Making Decisions That Matter - April 23, 2025
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.
Moving ahead on Duke Street underpass
The Region of Waterloo is preparing to build a Duke Street pedestrian and cycling underpass that will help people reach the future Kitchener Central Transit Hub. To do so, the Region will assume responsibility from the City of Kitchener for Duke Street West between Victoria Street North and Breithaupt Street. The Region of Waterloo will work with Metrolinx to build the underpass. Work is expected to start in late 2025 or early 2026.
Speed limits adjusted in Woolwich Township
Regional Council is changing the speed limits on Lobsinger Line near King Alfred Academy and on Northfield Drive near Balsam Grove Parochial School. To better fit traffic patterns on these roads, the new speed limits will be 60 km/h instead of the current 40 km/h. Regional staff will also investigate the option of flashing lights for rural school zones that could work alongside or instead of speed cameras. To address the unique needs of rural communities, the Region of Waterloo will work with staff from the townships on a specific rural speed zone strategy.
Region looks to improve affordable housing tax exemption program
Regional Council is asking the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) and the Province of Ontario to allow people to benefit from both the Ontario Trillium Benefit and the Region’s Property Tax Exemption for Affordable Housing Program. The Region of Waterloo’s program supports affordable housing buildings by offering a property tax exemption. Current CRA rules mean that people living on these tax-exempt properties, however, may no longer be eligible for the Ontario Trillium Benefit for households with low-to-moderate incomes. The Region of Waterloo hopes its own program and the Trillium Benefit can work in coordination to make housing affordable for those who need it.
Additional input meetings planned for Cambridge and Townships
Regional Council has passed a motion to improve budget input from residents in the City of Cambridge and in the Townships. The Region of Waterloo’s yearly budget process includes in-person and online input from residents to help our investments reflect the community’s priorities. For the 2026 Plan and Budget, the Region will hold one additional budget meeting in Cambridge and one additional meeting in the northern townships to allow more input opportunities.
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