The Region of Waterloo has a Standing and Advisory Committee structure to assist Regional Council with municipal matters. Standing Committees offer policy and operational recommendations to Council to aid in the decision-making process. The three main Standing Committees include all members of Council, with the Regional Chair as ex-officio member on all Committees. We also have many advisory committees that serve as forums for members of the public to provide their viewpoints on issues to Regional Council and staff.
View our meeting calendar for agendas, minutes and webcasts.
For information on how to submit correspondence or to speak at a Council or Committee meeting, you can visit our Communicate with Council page.
Standing Committees
Waterloo Region has three main Standing Committees that are solely comprised of the Members of Regional of Council:
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Administration and Finance Committee |
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The Administration and Finance (A&F) Committee is responsible for reviewing and reporting on all matters of administrative and financial importance referred to it by Council and other areas within the organization, including:
Members: All members of Regional Council Chair: Sean Strickland Vice Chair: Helen Jowett Contact: Regional Clerk's Office, 519-575-4400 |
| Community Services Committee |
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The Community Services (CS) Committee is responsible for reviewing and reporting on all areas within the Public Health and Emergency Services and Community Services departments referred to it by Council and other areas within the organization, including:
Members: All members of Regional Council Chair: Elizabeth Clarke Vice Chair: Geoff Lorentz Contact: Regional Clerk's Office, 519-575-4400 |
| Planning and Works Committee |
The Planning and Works Committee (P&W) is responsible for reviewing and reporting on all matters relating to planning issues and public works operated by the Region and other functions related to the Region's facilities, including:
Members: All members of Regional Council Chair: Tom Galloway Vice Chair: Sue Foxton Contact: Regional Clerk's Office, 519-575-4400 |
The other Standing Committees have some Councillors but not all of the them. They are:
| Audit Committee |
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The Audit Committee monitors the effectiveness and efficiency of Regional programs by reviewing and directing the following:
Members:
Chair: Sean Strickland Contact: Regional Clerk's Office, 519-575-4400 |
| Budget Committee |
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The Budget Committee discusses budget issues and concerns and approves the Regional budget annually. Members: All members of Regional Council Chair: Sean Strickland Vice Chair: Helen Jowett Contact: Regional Clerk's Office, 519-575-4400 |
| Economic Development Committee |
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The Economic Development Committee (EDC) is composed of seven Regional Councillors and the Regional Chair. The Committee meets as required to deal with issues of Regional economic development. Chair: Helen Jowett Contact: Regional Clerk's Office, 519-575-4400 |
| Library Committee |
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The Library Committee is composed of the four Township Mayors representing the rural municipalities of the Region, and reports to Regional Council which serves as the Library Board. The Committee is responsible for making recommendations to Council on:
Chair: Les Armstrong Vice Chair: Sue Foxton Contact: Regional Clerk's Office, 519-575-4400 |
| Licensing and Hearings Committee |
The Licensing and Hearings (L&H) Committee is responsible for reviewing and reporting on all matters relating to consumer protection, public safety and nuisance control within the Region of Waterloo, including:
Chair: Geoff Lorentz Contact: Regional Clerk's Office, 519-575-4400 |
Advisory Committees
| Active Transportation Advisory Committee |
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The Active Transportation Advisory Committee (ATAC) serves as a forum for the public to advise Regional Council and staff on cycling and pedestrian issues. Chair: A. Cullen Contact: Regional Clerk's Office, 519-575-4400 |
| Ecological and Environmental Advisory Committee |
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The Ecological and Environmental Advisory Committee (EEAC) advises staff on development applications and environmental assessments which potentially affect the Region's most significant natural features. It also advises on other environmental issues of interest to the Region. Chair: Ron Donaldson Contact: Regional Clerk's Office, 519-575-4400 |
| Grand River Accessibility Advisory Committee |
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The Grand River Accessibility Advisory Committee (GRAAC) is a cross-disability municipal advisory committee. Guided by the Ontarians with Disabilities Act, 2001, the committee provides advice to the local municipal Councils of the Cities of Kitchener and Waterloo, the Region of Waterloo and the Townships of Woolwich, Wellesley, Wilmot, and North Dumfries. The Committee provides vision and direction to promote and facilitate a seamless approach to effectively remove barriers across the community. Please visit the GRAAC website for more information on this committee. Co-Chair: Brenda Robinson (Co-Chair), Dawn Clelland (Co-Chair), Contact: Melanie Garbarz, 519-575-4757 ext. 3721
Recruitment and applications for the Grand River Accessibility Advisory Committee is done by the City of Kitchener |
| Heritage Planning Advisory Committee |
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The Heritage Planning Advisory Committee (HPAC) was established in 1994 to advise the Region on heritage policies, issues and strategies. The committee is responsible for:
Current Initiatives:
All members must be residents of Waterloo Region. Appointed by Regional Council, they are chosen for their interest and experience with natural and built heritage. Municipal Heritage Advisory Committees in Waterloo Region:
Chair: Councillor E. Clarke Contact: Regional Clerk's Office, 519-575-4400 |
| Public Art Advisory Committee |
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The Public Art Advisory Committee (PAAC) reports to the Administration and Finance Committee and administers Public Art Policy. This includes the procedure for selecting, acquiring, disposing, placing, maintaining and cataloguing public art using funds available from the Public Art Reserve Fund. Chair: Betty Anne Keller Contact: Helen Chimirri-Russell, 519-575-4499 |
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Waterloo Region Crime Prevention Council |
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The Waterloo Region Crime Prevention Council (WRCPC) is an Advisory Committee of Regional Council and a Division of the Regional Chair's office. It advises, recommends and supports actions that reduce and prevent crime and victimization and increase community safety in Waterloo Region. They function as a multi-disciplinary team that promotes crime prevention through social development. The WRCPC works in partnership to provide public education, recommend policies and facilitate problem-solving focused on local needs and capacities. The WRCPC is also part of a broader national strategy to prevent crime, victimization and fear of crime. Staff Contact: Deb Bergey, Executive Director, WRCPC, 519-883-2305 Agendas and Minutes for the CPC can be found on their website |
Conduct of Members of Local Boards, Foundations or Advisory Committees
The purpose of the Code of Conduct for Citizen Appointments to Local Boards, Foundations or Advisory Committees, is to provide a general standard for all citizen appointed members to ensure they are acting in a manner that is appropriate with regard to the body that they have been appointed to.
A complaint about a Member of a Local Board/Foundation/Advisory Committee must be submitted to the Regional Clerk for their consideration. The Clerk shall determine if a complaint should be sent to the Integrity Commissioner for their review.
Appointments
The Region of Waterloo has concluded its annual recruitment for advisory committee members. Thank you to everyone who applied.
The Region keeps all applications on file for one year in case vacancies arise. If you are interested in being considered for a potential vacancy you may submit an advisory committee membership application with the Regional Clerk.
Recruitment and applications for the Grand River Accessibility Advisory Committee is done by the City of Kitchener
For additional information, please contact the Regional Clerk's office.
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