Community and Health Services Committee Minutes

Tuesday, March 05, 2024 at 12:00 P.m. - 1:00 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, 
• 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.: [phone], TTY: 519-575-4605, or

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1.

Call to Order

Chair J. Erb called the meeting to order at 12:02 p.m.

2.

Land Acknowledgement

Chair J. Erb provided a land acknowledgement.

3.

Motion to Reconvene into Open Session

• Moved by C. Huinink
  Seconded by K. Redman

  That Community and Health Services reconvene into open session. 

  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)

4.

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

J. Liggett noted a potential conflict of interest for item 8.1.1. and then provided confirmation that there is no conflict of interest as per the advice of the Integrity Commissioner.

5.

Delegations

5.1

Megan Walker, Eviction Prevention Waterloo Region

Megan Walker, Eviction Prevention Waterloo Region, expressed support for the proposed recommendations related to an affordable housing policy and program to address the eviction and housing crisis that disproportionately impacts equity seeking groups, students, and elderly persons. 

5.2

Sean Campbell, Union Co-operative

Sean Campbell, Union Co-operative provided background on his organization Union Co-operative purchases residential and commercial properties in the Region of Waterloo for permanent affordability through community ownership. He expressed support for the proposed property tax exemption by-law for Affordable Housing Units as set out in report CSD-HOU-24-004.

In response to the Committee, S. Campbell explained that area municipalities are only authorized to establish a property tax exemption by-law if the Region established such a by-law first, but the establishment of the by-law does not force area municipalities to establish a by-law. He further explained that the proposed tax exemption should result in minimal revenue loss for area municipalities.

Craig Dyer, Commissioner of Corporate Services, clarified that the proposed tax exemption is not a revenue loss for the Region as it would not affect the tax levy, but rather it would affect a minimal portion of the overall amount of the assessment base, which would result in a fractionally higher tax rate. He further clarified that the Region establishes tax ratios on an annual basis which will be presented to the Administration and Finance Committee for review in April 2024. The Regional tax ratio for multi-residential class is currently 1.95 and for residential and new multi-residential the tax ratio is 1.00.

S. Campbell expressed concern about blanket property tax reductions as it could cause tax inequities whereas the proposed exemption would only be applied if affordability criteria is satisfied.

In response to the Committee, C. Dyer explained that that Municipal Property Assessment Corporation (MPAC) is responsible for the assessment of the property class and value to determine the property tax amount and so the assessment growth would be affected if a property was newly exempted. This program permits tax exemptions for properties that are already not exempted by the Assessment Act, 1990. 

5.3

Tessa D'Achille, Kitchener

Tessa D'Achille, Kitchener, expressed support for the affordable housing recommendations and provided a lived experience account of 'renovictions' occurring throughout the Region of Waterloo. She illuminated the need for affordable housing and tenant rights in the community and that there are property owners displacing tenants to increase rent.

5.4

Dan Clements, Citizens for Cambridge

Dan Clements, Citizens for Cambridge, expressed support for the item 8.1.1 CSD-HOU-24-003, Affordable Housing Policy and Program Incentives as the need for affordable housing is urgent. He urged area municipalities to establish similar incentives for affordable housing. 

5.5

Elana Harte, Central Ontario Co-operative Housing Corporation

Elana Harte, Central Ontario Co-operative Housing Federation, provided background on the Federation which is a co-operative housing model for mixed-community affordable housing, where every member has a vote in the decision-making process and a place in the community to participate. She expressed support for the proposed recommendation as set out in report CSD-HOU-24-004, Property Tax Exemption for Affordable Housing. The proposed exemption will be essential to the co-ops’ ability to continue to provide affordable housing and explore opportunities for expansion.

5.6

Jacquie Wells, Waterloo Region ACORN

Jacquie Wells, Waterloo Region ACORN, provided a brief overview of her organization which addresses issues of social and economic justice. and the need for affordable housing due to increased housing pricing and tenant displacement to increase rent prices. She expressed support for the proposed affordable housing incentives.

6.

Consent Agenda

There were no requests to remove items from the Consent Agenda.

