Council Meeting

That a closed meeting of Council be held on February 21, 2024 at 5:00 p.m., 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 a local board. In Favor (14) J. Erb, J. Nowak, K. Redman, M. Harris, S. Shantz, S. Foxton, D. McCabe, J. Liggett, D. Craig, P. Wolf, C. James, R. Deutschmann, C. Huinink, and K. Williams

That Council reconvene into Open Session. In Favor (14) J. Erb, J. Nowak, K. Redman, M. Harris, S. Shantz, S. Foxton, D. McCabe, D. Craig, P. Wolf, C. James, R. Deutschmann, N. Salonen, C. Huinink, and K. Williams

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

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

That the Finance Reports items be received for information and approved. In Favor (15) J. Erb, J. Nowak, K. Redman, M. Harris, S. Shantz, S. Foxton, D. McCabe, J. Liggett, D. Craig, P. Wolf, C. James, R. Deutschmann, N. Salonen, C. Huinink, and K. Williams

That the Regional Municipality of Waterloo accept the tender of J-AAR Excavating Limited for T2023-151 - River Road/Bleams Road (Regional Road 56) Extension in the amount of $11,771,530.55 plus all applicable taxes as set out in report COR-TRY-24-006 dated February 21, 2024.

That the following recommendations from the Administration and Finance Committee be approved: 1. That the Regional Municipality of Waterloo approve the Terms of Reference for the annual Community Capacity Building Fund as set out in report COR CFN 24 002 dated February 6, 2024. 2. That the Regional Municipality of Waterloo take the following action with respect to the 2024 allocations under the Key Cultural Institutions grant program as outlined in COR-CFN-24-003 dated February 6, 2024: 1. Approve the 2024 allocation of $840,603 under the Key Cultural Institutions grant program as set out below: a. Kitchener Waterloo Art Gallery - $100,000; b. Canadian Clay and Glass Gallery - $93,587; c. Drayton Entertainment - $261,291; d. THEMUSEUM - $385,725; 2. Fund the additional costs (in excess of the 2024 Budget provision) of $493,450 from the Tax Stabilization Reserve in 2024; 3. Direct staff to include an incremental $493,450 in the Preliminary 2025 Base Budget funded from the property tax levy; and 4.Direct staff to review the KCI program and funding model with the area municipal working group in 2024, and provide an update to Regional Council in Q2 2024 so that there is clarity in advance of 2025 funding requests. In Favor (15) J. Erb, J. Nowak, K. Redman, M. Harris, S. Shantz, S. Foxton, D. McCabe, J. Liggett, D. Craig, P. Wolf, C. James, R. Deutschmann, N. Salonen, C. Huinink, and K. Williams

That the following recommendation from the Community and Health Services Committee be approved: That the Regional Municipality of Waterloo take the following action with respect to implementing the Canada-wide Early Learning and Child Care (CWELCC) directed growth plan, which prioritizes non-profit growth as outlined in report CSD-CHS-24-001 dated February 6, 2024: Direct staff to explore, where feasible and appropriate, the development of community-based non-profit child care spaces in Regionally owned land/buildings and surplus lands, Waterloo Region Housing redevelopments, and other emerging opportunities. Direct Children’s Services, Housing Services, and Economic Development staff to consult with area municipalities, school boards, universities and colleges, hospitals, other community partners and businesses to explore creating affordable spaces for community-based non-profit child care in under-utilized buildings and lands. In Favor (15) J. Erb, J. Nowak, K. Redman, M. Harris, S. Shantz, S. Foxton, D. McCabe, J. Liggett, D. Craig, P. Wolf, C. James, R. Deutschmann, N. Salonen, C. Huinink, and K. Williams

That the following recommendation from Closed Committee be approved: That the Regional Municipality of Waterloo approve the reappointments of the following Grand River Accessibility Advisory Committee (GRAAC) members for a second, four-year term, ending on December 31, 2028. Carrie Speers Paula Saunders Heather Clark-Harris In Favor (15) J. Erb, J. Nowak, K. Redman, M. Harris, S. Shantz, S. Foxton, D. McCabe, J. Liggett, D. Craig, P. Wolf, C. James, R. Deutschmann, N. Salonen, C. Huinink, and K. Williams

That the following recommendation from the Planning and Works Committee be approved: 1. That the Regional Municipality of Waterloo: a. Approve the recommended rehabilitation design concept for the West Montrose Covered Bridge in the Township of Woolwich, as described in Report EES-DCS-24-002, dated February 6, 2024. b. Direct staff to file the Notice of Completion for this Class Environmental Assessment Study and to place the Environmental Study Report on the public record for a period of 30 days. c. Direct staff to work with the Township of Woolwich for the necessary amendments to the Heritage Designation By-law 60-2007, for Township of Woolwich Council approval. In Favor (15) J. Erb, J. Nowak, K. Redman, M. Harris, S. Shantz, S. Foxton, D. McCabe, J. Liggett, D. Craig, P. Wolf, C. James, R. Deutschmann, N. Salonen, C. Huinink, and K. Williams

