Council Meeting

That a closed meeting of the Council be held on August 27, 2025 at 5:35 p.m., in the Waterloo County Room, in accordance with Section 239 of the “Municipal Act, 2001”, for the purposes of considering the following subject matters: Receiving advice that is subject to solicitor-client privilege related to an identifiable individual; and *Receiving advice that is subject to solicitor-client privilege related to a labour relations matter. In Favor (13) J. Erb, J. Nowak, K. Redman, M. Harris, S. Shantz, S. Foxton, J. Liggett, D. Craig, P. Wolf, C. James, N. Salonen, C. Huinink, and J. Gowing

That Council reconvene into Open Session. In Favor (15) B. Vrbanovic, J. Erb, J. Nowak, K. Redman, M. Harris, S. Shantz, S. Foxton, D. McCabe, J. Liggett, D. Craig, P. Wolf, C. James, N. Salonen, C. Huinink, and J. Gowing

That the following minutes be approved. In Favor (15) B. Vrbanovic, J. Erb, J. Nowak, K. Redman, M. Harris, S. Shantz, S. Foxton, D. McCabe, J. Liggett, D. Craig, P. Wolf, C. James, N. Salonen, C. Huinink, and J. Gowing

That Council go into Committee of the Whole to consider reports. In Favor (15) B. Vrbanovic, J. Erb, J. Nowak, K. Redman, M. Harris, S. Shantz, S. Foxton, D. McCabe, J. Liggett, D. Craig, P. Wolf, C. James, N. Salonen, C. Huinink, and J. Gowing

That the Regional Municipality of Waterloo take the following action with respect to T2025-175 GRT Conestoga - Steel Column Rehabilitation as set out in report COR-TRY-25-025 dated August 27, 2025: Accept the tender of Brick & Co. Restorations Ltd. for T2025-175 GRT Conestoga - Steel Column Rehabilitation in the amount of $156,750.00 plus all applicable taxes; and Amend the 2025–2034 Transit Services Capital Plan as set out in Appendix A by increasing the budget for Project #73023 by $53,200 and decreasing the budget for Project #73021 by the same amount. The net impact to the overall capital plan is zero . In Favor (15) B. Vrbanovic, J. Erb, J. Nowak, K. Redman, M. Harris, S. Shantz, S. Foxton, D. McCabe, J. Liggett, D. Craig, P. Wolf, C. James, N. Salonen, C. Huinink, and J. Gowing

That the Regional Municipality of Waterloo support the minor restructuring proposal; the annexation of certain lands by the City of Cambridge from the Township of North Dumfries involving those lands as shown on Appendices B, C and D, as described in Report PDL-GDS-25-011 as dated August 12, 2025. That the Regional Municipality of Waterloo (the “Region”) pass a by-law to permanently close a portion of Regional Road No. 42 (George Street North), in the City of Cambridge, legally described as Part of Subdivision Lot 3, Concession 12, West of the Grand River, being Part 1 on 58R-21918; City of Cambridge (being part of PIN 03774-0022 (LT)), and Part of Subdivision Lot 3, Concession 12, West of the Grand River, being Part 2 on 58R-21918; City of Cambridge (being part of PIN 02662-0614 (LT)) (the “Lands”); That the Regional Solicitor be directed to register notice of such by-law on title to the Lands, as outlined in report PDL-LEG-25-028, dated August 12, 2025; and That the Region pass a by-law to amend Road Consolidation By-law No. 01-059 (Regional Road System) to remove the Property from the Regional Road System. That the Regional Municipality of Waterloo amend the Traffic and Parking By-law to allow the use of administrative penalties for parking on Regional roads in the Township of Woolwich, pursuant to report PDL-LEG-25-027, dated August 12, 2025. WHEREAS the multi-year, multi-phase construction of the Kitchener Central Transit Hub (KCTH) and GO Expansion works may have impact

