Published by the Region of Waterloo
Winter 2013
INSIDE Your tax dollars at work Developing the Region of Waterloo’s budget was an especially challenging task this year. Finding a balance between maintaining programs and services, and keeping costs down, is always difficult. In addition, lingering effects from the recession are reducing the Region’s revenue sources and driving up the need for many of our services. Provincial and federal governments have also reduced financial support for municipalities, including the Region of Waterloo. So, like many governments, we are challenged to meet growing demands for service, with few, if any increases in resources. Regional Council recently approved a 2013 tax rate increase of 1.01 per cent
for direct Regional programs and 1.73 per cent for Waterloo Regional Police. The 2013 budget maintains funding for many important services such as waste management, Regional children’s centres and public health programs. The budget also includes additional Regional funding for social services benefits (to offset the reduction in provincial funding), improved ambulance service and an overall increase in transit service. Understanding how your property tax dollars are spent is only part of the complete picture. Many Regional services like public health programs, child care and income support (Ontario Works) are partially funded by the provincial government. Water
and wastewater services are not funded by property taxes at all but by user rate charges (your water bill). Other services are paid for by a combination of taxes and fees/charges. The “infographic” on page 6 helps to explain what your property taxes support and how programs and services are paid for. This issue of Region News reflects the many ways our staff are working to provide you with high quality, responsive programs and services, while ensuring that citizens receive good value for their tax dollars. As always, the Region’s prudent spending and investment practices continue to play an important role in shaping this community today and in the years to come.
Waste audits reveal organics and recyclables still in garbage As part of the Waste Management Master Plan, we are evaluating the success of our current programs. One way to do this is through waste audits. By sorting the contents of randomly selected garbage bags, we can learn how successful our current green bin and blue box programs are, and where there is room for improvement. Audits done in the summer and fall of 2012 show that almost two-thirds of
the average bag of garbage could have gone into either the green bin or blue box. The average bag contains:
• 34 per cent garbage
resident used their blue box and green bin to the fullest, most of what we throw out would end up as new products or soil for farmers’ fields, not buried in the landfill. But to do that, each one of us must decide to green bin and recycle every day. Visit www.regionofwaterloo.ca/waste for tips on both.
The good news is that lots of recyclables and organics are being recycled and composted. If every
The next time you throw something out, ask yourself, “Have I BIN green today?”
• 14 per cent recyclables (mainly paper and plastic containers) • 52 per cent organics (mainly kitchen scraps and pet waste)
14 per cent recyclables (mainly paper and plastic containers) 䊳 52 per cent organics (mainly kitchen scraps and pet waste) 䊳 34 per cent garbage
Moving forward
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The Region of Waterloo’s Comprehensive Approach to Poverty Reduction We are all part of the puzzle – we all have a piece to play.
Comprehensive approach to poverty reduction PAGE 2
iXpress routes
PAGE 3
Region of Waterloo 2013 Budget PAGE 6
Public Health Resource Centre PAGE 6
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Waterloo Region Museum 2013 schedule PAGE 7
Accessibility matters PAGE 8
Comments or questions? Region of Waterloo Customer Service: regionalinquiries @regionofwaterloo.ca Tel: 519-575-4400 TTY: 519-575-4608
www.regionofwaterloo.ca
Rapid transit project moving forward It’s the start of a new year and 2013 is shaping up to be a busy and exciting time for Rapid Transit.
Finding a consortium Since the close of the Request for Qualification in November 2012, a team of evaluators has been reviewing and assessing the consortium bids for Stage 1 of the Region’s Light Rail Transit Project. Following these evaluations, staff will short-list the bids to three for Regional Council’s approval. The Region’s next step will be to issue the Request for Proposal to the three short-listed consortiums. During this stage, the consortiums will have until fall 2013 to prepare their proposals for staff to evaluate and review. In early 2014, Regional Council will make the final decision regarding the
successful consortium.