That the following recommendation from the Licensing and Hearings Committee be approved: That the Regional Municipality of Waterloo take the following action with respect to taxi fares and the disbursement of accessible taxi funds as outlined in report PDL-CAS-24-001 dated February 16, 2024: Amend the taxi fares in Bylaw 16-044, a Bylaw to Licence, Regulate and Govern Brokers, Owners and Drivers of Taxi Cabs, as follows: Increase the meter drop rate from $3.50 to $4.50; and Approve a new 5-year program to disburse accessibility funds collected by the Region as follows: Increase to Taxi Scrip program funds from $40,000/year to $55,000/year; Increase funds for the Vehicle Conversion Project from $10,000 per vehicle to $40,000 over 5 years to support the purchase of new vehicles; and Increase Fare Subsidy program support from $2.00/trip to $5.00/trip. In Favor (16) B. Vrbanovic, J. Erb, J. Nowak, K. Redman, M. Harris, S. Shantz, S. Foxton, D. McCabe, J. Liggett, D. Craig, P. Wolf, C. James, R. Deutschmann, N. Salonen, C. Huinink, and K. Williams

That the following recommendation from Closed Council be approved: 1. That the Regional Municipality of Waterloo, as a result of incidents of bullying and harassment of Regional staff and governance concerns related to the Region of Waterloo Arts Fund’s administration, temporarily pause funding and administrative support to the Region of Waterloo Arts Fund pending the results of a third party expert review to be commissioned at the earliest possible date. In Favor (16) B. Vrbanovic, J. Erb, J. Nowak, K. Redman, M. Harris, S. Shantz, S. Foxton, D. McCabe, J. Liggett, D. Craig, P. Wolf, C. James, R. Deutschmann, N. Salonen, C. Huinink, and K. Williams

That the Regional Municipality of Waterloo extend the 2023-2024 Every Child Matters bus mural to run through to September 29, 2024, as described in report TSD-TRS-24-004, dated February 21, 2024. In Favor (16) B. Vrbanovic, J. Erb, J. Nowak, K. Redman, M. Harris, S. Shantz, S. Foxton, D. McCabe, J. Liggett, D. Craig, P. Wolf, C. James, R. Deutschmann, N. Salonen, C. Huinink, and K. Williams

That Committee of the Whole rise and Council resume. In Favor (16) B. Vrbanovic, J. Erb, J. Nowak, K. Redman, M. Harris, S. Shantz, S. Foxton, D. McCabe, J. Liggett, D. Craig, P. Wolf, C. James, R. Deutschmann, N. Salonen, C. Huinink, and K. Williams

That Council adopt the proceedings of Committee of the Whole. In Favor (16) B. Vrbanovic, J. Erb, J. Nowak, K. Redman, M. Harris, S. Shantz, S. Foxton, D. McCabe, J. Liggett, D. Craig, P. Wolf, C. James, R. Deutschmann, N. Salonen, C. Huinink, and K. Williams

That the following by-laws be approved. In Favor (16) B. Vrbanovic, J. Erb, J. Nowak, K. Redman, M. Harris, S. Shantz, S. Foxton, D. McCabe, J. Liggett, D. Craig, P. Wolf, C. James, R. Deutschmann, N. Salonen, C. Huinink, and K. Williams

That a By-law to Confirm the Proceedings of the Council of the Regional Municipality of Waterloo at this Meeting Held on February 21, 2024 be read a first, second and third time, finally passed and numbered 24-005, be signed by the Regional Chair and Regional Clerk and sealed with the Regional Seal.

That the meeting adjourn at 7:41 p.m. In Favor (16) B. Vrbanovic, J. Erb, J. Nowak, K. Redman, M. Harris, S. Shantz, S. Foxton, D. McCabe, J. Liggett, D. Craig, P. Wolf, C. James, R. Deutschmann, N. Salonen, C. Huinink, and K. Williams

That a closed meeting of Council be held on February 21, 2024 at 5:00 p.m., 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 a local board. In Favor (14): K. Redman, D. Craig, R. Deutschmann, J. Erb, S. Foxton, M. Harris, C. Huinink, C. James, J. Liggett, D. McCabe, J. Nowak, S. Shantz, K. Williams, and P. Wolf

That Council reconvene into Open Session. In Favor (14): K. Redman, D. Craig, R. Deutschmann, J. Erb, S. Foxton, M. Harris, C. Huinink, C. James, D. McCabe, J. Nowak, N. Salonen, S. Shantz, K. Williams, and P. Wolf