• Moved by B. Vrbanovic
  Seconded by J. Nowak

  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)

6.1

Strategic Priority - Homes for All

6.1.1

COR-CFN-24-001, Additional Reaching Home Funding

P. Sweeney clarified that the additional reaching home funding referred to under 6.1.1. will be allocated to fund costs that have been incurred for the 2024 Homelessness and Supportive Housing Operating Budget, but not specifically to fund the Plan to End Chronic Homelessness which will be presented to the Committee in April 2024. 

• Moved by B. Vrbanovic
  Seconded by J. Nowak

  That the Regional Municipality of Waterloo approve an increase of $1,542,836 to the 2024 Homelessness and Supportive Housing Operating Budget expenditure and federal subsidy with no net property tax levy impact as outlined in report COR-CFN-24-001 dated March 5, 2024.

  Carried

6.2

Strategic Priority - Equitable Services and Opportunities

6.2.1

PHP-HPI-24-002, 2023 Food Safety Program Report

Received for information.

6.2.2

PHP-CFH-24-001, Ontario Seniors Dental Care Program Expansion Update within Waterloo Region

Received for information.

7.

Presentations

7.1

Staff Presentation - Homes for All

Peter Sweeney, Commissioner of Community Services introduced Ryan Pettipiere, Director of Housing Services, Matthew Chandy, Director of Innovation and Economic Development, to provide the presentation. A copy of the presentation is attach to the addendum agenda.

R. Pettipiere highlighted the purposes of the proposed recommendations listed on the agenda which include: accelerating housing on Municipal and Partner Lands, establishing affordable housing policy and program incentives, property tax exemption for affordable housing. He further highlighted the factors impacting housing affordability in our community such as increased cost of living. 

M. Chandy provided an overview of Staff's approach for accelerating affordable housing on Municipal and Partner Lands. He expanded on various opportunities for motivating the acceleration of affordable housing through partnerships and development.

R. Pettipiere provided an overview of Staff's approach for establishing affordable housing policy and program incentives through advocacy and the proposed tax exemption as it will create economic viability and sustainability. He explained that incentives remain crucial for increasing affordable housing availability as well as partnerships with the area municipalities and sustained advocacy efforts to the provincial and federal governments. He further explained that the property tax exemption objective is for the preservation and creation of affordable housing.

8.

Regular Agenda

8.1

Strategic Priority - Homes for All

8.1.1

CSD-HOU-24-003, Affordable Housing Policy and Program Incentives

In response to the Committee, R. Pettipiere explained that best practices for operating an affordable housing program, as set out in report CSD-HOU-24-003, would be to support organizations, such as not for-profits, co-operative housing, indigenous lands trusts, however, the recommendation is cognizant of the need for additional consultation and collaboration with affordable housing organizations. He confirmed that collaboration with the area municipalities and the Province is essential for implementation.

P. Sweeney confirmed that if the Committee supports the proposed recommendation then Staff will explore this incentive approach and then Staff will return to the Committee with potential resource requests in order to begin to implement the program. 

R. Pettipiere confirmed that Staff  will use various resources when designing the Region's policy and programs such as Toronto's multi-unit residential acquisition program and the best practices set out by the University of British Columbia's housing assessment resource tool think tank. Graham Walsh, Regional Solicitor, further confirmed that the Province has jurisdiction over these types of incentives.

R. Pettipiere explained that support and collaboration with area municipalities to minimize duplication of work and maximize shared information. Area municipalities that are required by the Province to conduct area needs assessments will combine their findings with the Regional assessment and area municipalities that do not have the funding to conduct their own area needs assessment will be supported by the Region.

The Committee confirmed with Staff that sustainability is included in the proposed affordable housing policy and program incentives. The Committee also noted the importance of public engagement, prevention of housing issues, and collaboration with area municipalities. 

Responding to the Committee, M. Chandy explained that Staff are holding ongoing discussions with Build Now on utilizing smaller parcels of land and limited land availability. He noted that area municipalities are also having joint conversations with Build Now. G. Walsh confirmed the legislative requirements for government procurement and M. Chandy confirmed that the request for proposals policy is being reviewed and will be presented to Council for consideration.