WHEREAS ensuring the safety of all road users, including pedestrians, cyclists, and drivers, is a key priority for the Region of Waterloo; AND WHEREAS right turns on red lights can pose significant risks, particularly at major intersections with high volumes of traffic and documented collision histories; AND WHEREAS 89% of pedestrian collisions occur at signalized intersections, 56% of pedestrians struck by vehicles had the right of way, and 1 in 3 pedestrian collisions are caused by a turning vehicle; AND WHEREAS 74% of cycling collisions occur at intersections; AND WHEREAS intersections along regional arterial roads have experienced a number of vehicle and pedestrian-related incidents; THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED THAT Regional Council direct staff to report back on the feasibility, potential financial impacts, and implementation considerations of: Prohibiting right turns on red at key intersections along regional arterial roads with a documented history of high collision rates involving vehicles and/or pedestrians; and Introducing advanced pedestrian crossing signals (such as Leading Pedestrian Intervals) at those same intersections, which would allow pedestrians to begin crossing before vehicles receive a green light or turn signal; AND THAT the report include an analysis of collision data, potential safety benefits, impacts on traffic flow, operational and infrastructure considerations, consultation with area municipalities, and any best practices from comparable municipalit

Closed Committee recommends as follows: That the Regional Municipality of Waterloo take the following actions to support a proposed affordable housing development in the Township of Wilmot, as outlined in report CSD-HOU-25-007, dated August 12, 2025: Authorize the Commissioner, Community Services to issue a Conditional Commitment Letter to transfer the Property to LYNC, valid for 12 months with the option to extend a further 12 months regarding the conveyance of the Property, in a form satisfactory to the Regional Solicitor. AND That the Regional Municipality of Waterloo lease 34 Peel Street, New Hamburg (the “Property”) to Love Your Neighbourhood Communities, a non-profit organization, on a net basis for $1.00 per year base rent plus taxes and utilities thereon, and on the terms and conditions set out in the lease agreement. AND That the Commissioner, Engineering and Environmental Services be authorized to execute the said lease agreement, and any related documents necessary to implement this lease, subject to the approval of the Regional Solicitor. In Favor (14) B. Vrbanovic, J. Erb, J. Nowak, K. Redman, M. Harris, S. Shantz, S. Foxton, D. McCabe, J. Liggett, D. Craig, P. Wolf, N. Salonen, C. Huinink, and J. Gowing Conflict (1) C. James

4. Whereas municipalities across Ontario are increasingly adopting Automated Speed Enforcement (ASE) programs as a proven tool to improve road safety, particularly in school zones and community safety zones; Whereas reducing vehicle speeds helps creates calmer, safer neighbourhoods that encourage people to use active forms of transportation and to be active in their communities; Whereas the Region of Waterloo has operated an ASE program since 2021 in partnership with local area municipalities, working closely with the Ontario Traffic Council to adopt and promote best practices; Whereas the Region of Waterloo’s Strategic Plan “Growing with Care” highlights Climate Aligned Growth, calling for the development of complete streets and expanded alternative transportation networks that reduce reliance on cars. The Plan also emphasizes Equitable Services and Opportunities by prioritizing inclusive, accessible services that support community health, safety, and complete communities. The ASE program directly supports these goals by calming traffic, protecting vulnerable road users, and enabling active transportation; Whereas the current legislative and regulatory framework, enabled by the Highway Traffic Act, allows municipalities to operate ASE programs and to independently determine key elements of program delivery; Whereas the Region continues to hear from the community both the need for stronger traffic calming in neighbourhoods and the need for transparency and clarity around ASE

Community and Health Services Committee recommends as follows: That the Regional Municipality of Waterloo take the following action as set out in report CSD-CHS-25-003 dated August 12, 2025: That the Commissioner of Corporate Services/Chief Financial Officer be authorized to issue up to $4.4M of debentures to invest in purchasing up to two 88 space modular child care centres to be repaid with a nominal return on investment through a long-term affordable lease rate with not-for-profit child care operators. That the Commissioner of Engineering and Environmental Services be authorized to enter into affordable lease agreements with not-for-profit child care operators identified through an application process supported by Procurement, with terms and conditions satisfactory to the Regional Solicitor; and That the Commissioner of Community Services be authorized to execute a lease agreement with Waterloo Region District School Board to prepare the land for modular child care, with terms and conditions satisfactory to the Regional Solicitor. In Favor (15) B. Vrbanovic, J. Erb, J. Nowak, K. Redman, M. Harris, S. Shantz, S. Foxton, D. McCabe, J. Liggett, D. Craig, P. Wolf, C. James, N. Salonen, C. Huinink, and J. Gowing

That the Regional Municipality of Waterloo adopt the 2026 Council and Committee Meeting Calendar attached to Report PDL-CAS-25-010 as Appendix “A” dated June 25, 2025. In Favor (14) B. Vrbanovic, J. Erb, J. Nowak, K. Redman, M. Harris, S. Shantz, S. Foxton, D. McCabe, D. Craig, P. Wolf, C. James, N. Salonen, C. Huinink, and J. Gowing Opposed (1) J. Liggett

