Making Decisions That Matter - January 28, 2026
With input from the community, Regional Council sets the direction for the Region as an organization and makes decisions that help improve the lives of Waterloo Region residents every day. Please refer to the minutes for an official record of the meeting.
Expanding and improving Fischer Hallman
Preparations are underway to expand and update Fischer Hallman this spring. The Region’s reconstruction project will widen this busy Kitchener road from two to four lanes between Bleams Road and Plains Road. Crews will also add a raised centre median, new street lighting and bus stop pads, and install underground water and storm sewer infrastructure. New multi-use paths on each side of the road will benefit pedestrians and cyclists. This is the final phase of reconstruction after the Region finished earlier work in 2021 and 2024.
Moving forward with water capacity solutions
The Region of Waterloo is taking several steps to provide clear, up-to-date information and partner with the community as we move into solutions for the current water capacity issue. Regional staff will prepare a detailed report to help the public, stakeholders and consultants understand the situation. Regional staff will also convene a workshop in February with local development professionals to review potential immediate, medium-term, and long-term solutions. Regional Council have also directed staff to provide council with bi-monthly updates on current water supply and demand data. The Region of Waterloo continues to partner with area municipalities and industry experts to bring clear and timely updates on the possible solutions to address the water capacity issue.
New public art will make transit hub a landmark
The Region is preparing to invest in a piece of art that will match the scale and significance of the new Kitchener Central Transit Hub. Council has approved up to $600,000 for a major piece of high-quality art that will help make the hub a welcoming, vibrant place. The Kitchener Central Transit Hub is a transformational project that will serve as a gateway for visitors to Waterloo Region and redefine the way residents experience their community. Staff will put out a national call to artists in 2026 and also set the art selection process.
Creating new funding model for local arts and culture
Work is underway to create a new funding model that will support arts and culture in Waterloo Region. Currently, the Region of Waterloo has partnered with MT Space to offer annual funding until 2027. At the same time, Region staff is working with local artists, leaders, and cities and townships on a new long-term plan to fund local creative projects. Staff will continue to consult with the arts community, as well as the public, and report back to Regional Council by August 2026.
Investing in safer roads
A new plan is on the way to make roads safer. Regional staff are determining how to invest money from the Road Safety Reserve fund into community upgrades, and how to replenish those reserve funds in the future. This reserve was mainly funded by Automated Speed Enforcement in school zones, until the provincial government ended that program. Regional staff will report back to council in the first half of 2026 on how existing money can provide evidence-based solutions to reduce injuries and death on Regional Roads.
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