In response to the Committee, M. Chandy confirmed that Staff's approach to land development is always looking for affordable housing opportunities. 

Staff amended the proposed recommendation to update the language under the first paragraph section 'c' from "create" to "assemble". This amendment addressed the Committee's concerns surrounding duplication of work when collaborating with the area municipalities.

The Committee continued to express the importance of engagement and collaboration with area municipalities.

J. Liggett provided confirmation that she has no conflict of interest with item 8.1.1. CSD-HOU-24-003 as per the advice of the Integrity Commissioner.

• Moved by B. Vrbanovic
  Seconded by P. Wolf

  That the Regional Municipality of Waterloo take the following action for preserving existing affordable housing in the private market and facilitating the transition of private market rentals into long-term affordable housing through acquisition as outlined in CSD-HOU-24-003, dated March 5, 2024:

  1. Direct staff to explore the creation of a Multi-Unit Rental Acquisition Program to preserve existing affordable housing in the private market and facilitate the transition of private market rentals into long-term affordable housing; and
     1. For staff to bring forward any recommendations to the Regional Council for consideration;
  2. Direct staff to work with the area municipalities to explore the creation of right of first refusal policy and identification of affordable housing at risk of loss; and
  3. Direct staff to work with area municipalities  to assemble a Waterloo Region Housing Needs Assessment to inform a targeted affordable housing acquisition strategy.

  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 by B. Vrbanovic
  Seconded by P. Wolf

  That the Regional Municipality of Waterloo take the following action with respect to rental housing protections and tenant displacement as outlined in CSD-HOU-24-003, dated March 5, 2024:

  1. Direct staff to work with the area municipalities to explore the creation of renovation, conversion, and demolition rental housing protection policies;
  2. Direct staff to engage with service providers who support tenants at risk of or are currently experiencing displacement to:
     1. Identify gaps in support of displaced tenants and for tenants at risk of experiencing eviction caused by renovation, demolition, or conversion;
     2. Develop potential solutions to fill gaps; and
     3. Bring forward gaps and potential solutions to the Regional Council for consideration.

  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 by B. Vrbanovic
  Seconded by P. Wolf

  That the Regional Municipality of Waterloo take the following action with respect to advocating for the preservation of existing affordable housing as outlined in CSD-HOU-24-003, dated March 5, 2024:

  1. Request that the Government of Canada and the Government of Ontario establish acquisition programs that would support the acquisitions and renovations/conversions for all types of private market residential properties and other properties, to create new permanent affordable and supportive homes.

  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)

8.1.2

PDL-ADM-24-001, Accelerating Affordable Housing on Municipal and Partner Lands

In response to the Committee, Rod Regier, Commissioner of Planning, Development and Legislative Services, confirmed that the streamlining of regional development review processes has been an ongoing project with area municipalities. He further confirmed that Staff will provide a status update on the regional development review process specifically on streamlining the process to minimize delays for area municipalities' Provincial deadlines.

In response to the Committee, M. Chandy confirmed that Staff are working with area municipalities on any opportunities for land partnerships. He further confirmed that there will be an update for Council on the Charles St. Terminal in the next few months and will be onboarding the design architect.

The Committee expressed concern with Staff engagement with area municipalities. 

Received for information.

C. Huinink left the meeting at 2:23 PM. ()

C. Huinink joined the meeting at 2:25 PM. ()

8.1.3

CSD-HOU-24-004, Property Tax Exemption for Affordable Housing

The Committee expressed support for the proposed initiative and acknowledged community input received by the Committee.

In response to the Committee, R. Pettipiere explained that if a property did qualify for the tax exemption then the tenant may become ineligible for the Provincial Ontario Trillium Benefit. Staff believe that making a tenant of an affordable housing unit, that is exempt from property taxes, ineligible for the benefit is counter intuitive to the purpose of the benefit itself and recognize that this may cause issues. He confirmed that Staff have spoken with other municipalities that have established a property tax exemption by-law and collaborate with them when advocating to the Province on the issue of ineligibility with respect to this benefit.

