Making Decisions That Matter - May 20, 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.
Doon Heritage Village re-opens with free celebration
Doon Heritage Village is set to reopen with a free grand reopening event on Wednesday, July 1, 2026. The “Back to the Village” event will feature returning favourites like costumed interpreters, farm animals, and historic games, as well as music, food, and entertainment for everyone. While admission is free, visitors can make an optional donation. The newly-reopened Doon Heritage Village features improved accessibility, updated buildings, and expanded storytelling that reflects the rich and diverse history of the region.
New program helps homeowners improve home comfort and energy efficiency
Eligible homeowners can improve home comfort and energy efficiency through the Region of Waterloo’s new RetrofitWR Program. Launching in late May, the program includes a $450 administration fee that will be waived for households under a certain income threshold. To support the program launch, this fee will also be waived for the first 50 non-income-eligible households to participate.
RetrofitWR offers personalized guidance from an energy coach and low-interest loans that participants can repay directly through their electricity bill. To start, this new program will be offered to homeowners in Cambridge and North Dumfries, in partnership with GrandBridge Energy.
Cameras approved to support police investigations
The Region of Waterloo has agreed to allow new CCTV cameras on Region-owned utility poles to support Waterloo Regional Police Services investigations and enhance public safety. The cameras will have Automated License Plate Recognition capabilities to search for license plates of criminal interest. Waterloo Regional Police will be solely responsible for owning, installing, operating, and maintaining the cameras.
Resurfacing work for Ira Needles moves ahead
Road users will enjoy a smoother ride on Ira Needles Boulevard after 4.3 kilometres of the road are resurfaced between Yellow Birch Drive and West Hill Drive in Kitchener. Work is needed to keep this busy road safe and reliable after recent freeze-thaw cycles caused the asphalt surface to deteriorate. Ira Needles Boulevard was originally constructed in 2007 as a two-lane roadway, with two new lanes added in 2016. This $4.5 million project will be funded by the Transportation Capital Reserve.
Bridge repairs on Herrgott Road this summer
The Boomer Creek Bridge on Herrgott Road in Wellesley Township will be refreshed this summer, improving bridge safety and reliability. Work will begin in June 2026, including concrete and soffit repairs, a new railing system and drainage improvements. The work is expected to be completed by November 2026. Two-way traffic on Herrgott Road will be maintained at all times during construction.
Traffic and safety review for Cambridge roads
The Region will look at ways to improve traffic flow and road safety in parts of the City of Cambridge, including Blair Village, Fountain Street, Shantz Hill Road, Fountain Street, and the connections to King Street. The review will look at medium- and long-term solutions to address congestion and slower travel times on these routes. This work is part of the Region’s Integrated Mobility Plan, which is in the early stages and will shape Waterloo Region’s transportation network until 2051.
More childcare spaces coming to Waterloo Region
The Region of Waterloo has received $7.9 million to continue adding much-needed childcare spaces. This provincial funding will help create 1,492 new spots by the end of 2026, an increase of 221 from the Region’s earlier target. In total, the Region will have added 4,357 new spots through the Canada-Wide Early Learning and Child Care (CWELCC) program over the last several years. The Region is on track to meet its CWELCC growth target.