Construction of adapted bus rapid transit The first step in bringing rapid transit to the region will be construction of the adapted bus rapid transit (aBRT). aBRT consists of a 17 km route with six station stops between Fairview Park Mall in Kitchener to the Ainslie Street Terminal in Cambridge. Features of aBRT include queue jumping, bus by-pass shoulders, signal priority and designated station stops which will be built starting in 2013 until its launch in late fall 2014. In the coming year, further rapid transit milestones and benchmarks will be met. Providing a high quality transit system, on-time and on-budget is the core of our commitment to this community and the
Taking a comprehensive approach to poverty reduction Waterloo Region is a great place to work, live and raise a family, but poverty is an issue in our community. Regional government plays an important role in assisting individuals and families coping with and transitioning out of poverty. To enhance our impact on poverty reduction and to maximize the use of existing resources, the Region is developing a corporate-wide Comprehensive Approach to Poverty Reduction. This approach will enable all Regional departments to work together to accomplish a shared vision, values, guiding principles, and actions designed to address six priority areas. The six priority areas shown at right were identified through a planning process over the past year.
Ignite Passion for a Poverty Free Region
Build Bridges
Take a Person Centred Approach
Change Attitudes and Actions Together
Make Big Ideas Happen
Level the Playing Field
In addition to working collaboratively across Regional departments to address poverty, the Region is also continuing to work with its community and government partners to align poverty reduction efforts. For more information about the Region of Waterloo’s Comprehensive Approach to Poverty Reduction, go to www.regionofwaterloo.ca/socialservices and search “poverty”.
project. For more information about the project, visit our website at www.regionofwaterloo.ca/rapidtransit.
Definitions Bus by-pass shoulders - a designated lane for buses to pass slow highway traffic Queue jumping - a lane enabling buses to merge ahead of stopped vehicular traffic at signalized intersections Signal priority - sensors that will adjust traffic light timing to help buses remain on time Consortium - a team of contractors working together to design, build, finance, operate and maintain the light rail transit system.
Helping Ontario Works participants increase their education In today’s job market, education is increasingly important. Fifty per cent of individuals accessing Ontario Works have less than a Grade 12 education and eight per cent have less than Grade 9. In cooperation with Conestoga College, the Region’s Employment and Income Support division offers classes for Ontario Works participants to prepare them to write the General Educational Development Test (GED) – an international testing program for adults unable to complete high school. Students receive an individualized learning program to prepare them for success in the GED test. Those who pass receive a high school equivalency certificate at a special graduation ceremony. Of the 72 Ontario Works participants who have been part of the program, 62 (or 86 per cent) have passed. This makes a huge difference in their lives as they make plans for employment or further education and training.
Region of Waterloo partners with townships to improve employment resources The Region of Waterloo has partnered with Woolwich Community Services to enhance some of their electronic employment resources and jobseeking tools available to local community members at their Elmira location. The enhanced tools include: • One central page with multiple links to career planning and job search websites • Resume and career planning software • Opportunities to reach Regional staff by phone to provide help with resume creation, job searching, and other employment-related support Similar services are planned over the next year at the Wilmot Family Resource Centre in New Hamburg, Community Support Services of Ayr and North Dumfries, and Wellesley Township Community Health Centre.
www.regionofwaterloo.ca
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GRT’s iXpress routes work to connect a growing region By the end of 2017, it is our hope to have five iXpress routes up and running, helping to link and support the LRT and aBRT systems. As GRT’s iXpress routes continue to expand to meet the needs of our growing region, we hope to see you on board.
Grand River Transit’s iXpress ridership grew significantly in 2012. In the first nine months of last year, the first iXpress, route 200, saw a nearly 22 per cent increase compared to the same period in 2011. The 201 iXpress, which launched in September 2011, has shown similar growth in its first two years in service. The express route network was designed to feed into the Region’s future light rail transit (LRT) and adapted bus rapid transit (aBRT) systems, providing seamless connections for riders. iXpress routes serve major corridors, eventually connecting LRT and aBRT with a redesigned transit grid. This redesigned transit grid will improve overall transit service in our region including frequency, service coverage and directness of travel. Subject to Regional Council budget approval, more iXpress routes will be added through 2017 to better serve our growing region. Among the new routes
are the 202 iXpress travelling along University in 2013, the 203 iXpress travelling along Victoria St. N and Highland Road West in 2015, and the 204 iXpress travelling along Ottawa Street and 205 iXpress connecting Hespeler, Maple Grove Road, Conestoga College and Fairview Park Mall in 2017.
King/Victoria Transit Hub – Connecting public transportation Plans are well underway for Waterloo Region’s first Transit Hub. Located at the corner of King and Victoria Streets in Kitchener, the Hub aims to be a landmark development that connects people travelling by foot, bike, Grand River Transit, future light rail transit, inter-city buses, car, taxi, and both GO and Via Rail. The property will also be used for major new development in the coming years. The Region of Waterloo has purchased the Transit Hub property and planning for the site is underway. In 2012, a preliminary site design was prepared to help in planning to connect all the different
KING
VICTORIA Transit Hub
transportation types at the Transit Hub. An Environmental Assessment process was also started for the public transit components of the site, and two public meetings have already been held to collect public feedback.