That Committee of the Whole rise and Council resume. In Favor (15) B. Vrbanovic, J. Erb, J. Nowak, K. Redman, M. Harris, S. Shantz, S. Foxton, D. McCabe, J. Liggett, D. Craig, P. Wolf, C. James, N. Salonen, C. Huinink, and J. Gowing

That Council adopt the proceedings of Committee of the Whole. In Favor (15) B. Vrbanovic, J. Erb, J. Nowak, K. Redman, M. Harris, S. Shantz, S. Foxton, D. McCabe, J. Liggett, D. Craig, P. Wolf, C. James, N. Salonen, C. Huinink, and J. Gowing

AMENDMENT WHEREAS Waterloo Region is quickly growing to a community of one-million people; WHEREAS the Waterloo Region Health Network (WRHN) is working with all partners to establish a new acute care hospital situated at Bearinger Drive in the City of Waterloo in combination with the renewal and expansion of existing facilities situated within the City of Kitchener and; WHEREAS Cambridge Memorial Hospital will also have future expansion projects to support the additional health care demands attributed to growth; WHEREAS Region of Waterloo Council is working diligently to balance the critical needs of our growing community and future affordability; WHEREAS The Local Share Plan, public engagement framework, and the impacts of the two hospitals on Regional services have yet to be identified with the WRHN or future requirements associated with Cambridge Memorial Hospital; THEREFORE IT BE RESOLVED THAT staff work with WRHN and Cambridge Memorial Hospital and report back on the impacts of the new hospital and the future expansion at Cambridge Memorial Hospital on the region, and inform on lifecycle benefits and costs to the Region, including impacts on key services such as paramedics, public health, transit and water; THAT staff develop a funding and contribution policy framework to guide Regional Council's decision-making process for the funding of the new WRHN hospital and rehabilitation / expansion of existing facilities and, future requests for hospital expansions proposed for

WHEREAS Waterloo Region is quickly growing to a community of one-million people; WHEREAS the Waterloo Region Health Network (WRHN) is working with all partners to establish a new acute care hospital situated at Bearinger Drive in the City of Waterloo in combination with the renewal and expansion of existing facilities situated within the City of Kitchener and; WHEREAS Cambridge Memorial Hospital will also have future expansion projects to support the additional health care demands attributed to growth; WHEREAS Region of Waterloo Council is working diligently to balance the critical needs of our growing community and future affordability; WHEREAS The Local Share Plan, public engagement framework, and the impacts of the two hospitals on Regional services have yet to be identified with the WRHN or future requirements associated with Cambridge Memorial Hospital; THEREFORE IT BE RESOLVED THAT staff work with WRHN and Cambridge Memorial Hospital and report back on the impacts of the new hospital and the future expansion at Cambridge Memorial Hospital on the region, and inform on lifecycle benefits and costs to the Region, including impacts on key services such as paramedics, public health, transit and water; THAT staff develop a funding and contribution policy framework to guide Regional Council's decision-making process for the funding of the new WRHN hospital and rehabilitation / expansion of existing facilities and, future requests for hospital expansions proposed for Cambridge

That the following by-laws be approved. In Favor (15) B. Vrbanovic, J. Erb, J. Nowak, K. Redman, M. Harris, S. Shantz, S. Foxton, D. McCabe, J. Liggett, D. Craig, P. Wolf, C. James, N. Salonen, C. Huinink, and J. Gowing

That a By-law to Amend By-law 16-023, as amended, being a By-law to Regulate Traffic and Parking on Highways Under the Jurisdiction of the Regional Municipality of Waterloo (Pedestrian Crossover, Prohibited Movement, and Lane Designation), be read a first, second and third time, finally passed and numbered 25-036, be signed by the Regional Chair and Regional Clerk and sealed with the Regional Seal.

That a By-law to Amend By-law 16-023, as amended, being a By-law to Regulate Traffic and Parking on Highways Under the Jurisdiction of the Regional Municipality of Waterloo (Establish a System of Administrative Penalties), be read a first, second and third time, finally passed and numbered 25-037, be signed by the Regional Chair and Regional Clerk and sealed with the Regional Seal.

