Making Decisions That Matter - October 14, 2026
Investments help meet growing housing needs with more work ahead
Regional Council has endorsed a road map to help more people find affordable homes and rebuild their lives over the next 10 years. The 10-year Housing and Homelessness Plan is a coordinated, evidence-informed framework for action across the housing continuum that builds on the work Council has already approved.
It brings four divisional plans together under one shared direction, including the Plan to End Chronic Homelessness (PECH). A PECH update shared with Council last week shows that since 2025, investments and the work of many partners have prevented hundreds of people from experiencing homelessness, reduced time living unhoused, and helped more than one thousand people move into permanent homes.
View the news release for more details.
Supporting paramedic care with new ambulances, stretchers, and defibrillators
The Region is acquiring 20 new ambulances to support paramedics’ life-saving work. The new ambulances will replace older vehicles that are scheduled to be removed from service. Council approved the $6.6 million purchase now, so the new ambulances can arrive in 2028 after a two-year manufacturing process. The Region is also replacing paramedics’ battery-powered stretchers and defibrillators for a cost of approximately $3.6 million. The stretchers and defibrillators will arrive in 2027, giving paramedics reliable, modern equipment to continue serving the people of Waterloo Region.
Strengthening reserve funds to support community investment
Staff will review the Reserve and Reserve Fund Policy to ensure the Region of Waterloo has the proper funds available to invest in the community and remain fiscally resilient. Reserve funds are an important tool in long-term financial planning and sustainability. They help the Region respond to unexpected financial pressures and pay for essential repairs and upgrades so services and infrastructure remain reliable. Regional Council will decide on any policy changes in spring 2027.
Investing in culture across Waterloo Region
The Region of Waterloo is looking to strengthen its Cultural Drivers of Tourism program, which supports many arts, cultural, and heritage organizations that attract visitors to Waterloo Region. Staff will review the program to ensure that groups across the community fairly benefit from the available funding. Staff will review the funding formula and eligibility criteria and identify any adjustments that would benefit vibrancy and tourism growth in all the Region’s municipalities.
Memorial mural will honour Councillor Kari Williams
Regional Council has approved a $2,000 grant to the Stanley Park Community Association to support a mural that will recognize the lasting contributions of Regional Councillor Kari Williams. Cllr. Williams died from cancer in April 2025. She was a passionate supporter of the Stanley Park Eats program, which provides meals and support to community members in need. The new mural will be on the Stanley Park Eats serving hut. This memorial art project is also funded by a City of Kitchener grant and community donations.
Stronger traffic noise assessments
The Region of Waterloo will review how it assesses traffic noise, to ensure the right approach is used to plan projects that benefit this community. As traffic-noise modelling and assessment tools continue to evolve, Transportation Services staff will look at emerging methods used by other municipalities and organizations. Staff recommendations will come to Regional Council for a decision in 2027.