To encourage a landmark Transit Hub development, the Region has submitted development applications to the City of Kitchener. The purpose of these applications is to allow higher densities and a mix of land-uses on the site, such as offices and retail. A study is also underway to identify potential development opportunities where design excellence is a key priority. For additional information, including future public meetings, please visit us at: www.regionofwaterloo.ca/transithub.
Walk Cycle Waterloo Region – Shaping the future of walking and cycling In 2010, Regional Council approved a new Regional Transportation Master Plan that established a target of 12 per cent of all trips made during rush hour travel times to be made by cycling and walking by 2031. This target requires an approximate 50 per cent increase in walking and cycling (active transportation) from today’s activity. The new plan, called ‘Walk Cycle Waterloo Region’, will update and combine the Region’s Cycling Master Plan with a new regional transportation network for pedestrians. It provides a more detailed look at priorities for active transportation and community design to reduce conflicts between pedestrians, cyclists, and drivers. As part of the new plan, key destinations such as rapid transit stations will be targeted to ensure good access for those walking, cycling or rolling (using mobility devices). ’Walk Cycle Waterloo Region’ is in the final stages of completion. The public will be given the opportunity to provide input into the final draft plan
Community Building Strategy: Shaping the Community
at a meeting in the spring of 2013. The input received will then be used to finalize the study recommendations that will be presented to Regional Council for consideration. For more details, please visit Walk Cycle Waterloo Region online at walkcyclewr.regionofwaterloo.ca.
The Region is hosting three public open houses in February where you can review and provide your input on the DRAFT Community Building Strategy. The Strategy is a shared vision, developed with input from the public, for how our community should grow around rapid transit stations in terms of the types of uses, its design and the appropriate connections to the surrounding community. The Strategy also provide important information about opportunities, priorities, partnerships and strategies that will help maximize the Region’s investment in rapid transit. Please join us at one of the following open houses between 4 and 7 p.m.: February 20, 2013 Knox Presbyterian Church 50 Erb Street West, Waterloo February 21, 2013 The Tannery 151 Charles Street West, Kitchener February 25, 2013 Cambridge City Hall Lobby 50 Dickson Street, Cambridge If you are unable to attend, please visit our website at centraltransitcorridor.ca to review or download the DRAFT Community Building Strategy and provide your feedback online.
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NON-STOP FLIGHT DESTINATIONS
687,292 TOTAL NUMBER OF PASSENGERS SINCE 2003
2004 20 k 2007
90 k 120 k
2012 Thousands
AIRPORT CODE
250
ONE-STOP YKF
Destinations
Region of Waterloo International Airport
CALGARY
OTTAWA
via CHICAGO • CALGARY • OTTAWA INCLUDING: 1 2 3 4 5
CHICAGO
6 7 8 9 10
Vancouver Las Vegas Montreal New York Halifax Orlando Edmonton London, U.K. Winnipeg San Francisco
PUNTA CANA Dominican Republic
SAVE TIME & MONEY! Airport
Commute Time
Daily Parking Rate
YKF (Waterloo)
14 min.
YHM (Hamilton)
61 min.
$14
YXU (London)
73 min.
$12
YYZ (Toronto)
62 min.
BUF (Buffalo)
$6
$28 139 min.
$13
*Commute time calculated from Kitchener City Centre Source Mapquest
= $42/WEEK HST INCLUDED
EQUIVALENT TO 190 SCHOOL BUSES PARKED END-TO-END!
Win a trip for two (2) – Fly Around the World from the Region of Waterloo International Airport (YKF) courtesy of American Airlines and Tripcentral.ca. Listen to CHYM 96.7, 570 News and KIX 106.7 FM for winning details! Contest ends March 3, 2013.
