Making decisions that matter – March 19, 2025
With input from the community, Regional Council sets the direction for the Region of Waterloo as an organization and makes decisions that help improve lives. Please refer to the minutes for an official record of the meeting.
Council approves plan to preserve and create another 3,500 affordable homes over five years
Council has set a new target to create and preserve another 3,500 affordable homes in five years. Almost two thirds of the units will be dedicated to residents with very low to low yearly income. Despite local investments, these residents continue to be priced out of the private rental market and have the highest need for housing. The plan is a continuation of Building Better Futures, created in 2021, which used investments and Regional lands to accelerate the creation of affordable housing. Over 2,700 new homes were built or in development in less than four years, surpassing the goal of 2,500 in five years. Meeting the new goal depends on federal and provincial funding.
Council adopts plan to ensure Waterloo Regional Police Services board represents community’s diversity
Council has adopted a plan that will ensure the Waterloo Regional Police Services board reflects the diversity of perspectives and is more responsive to community needs. As part of the municipal diversity plan, which is mandated by the province, the Region will set training requirements for board members, including topics such as human rights and systemic racism. The Region will also engage with residents before the board’s next appointments in 2026 to encourage individuals from diverse backgrounds to apply for board positions. Gaining participation from individuals with lived experience, including those affected by negative interactions with institutions, is essential to ensuring meaningful contributions and change.
Design for Westmount Road upgrades will improve access to transit and make travel safer and easier
Council has approved a design for Westmount Road improvements in Kitchener that will make it safer and easier for drivers, cyclists and pedestrians to travel. The upgrades on Westmount from Fischer-Hallman Road to Block Line Road include repaving, improved drainage, a grass median with trees that will encourage lower speeds, new wider sidewalks and off-road, separated cycling lanes. There will also be two new bus stops on both sides at Tillsley Drive and upgrades to existing bus pads to accommodate growing GRT ridership in the surrounding areas.
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