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

That the Finance Reports items be received for information and approved. In Favor (15): K. Redman, D. Craig, R. Deutschmann, J. Erb, S. Foxton, M. Harris, C. Huinink, C. James, J. Liggett, D. McCabe, J. Nowak, N. Salonen, S. Shantz, K. Williams, and P. Wolf

That the following recommendation from Closed Committee be approved: 1. That the Regional Municipality of Waterloo approve the reappointments of the following Grand River Accessibility Advisory Committee (GRAAC) members for a second, four- year term, ending on December 31, 2028. a. Carrie Speers b. Paula Saunders c. Heather Clark-Harris In Favor (15): K. Redman, D. Craig, R. Deutschmann, J. Erb, S. Foxton, M. Harris, C. Huinink, C. James, J. Liggett, D. McCabe, J. Nowak, N. Salonen, S. Shantz, K. Williams, and P. Wolf

That the following recommendation from the Licensing and Hearings Committee be approved: 1. That the Regional Municipality of Waterloo take the following action with respect to taxi fares and the disbursement of accessible taxi funds as outlined in report PDL-CAS-24-001 dated February 16, 2024: 1. Amend the taxi fares in Bylaw 16-044, a Bylaw to Licence, Regulate and Govern Brokers, Owners and Drivers of Taxi Cabs, as follows: Increase the meter drop rate from $3.50 to $4.50; and 2. Approve a new 5-year program to disburse accessibility funds collected by the Region as follows: a. Increase to Taxi Scrip program funds from $40,000/year to $55,000/year; b. Increase funds for the Vehicle Conversion Project from $10,000 per vehicle to $40,000 over 5 years to support the purchase of new vehicles; and c. Increase Fare Subsidy program support from $2.00/trip to $5.00/trip. In Favor (16): K. Redman, D. Craig, R. Deutschmann, J. Erb, S. Foxton, M. Harris, C. Huinink, C. James, J. Liggett, D. McCabe, J. Nowak, N. Salonen, S. Shantz, B. Vrbanovic, K. Williams, and P. Wolf

2. That the Regional Municipality of Waterloo, in order to continue support for artists and arts organizations this year, enter into a temporary agreement with the Waterloo Region Community Foundation to collect, review and administer grant applications for 2024 as part of the Foundation’s annual Arts Grant Fund, with the Region providing funding to the recommended organizations and artists. 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, K. Williams, and P. Wolf Opposed (1): R. Deutschmann Conflict (1): C. James

That the Regional Municipality of Waterloo extend the 2023-2024 Every Child Matters bus mural to run through to September 29, 2024, as described in report TSD-TRS-24-004, dated February 21, 2024. In Favor (16): K. Redman, D. Craig, R. Deutschmann, J. Erb, S. Foxton, M. Harris, C. Huinink, C. James, J. Liggett, D. McCabe, J. Nowak, N. Salonen, S. Shantz, B. Vrbanovic, K. Williams, and P. Wolf

That Committee of the Whole rise and Council resume. In Favor (16): K. Redman, D. Craig, R. Deutschmann, J. Erb, S. Foxton, M. Harris, C. Huinink, C. James, J. Liggett, D. McCabe, J. Nowak, N. Salonen, S. Shantz, B. Vrbanovic, K. Williams, and P. Wolf

That Council adopt the proceedings of Committee of the Whole. In Favor (16): K. Redman, D. Craig, R. Deutschmann, J. Erb, S. Foxton, M. Harris, C. Huinink, C. James, J. Liggett, D. McCabe, J. Nowak, N. Salonen, S. Shantz, B. Vrbanovic, K. Williams, and P. Wolf

That the following by-laws be approved. In Favor (16): K. Redman, D. Craig, R. Deutschmann, J. Erb, S. Foxton, M. Harris, C. Huinink, C. James, J. Liggett, D. McCabe, J. Nowak, N. Salonen, S. Shantz, B. Vrbanovic, K. Williams, and P. Wolf

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 (No Parking, Rates of Speed, Community Safety Zones, Reserved Lanes and School Zones) be read a first, second and third time, finally passed and numbered 24-003, be signed by the Regional Chair and Regional Clerk and sealed with the Regional Seal.

That a By-law to appoint an Interim Deputy Treasurer be read a first, second and third time, finally passed and numbered 24-004, be signed by the Regional Chair and Regional Clerk and sealed with the Regional Seal.

That the meeting adjourn at 7:41 p.m. In Favor (16): K. Redman, D. Craig, R. Deutschmann, J. Erb, S. Foxton, M. Harris, C. Huinink, C. James, J. Liggett, D. McCabe, J. Nowak, N. Salonen, S. Shantz, B. Vrbanovic, K. Williams, and P. Wolf