Administration and Finance

That the Consent Agenda items be received for information and approved. In Favor (12) D. Craig, J. Erb, S. Foxton, J. Gowing, C. Huinink, C. James, J. Liggett, J. Nowak, M. Rodrigues, N. Salonen, S. Shantz, and P. Wolf

THAT the Regional Municipality of Waterloo, on behalf of the Waterloo Region Education and Public Network (WREPNET) partners, renew its agreement with Rogers Communications Canada Inc. for the provisioning and supply of a dark fibre network within the Region for a five (5) year period beginning September 1, 2026, subject to final CPI reconciliation and the material terms summarized in this report, with such agreement to be satisfactory to the Commissioner of Corporate Services and Regional Solicitor, as outlined in Report COR-ITS-26-001 dated October 6, 2026.

THAT the Regional Municipality of Waterloo directs staff to review and update the Region’s Reserve and Reserve Fund Policy for consideration by the Administration & Finance Committee in Q2 2027, as outlined in report COR-CFN-26-021 dated October 6, 2026. In Favor (12) D. Craig, J. Erb, S. Foxton, J. Gowing, C. Huinink, C. James, J. Liggett, J. Nowak, M. Rodrigues, N. Salonen, S. Shantz, and P. Wolf

WHEREAS the Region of Waterloo's Cultural Drivers of Tourism program provides funding from the Municipal Accommodation Tax (MAT) Reserve to support arts, cultural, and heritage organizations that attract visitors to Waterloo Region; and WHEREAS hotels located throughout Waterloo Region generate the Municipal Accommodation Tax revenues that fund this program; and WHEREAS the 2026 funding allocations resulted in Cambridge-based organizations receiving approximately $3,000 of the $250,000 available through the program, despite Cambridge being home to a significant number of accommodation providers contributing to the MAT Reserve; WHEREAS a sustainable cultural tourism strategy should recognize both visitor attraction outcomes and the contribution of municipalities that generate the revenues supporting the program; THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED THAT Regional Council direct staff to review the Cultural Drivers of Tourism funding formula and eligibility criteria to determine whether amendments are warranted to ensure a more equitable geographic distribution of funding across the Region's municipalities; and BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED THAT the review include consideration of: 1. The relationship between Municipal Accommodation Tax revenue generation and funding allocations; 2. Mechanisms to ensure all municipalities receive fair consideration under the program; 3. The long-term impact of current allocation practices on cultural development and tourism growth in municipalities receiving minim

WHEREAS the late Kari Williams served the residents of Waterloo Region with dedication, compassion, and a strong commitment to community well-being; and WHEREAS Kari Williams was a passionate supporter of the Stanley Park Eats program, which provides meals and support to community members in need; and WHEREAS the Stanley Park Community Association is leading a community mural project on the Stanley Park Eats serving hut; and WHEREAS the mural has been inspired by Kari Williams' commitment to addressing food insecurity and supporting the Stanley Park community; and WHEREAS the project has received funding through a $6,500 LoveMyHood grant from the City of Kitchener and contributions from the Stanley Park Community Association, and community fundraising efforts; and WHEREAS community art projects help create vibrant public spaces and strengthen neighbourhood pride; THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that Regional Council approve a one-time grant of $2,000 from the Municipal Accommodation Tax Reserve Public Art Reserve Fund to the Stanley Park Community Association to support the Stanley Park Eats mural project; and BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that Regional Council recognizes the lasting contributions of Kari Williams to the Stanley Park community and Waterloo Region; and BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Commissioner of Corporate Services be authorized to take all necessary administrative actions to implement this resolution. In Favor (13) D. Craig, J. Erb, S. Foxton, J. Gowing, C. Huinink, C.

That a closed meeting of Special Council, the Administration and Finance, and Sustainability, Infrastructure, and Development Committees be held on October 6th at approximately 11:30 a.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 information regarding employee negotiations related to CUPE Local 1883. 2. Discussion regarding employee negotiations related to ONA Local 15; 3. Receiving advice that is subject to solicitor-client privilege related to a proposed acquisition of lands in the City of Cambridge; 4. Receiving advice that is subject to solicitor-client privilege related to Regional forest management negotiations; 5. Receiving advice that is subject to solicitor-client privilege related to a proposed acquisition of lands in the Township of Woolwich. In Favor (13) D. Craig, J. Erb, S. Foxton, J. Gowing, C. Huinink, C. James, J. Liggett, D. McCabe, J. Nowak, M. Rodrigues, N. Salonen, S. Shantz, and P. Wolf