570NEWS.COM
CHYMFM.COM
KIX106ONLINE.COM
Public Health Resource Centre: Unique health education resources for the community
YOUR TAX DOLLARS AT WORK Where do my property taxes go? Education 25%
Calling all educators (including teachers and support workers), workplace health coordinators, dieticians, students, peer and outreach workers, group leaders, and the general public . . . Looking for unique and interesting health education resources? Enhance your workshops, lessons, health fairs, training, presentations, or learning with hands-on games, models, and simulators. Add visual appeal with displays, DVDs, laminated posters, and more! The Public Health Resource Centre is a lending library for anyone who lives, works, or goes to school in Waterloo Region. Teaching kits (in a variety of formats), displays, DVDs, books, and laminated posters may be borrowed free of charge. Pamphlets are available to keep. Topics include: • Healthy eating • Active living • Prenatal and child health • Parenting • Hand washing • Sexually transmitted infections • Cancer prevention • And more … For a full online listing of resources, visit our website at: www.regionofwaterloo.ca/phrc. Our presentation would have been very lacking without the resources you shared with us. As a result, we had plenty of material and it was a success. Thank-you so much for all your help! – Local university students Advanced Booking Resources may be booked in advance so they are available when you need them. Delivery and Pickup A number of delivery and pick up options are available depending on your location. For more information Visit the Public Health Resource Centre website at www.regionofwaterloo.ca/phrc, call 519-883-2256 to talk with Resource Centre staff, or email us at phrc@regionofwaterloo.ca. I would like to thank the Resource Centre for lending us the Glow Germ Kit. All three hundred of our students and teachers are now wellrehearsed in the importance of how and when to wash our hands!
Cities/ Townships 25%
The average* household in Waterloo Region Region of Waterloo (Including Police) 50%
Your tax dollars at work!
pays about $1,720 for Regional services. *Assessed value of $269,000 What do I get for my Regional portion of property taxes?
$556
Police Services
$260 Public Transit repairs/construction, $192 Road traffic signals, plowing etc. $175 Social services $126 Community housing collection/disposal, green bin, $125 Garbage/recyling program, education programs $105 Corporate support services $64 Planning, Regional Library, Museum $46 Emergency Medical Services (ambulance) $31 Public Health programs $26 Region of Waterloo International Airport $14 Other Regional services and grants D RE D U CE G N I D SPEN
ad repair • Defer ro tion projects nstruc boxes and reco free blue te a in m li le •E nue shing • Disconti rams at landfill prog diversion iXpress frequency • Reduce uly and August during J
DID YOU KNOW? The Region of Waterloo provides other services that aren’t paid for by taxes.
WATER and WASTEWATER are paid through your sewer and water bill.
FUNDING F OR CRITICAL N EEDS
• Social Serv ices • Public Tra nsit • Ambulance Service
In order to minimize the tax increase and provide funding for critical needs, the Region has reduced spending in other areas.
Budget Savings • More efficient scheduling of GRT drivers • Reduced paper and printing costs CREDIT RATING • Utility savings through energy efficiency The Region’s triple-A credit rating means we can borrow • More efficient maintenance of for capital projects facilities, vehicles and equipment money at a better rate and pay • More efficient recycling collection less interest. methods
Budget Challenges • Provincial funding reductions for social services • Decline in revenues from commercial waste • Replacing and updating Regional infrastructure • Improving land ambulance response times • Continued high demand for social service programs
- Elementary School in Waterloo Region
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Waterloo Region Museum exhibit schedule for 2013 by the Ontario Science Centre. The exhibit has traveled to science centres, museums and institutions throughout North America.
through the generous support of Pam and Pierre Omidyar. It has traveled throughout North America thanks to a generous grant from Unbound Philanthropy.
Exploring Trees Inside and Out! October 1 through January 5, 2014
Torn From Home: My Life as a Refugee May 19 through Monday, September 2, 2013 Today, more than 30 million people around the world have been displaced due to war and violence, creating nearly 10 million child refugees.
Circus! Science under the Big Top February 9 through May 5, 2013. Circus! Science under the Big Top immerses visitors in the illusion, reality, magic and science of the circus. Visitors will get a behind-the-Big-Top view of the acts that have perplexed, mystified and entertained generations of circus-goers. More than 20 interactive exhibits show how science is at the heart of the circus. Circus! Science under the Big Top was developed
Join us for these family-friendly March Break activities
Through this inspiring exhibit, opening in May at the Waterloo Region Museum, visitors of all ages explore what it means to be a refugee, and better understand their hardships and hopes for a brighter future. Through its seven interactive areas, this awe-inspiring exhibit encourages visitors to consider how it feels to flee home, leave everything behind, and face the future with uncertainty and hope. Torn From Home: My Life as a Refugee was developed by Lied Discovery Children’s Museum out the Read with Me kits to share stories and activities with children at home, part of the library’s family literacy resources.
