefore is not in force, and

    WHEREAS the existing and unchanged policy 2.C.3.3 allows the Region to adjust an Urban Area boundary at any time not just during a comprehensive review

    THEREFORE be it resolved that Council reaffirm the concept of no new residential areas in the countryside line and it directs staff to explore removing the equivalent amount of land, 70ha, from the urban area and adjusting the countryside accordingly in order to compensate for the Province’s forced expansion.

  • Moved byB. Vrbanovic
    Seconded byS. Foxton

    That the Regional Municipality of Waterloo defer the motion discussed under item 16.2 to August 2023.

    Carried

16.3
D. Craig Notice of Motion

 

D. Craig introduced his motion noting the importance of showing to the public why it is difficult to reduce the budget to an inflationary increase and give Council some options for reductions. 
Council agreed to amend the motion to include reductions or delays in capital projects, and reductions of reserve accounts.  

  • Moved byD. Craig
    Seconded byR. Deutschmann

    That the Regional Municipality of Waterloo direct staff to develop the 2024 Plan and Budget to achieve a 2024 tax rate impact in the range of 6% and 8% for Direct Regional Services (excluding Police Services) and outline for Budget Committee’s consideration any proposed service level expansions and service level reduction options, reduction or delay in capital projects, and reduction of reserve accounts required to achieve the target range.

    Carried

17.
Notice of Motion

 

18.
Unfinished Business

 

19.
Other Business

 

J. Nowak noted that staff have previously confirmed that a four way stop would be installed at the main intersection in Linwood by the end of June, but that the information from staff has now changed. M. Goetzke stated that staff are working on rewriting the warrants for that intersection and other rural intersections which will not be ready until August or September. He noted that if this intersection is included in the ongoing pilot it can be done in July. Council provided direction to add this intersection to the pilot and have it in place as soon as possible.

S. Foxton noted that Sunday is the National Indigenous Day of Prayer and there is a ceremony at the Royal Chapel of the Mohawks in Brantford. 

20.
Questions

 

21.
Enactment of By-laws – First, Second & Third Readings

 
  • Moved byS. Foxton
    Seconded byD. Craig

    That the following by-laws be approved.

    Carried

21.1
By-law 23-025

 
  • Moved byS. Foxton
    Seconded byD. Craig

    That a By-law to Amend By-law 22-051, being a By-law to Provide Rules for Governing the Proceedings of Council and its Committees, and to repeal By-Law 00-031, as amended (Section 35 and 37 – Unrecorded and Recorded Vote) be read a first, second and third time, finally passed and numbered 23-025, be signed by the Regional Chair and Regional Clerk and sealed with the Regional Seal.

    Carried

21.2
By-law 23-026

 
  • Moved byS. Foxton
    Seconded byD. Craig

    That a By-law to Expropriate Lands for the installation of the remaining Farmers Market Trail Works, in the City of Waterloo, in the Regional Municipality of Waterloo be read a first, second and third time, finally passed and numbered 23-026, be signed by the Regional Chair and Regional Clerk and sealed with the Regional Seal.

    Carried

21.3
By-law 23-027

 
  • Moved byS. Foxton
    Seconded byD. Craig

    That a By-law to Expropriate Lands for the Construction of a Roundabout at the Intersection of Cedar Creek Road and Trussler Road, in the Township of North Dumfries, in the Regional Municipality of Waterloo and County Road No. 8, in the County of Oxford be read a first, second and third time, finally passed and numbered 23-027, be signed by the Regional Chair and Regional Clerk and sealed with the Regional Seal.

    Carried

21.4
By-law 23-028

 
  • Moved byS. Foxton
    Seconded byD. Craig

    That By-law to Confirm the Proceedings of the Council of the Regional Municipality of Waterloo at this Meeting Held on June 21, 2023 be read a first, second and third time, finally passed and numbered 23-028, be signed by the Regional Chair and Regional Clerk and sealed with the Regional Seal.

    Carried

22.
Adjourn

 
  • Moved byB. Vrbanovic
    Seconded byJ. Nowak

    That the meeting adjourn at 10:31 p.m.

    Carried
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