Responding to the Committee, P. Sweeney clarified that with the approval of the proposed recommendation Staff would potentially seek resource requests for the 2025 budget. 

C. Dyer confirmed that the Municipal Act, 2001, s.110 authorizes the exemption of the Region and Education components of the property tax. He further confirmed that local municipality to exempt the local component of the property tax. 

The Committee indicated the importance of collaboration with the area municipalities C. Dyer confirmed that the area municipality Chief Financial Officers will discuss this at Treasurer meeting on Friday, March 8, 2024. R. Pettipiere further confirmed that income testing will be conducted prior to tenancy and Staff will only be monitoring rent levels on an ongoing basis. 

• Moved by D. McCabe
  Seconded by R. Deutschmann

  That the Regional Municipality of Waterloo take the following action with respect to the creation of a Property Tax Exemption Program for Affordable Housing as set out in report CSD-HOU-24-004 dated March 5, 2024:

  1. Repeal By-law Number 02-035, attached as Appendix “A”, and replace with By-Law Number 24-***, attached as Appendix “B” for the purposes of updating the by-law to allow Council to exempt regional and education property taxes for municipal housing facilities and also for general house-keeping amendments, which has been prepared in a form satisfactory to the Regional Solicitor;
  2. Approve the Property Tax Exemption for Affordable Housing Program (“Program”) and guidelines for applications made to the Region for properties eligible for the Program attached as Appendix “C”;
  3. Authorize the Commissioner of Community Services to negotiate and execute on behalf of the Region, agreements with housing providers for the Program, to the satisfaction of the Regional Solicitor;
  4. Direct staff to:
     1. Develop an application process with intake occurring in Q2 of 2024 for the 2025 taxation year;
     2. Review the uptake and application of the Program to determine property tax impacts due to class shifts, communicating these in advance of 2025 budget process;
  5. Direct staff to work with interested area municipalities within Waterloo Region to exempt the lower tier portion of property taxes for eligible properties under the Program; and
  6. Advocate to the Government of Ontario to amend eligibility for the Ontario Trillium Benefit to allow Ontario residents living in housing deemed affordable by the municipality where the resident resides, to access property tax credits through the Ontario Trillium Benefit, irrespective of property tax exemption.

  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)

8.2

Strategic Priority - Equitable Services and Opportunities

8.2.1

PHP-PSV-24-001, Paramedic Services 2023 Response Time Performance Plan Results

John Riches, Chief/Director Paramedic Services, provided a presentation on reports PHP-PSV-24-001, Paramedic Services' 2023 Response Time Performance Plan Results and PHP-PSV-24-002, Paramedic Services' Key Performance Measurement Indicators Update 2023. A copy of the presentation is attached to the agenda. 

J. Riches highlighted the 2023 Key Performance Indicators including increases to both vehicle responses and offload delays. He further highlighted the proposed "Code Red" revisions to a system status approach that avoids confusion of using the same term for multiple meanings. He further noted that 2023 response times were in compliance with the Ministry of Health and comparable with 2022 response times. The response time performance plan targets for 2025 will be presented to the Committee later this year. 

In responding to the Committee, J. Riches explained that the delayed response time for the City of Cambridge and Townships are affected by offload delays and geographic constraints. 

Regional Chair K. Redman assumed the Chair temporarily and then Vice-Chair P. Wolf assumed the Chair.

Received for information.

8.2.2

PHP-PSV-24-002, Paramedic Services' Key Performance Measurement Indicators Update 2023

Received for information.

9.

Information/Correspondence

9.1

Council/Committee Tracking List

Received for information.

9.2

Written Correspondence

Received for information.

10.

Other Business

The Committee acknowledged International Women's Day on March 8, 2024.

11.

Next Meeting - April 9, 2024

The next Community and Health Services meeting will be April 9, 2024.

12.

Adjourn

J. Erb left the meeting at 3:36 PM. ()

• Moved by C. Huinink
  Seconded by C. James

  That the meeting adjourn at 3:37 p.m.

  In Favor (15)

  B. Vrbanovic, 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 (15 to 0)