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.   

Council approves plan to enhance library services for residents 

Council has approved enhancements to Region of Waterloo libraries to better serve the community. The 2026-2029 Library Service Delivery Plan includes adjusting branch hours to meet community needs, developing outreach services, improving the website, and digitizing local history collections. The plan focuses on welcoming spaces, service excellence, diverse collections, dynamic programs, and evolving technology. A recent survey showed 89 per cent of respondents are satisfied with the Region’s libraries.  

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Vision sets path for sustainable, innovative growth of paramedic care 

Council has approved a comprehensive, ten-year Paramedic Services Master Plan. With significant changes in the health care system and increasing demand from a growing and aging population, the new plan will guide investments in Paramedic Services from 2026 to 2035. It aims to ensure efficient and cost-effective operations in response to an expected 60 per cent increase in 911 call demand by 2035. Key recommendations include enhancements and expansions of facilities, the workforce, programs and services, alongside a comprehensive clinical care strategy, new digital strategy and leveraging technological advancements. The plan’s recommendations will be considered annually as part of the Region’s budget process to ensure they align with financial and sustainability objectives. For 2026 and 2027, the new plan recommends fewer resources than the existing plan, easing financial pressures on the tax levy.   

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Council approves funding for Oktoberfest and Scottish festival 

Council has approved additional funding to help the annual KW Oktoberfest and Cambridge Scottish Festival continue to operate. The $23,900 in grants are part of the Cultural Drivers of Tourism Incentive Program. This year, the Region allocated a total of $273,900 to 22 cultural organizations and festivals that met the grant program requirements. Each municipality and township are represented, enriching the cultural offerings throughout the region. 

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YKF planning for needs of travellers, aviation, and aerospace sectors 

Council received a proposed growth plan for the Region of Waterloo International Airport that aims to ensure YKF meets the future needs of travellers, the aviation sector, and the aerospace industry. The initial Airport Growth Plan, which was last updated in 2017, led to significant upgrades in infrastructure and service. The refreshed plan identifies new opportunities for growth, partnership and sustainability at YKF. Residents can weigh in at www.engagewr.ca/ykf-growth-plan. The plan will return to Council in early 2026 for approval. 

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Evaluation shows light rail provides greatest economic benefit  

Council received the results of the initial business case for the second phase of rapid transit, and the results show light rail from downtown Cambridge to Fairway Station has the greatest economic benefit, while bus rapid transit has a lower cost. The public are encouraged to weigh in on the options at www.engageWR.ca/stage2ion. Staff will bring recommendations to Council in November. 

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Update on Region’s steps to advance Truth and Reconciliation 

An update to Council shows steps the Region is taking to advance Truth and Reconciliation, enhance community belonging and wellbeing, and address systemic barriers impacting First Nations, Inuit, and Métis peoples. Ongoing actions include:

• Creating a new outdoor Indigenous space and public natural area near the Region of Waterloo International Airport that the Region will co-steward with Indigenous partners. The area includes 18 Indigenous archaeological sites where cultural belongings recovered indicate it has been inhabited for at least 10,000 years;

• Culturally safe programs and services, including Indigenous led child care that reflects traditional culture, knowledge, and wisdom;

• Affordable housing supports and rent supplements for Indigenous individuals and families;

• Culturally informed harm reduction and healing services;

• Indigenous led healthy child development programs and collaborations with Indigenous led organizations and youth to address mental health and other needs;

• Providing dedicated spaces for Indigenous community groups and removing barriers to access public spaces for cultural and ceremonial use;

• Highlighting Indigenous arts and culture through Every Child Matters bus wraps featuring local Indigenous artwork, in partnership with the Reconciliation Action Partnership (RAP);

• Murals, art, and artifacts exhibits and displays, curated collections, programming, and events at Regional facilities;

• Working with RAP and area municipalities to explore how Sacred Fire spaces could be integrated across all parks in the Region;

• Providing Indigenous-focused education and training to municipal staff across Waterloo Region; and

• Sharing space with Crow Shield Lodge, an Indigenous education and healing centre, within Doon Heritage Village.