That a By‑law to Provide for an Acting Chair when the Chair is Absent from the Municipality, and to Repeal By‑law 25-020, be read a first, second and third time, finally passed and numbered 25-038, be signed by the Regional Chair and Regional Clerk and sealed with the Regional Seal.

That a By-law to Amend By-law 01-059, a By-law to Consolidate all By-laws with Respect to Roads Included in the Regional Road System, as amended (Bleams Road) and repeal amending by-law 25-024, be read a first, second and third time, finally passed and numbered 25-039, be signed by the Regional Chair and Regional Clerk and sealed with the Regional Seal.

That a By-law to Permanently Close a Non-Travelled Part of George Street North (Regional Road 42), City of Cambridge and to Amend By-Law 01-059, as amended, be read a first, second and third time, finally passed and numbered 25-040, be signed by the Regional Chair and Regional Clerk and sealed with the Regional Seal.

That a By-law to Confirm the Proceedings of the Council of the Regional Municipality of Waterloo at this Meeting Held on August 27, 2025 be read a first, second and third time, finally passed and numbered 25-041, be signed by the Regional Chair and Regional Clerk and sealed with the Regional Seal.

That the meeting adjourn at 8:50 p.m. In Favor (15) B. Vrbanovic, J. Erb, J. Nowak, K. Redman, M. Harris, S. Shantz, S. Foxton, D. McCabe, J. Liggett, D. Craig, P. Wolf, C. James, N. Salonen, C. Huinink, and J. Gowing

That a closed meeting of the Council be held on August 27, 2025 at 5:35 p.m., in the Waterloo County Room, in accordance with Section 239 of the “Municipal Act, 2001”, for the purposes of considering the following subject matters: 1. Receiving advice that is subject to solicitor-client privilege related to an identifiable individual; and 2. *Receiving advice that is subject to solicitor-client privilege related to a labour relations matter. In Favor (13): K. Redman, D. Craig, J. Erb, S. Foxton, M. Harris, C. Huinink, C. James, J. Liggett, J. Nowak, N. Salonen, S. Shantz, P. Wolf, and J. Gowing

That Council reconvene into Open Session. In Favor (15): K. Redman, D. Craig, J. Erb, S. Foxton, M. Harris, C. Huinink, C. James, J. Liggett, D. McCabe, J. Nowak, N. Salonen, S. Shantz, B. Vrbanovic, P. Wolf, and J. Gowing

That the following minutes be approved. In Favor (15): K. Redman, D. Craig, J. Erb, S. Foxton, M. Harris, C. Huinink, C. James, J. Liggett, D. McCabe, J. Nowak, N. Salonen, S. Shantz, B. Vrbanovic, P. Wolf, and J. Gowing

That Council go into Committee of the Whole to consider reports. In Favor (15): K. Redman, D. Craig, J. Erb, S. Foxton, M. Harris, C. Huinink, C. James, J. Liggett, D. McCabe, J. Nowak, N. Salonen, S. Shantz, B. Vrbanovic, P. Wolf, and J. Gowing

That the Regional Municipality of Waterloo take the following action with respect to T2025-175 GRT Conestoga - Steel Column Rehabilitation as set out in report COR-TRY-25-025 dated August 27, 2025: a. Accept the tender of Brick & Co. Restorations Ltd. for T2025-175 GRT Conestoga - Steel Column Rehabilitation in the amount of $156,750.00 plus all applicable taxes; and b. Amend the 2025–2034 Transit Services Capital Plan as set out in Appendix A by increasing the budget for Project #73023 by $53,200 and decreasing the budget for Project #73021 by the same amount. The net impact to the overall capital plan is zero. In Favor (15): K. Redman, D. Craig, J. Erb, S. Foxton, M. Harris, C. Huinink, C. James, J. Liggett, D. McCabe, J. Nowak, N. Salonen, S. Shantz, B. Vrbanovic, P. Wolf, and J. Gowing

1. WHEREAS ensuring the safety of all road users, including pedestrians, cyclists, and drivers, is a key priority for the Region of Waterloo;AND WHEREAS right turns on red lights can pose significant risks, particularly at major intersections with high volumes of traffic and documented collision histories;AND WHEREAS 89% of pedestrian collisions occur at signalized intersections, 56% of pedestrians struck by vehicles had the right of way, and 1 in 3 pedestrian collisions are caused by a turning vehicle;AND WHEREAS 74% of cycling collisions occur at intersections;AND WHEREAS intersections along regional arterial roads have experienced a number of vehicle and pedestrian-related incidents;THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED THAT Regional Council direct staff to report back on the feasibility, potential financial impacts, and implementation considerations of:Prohibiting right turns on red at key intersections along regional arterial roads with a documented history of high collision rates involving vehicles and/or pedestrians; andIntroducing advanced pedestrian crossing signals (such as Leading Pedestrian Intervals) at those same intersections, which would allow pedestrians to begin crossing before vehicles receive a green light or turn signal;AND THAT the report include an analysis of collision data, potential safety benefits, impacts on traffic flow, operational and infrastructure considerations, consultation with area municipalities, and any best practices from comparable municipalities;A

The Closed Committee recommends as follows: That the Regional Municipality of Waterloo take the following actions to support a proposed affordable housing development in the Township of Wilmot, as outlined in report CSD-HOU-25-007, dated August 12, 2025: a. Authorize the Commissioner, Community Services to issue a Conditional Commitment Letter to transfer the Property to LYNC, valid for 12 months with the option to extend a further 12 months regarding the conveyance of the Property, in a form satisfactory to the Regional Solicitor. AND That the Regional Municipality of Waterloo lease 34 Peel Street, New Hamburg (the “Property”) to Love Your Neighbourhood Communities, a non-profit organization, on a net basis for $1.00 per year base rent plus taxes and utilities thereon, and on the terms and conditions set out in the lease agreement. AND That the Commissioner, Engineering and Environmental Services be authorized to execute the said lease agreement, and any related documents necessary to implement this lease, subject to the approval of the Regional Solicitor. In Favor (14): K. Redman, D. Craig, J. Erb, S. Foxton, M. Harris, C. Huinink, J. Liggett, D. McCabe, J. Nowak, N. Salonen, S. Shantz, B. Vrbanovic, P. Wolf, and J. Gowing Conflict (1): C. James

The Administration and Finance Committee recommends as follows: 1. That the Regional Municipality of Waterloo direct staff to: 1. Enter into an agreement with the Township of Woolwich, without prejudice to future cost-sharing agreements, to fund up to $956,000 of the proposed culvert over the Randall Drain at Fountain Street, estimated at $1,533,317, 2. Enter into an agreement with the Township of Woolwich to fund $510,000 toward 50% of the design costs of the proposed sanitary trunk and watermain extending from Kossuth Road along Fountain Street through Jetliner Court to Menno Street, 3. Consider these contributions in lieu of local development charges for airside development at the airport and in lieu of connection charges for current airport operations accessing the sanitary trunk;as outlined in report PDL-GDS-25-010, dated August 12, 2025. 2. That the Regional Municipality of Waterloo authorize staff to use debentures up to a 30-year term for large-scale growth-related projects that have a longer life and future revenue cycle in future capital budgets as outlined in report COR-TRY-25-022, dated August 12, 2025. 3. WHEREAS democracy is healthy when everyone is able to participate fully and safely and contribute to the well-being of their community; AND WHEREAS we are witnessing the dissolution of democratic discourse and respectful debate across all levels of government and in neighbouring jurisdictions; AND WHEREAS Ontario’s municipally elected officials are dealing with

That Committee of the Whole rise and Council resume. In Favor (15): K. Redman, D. Craig, J. Erb, S. Foxton, M. Harris, C. Huinink, C. James, J. Liggett, D. McCabe, J. Nowak, N. Salonen, S. Shantz, B. Vrbanovic, P. Wolf, and J. Gowing

That Council adopt the proceedings of Committee of the Whole. In Favor (15): K. Redman, D. Craig, J. Erb, S. Foxton, M. Harris, C. Huinink, C. James, J. Liggett, D. McCabe, J. Nowak, N. Salonen, S. Shantz, B. Vrbanovic, P. Wolf, and J. Gowing

That the following by-laws be approved. In Favor (15): K. Redman, D. Craig, J. Erb, S. Foxton, M. Harris, C. Huinink, C. James, J. Liggett, D. McCabe, J. Nowak, N. Salonen, S. Shantz, B. Vrbanovic, P. Wolf, and J. Gowing

That the meeting adjourn at 8:50 p.m. In Favor (15): K. Redman, D. Craig, J. Erb, S. Foxton, M. Harris, C. Huinink, C. James, J. Liggett, D. McCabe, J. Nowak, N. Salonen, S. Shantz, B. Vrbanovic, P. Wolf, and J. Gowing