The Region of Waterloo’s libraries and museums have an array of kids activities over March Break (March 11-15, 2013). Below are just a few of the events taking place. To see a full list of March Break activities complete with dates, times and ticket information, please visit the Region’s website at www.regionofwaterloo.ca, click on the events calendar on the front page, and use the left side menu to click on libraries or museums.
Joseph Schneider Haus
Libraries
A special treat for the winter break! Kids can bring along any adult they choose for Tea with Granny on Wednesday, March 13 from 2 to 4 p.m. Scones’n cream, shortbreads…the usual and more! $12.50/person. Space is limited so please call to reserve at 519-624-8250.
With 10 branches in four rural townships, the Region of Waterloo Library offers a variety of family-orientated activities over March Break. These include musical guests, exotic critters and gifted entertainers. A week’s worth of interactive activities are sure to keep little hands – and minds, busy. With loads of variety, kids can get creative with crafts, build a science experiment, get lost in a book, or be up close and personal with reptiles or furry animal friends. Parents can join in, or relax with a new magazine, use the internet (WIFI available at participating branches), download ebooks, or browse new DVDs for an economic weekend of entertainment. Check
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Come and take part in the fun at Joseph Schneider Haus this March Break. Arts and activities come alive with a variety of spins and twists to suit all those seeking boredom repellent, with special guests throughout the week. Drop by any time Monday to Saturday 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and 1 to 5 p.m. on Sunday.
Explore the heart of a tree trunk. Jump into a giant bird's nest. Crawl through a giant tree structure. Hear the sounds of animals that live in the forest. Soar over the tree tops like a giant bird. Exploring Trees Inside and Out helps people discover nature through multiple perspectives and inspires all of us to get outdoors, explore the wonders of nature and develop connections with the natural world. While visiting this exhibit, people will get a glimpse of what awaits them in their own backyards, neighbourhoods – and on the more than 60 acres of woodlot that comprises the museum’s property. The exhibit was created by DoubleTree by Hilton in partnership with the Arbor Day Foundation and the Dimensions Research Foundation. March Break Madness Doon Heritage Village is closed. Regular admission rates apply. Wednesday, March 13, 1:30 p.m. and 3 p.m. Ballet Jörgen Show & Tell - Ballet 101 Included with admission to the Museum Saturday, March 16, 10 a.m. to noon Saturday Morning Club Pre-registration required, $10 Visit www.waterlooregionmuseum or call 519-748-1914 for details.
McDougall Cottage
Waterloo Region Museum Saturday, March 9, 10 a.m. to noon Saturday Morning Club Pre-registration required $10 Saturday, March 9, 9:30 a.m. to noon Workshop: Learn to Knit 101 - for children Pre-registration required $30 Saturday, March 9 to Sunday, March 17, 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., Sundays, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.
www.regionofwaterloo.ca
COUNCIL CONTACTS REGIONAL CHAIR Ken Seiling kseiling@regionofwaterloo.ca 519-575-4585 (R) COUNCILLORS CAMBRIDGE Jane Brewer jbrewer@regionofwaterloo.ca 519-575-4404 Ext. 3402 (R) 519-653-3315 (H) Doug Craig dcraig@regionofwaterloo.ca 519-575-4404 Ext. 3404 (R) 519-740-4517 Ext. 4215 (W) Claudette Millar cmillar@regionofwaterloo.ca 519-575-4404 Ext. 3408 (R) 519-621-7202 (H) KITCHENER Tom Galloway tgalloway@regionofwaterloo.ca 519-575-4404 Ext. 3401 (R) 519-578-2112 (H) Jean Haalboom jhaalboom@regionofwaterloo.ca 519-575-4404 Ext. 3406 (R) 519-748-1508 (H) Geoff Lorentz glorentz@regionofwaterloo.ca 519-575-4404 Ext. 3413 (R) 519-741-1494 (H) Jim Wideman jwideman@regionofwaterloo.ca 519-575-4404 Ext. 3409 (R) 519-576-5150 (H) Carl Zehr czehr@regionofwaterloo.ca 519-575-4404 Ext. 3403 (R) 519-741-2300 (W) NORTH DUMFRIES Rob Deutschmann rdeutschmann@regionofwaterloo.ca 519-575-4404 Ext. 3407 (R) 519-621-0340 (W) WATERLOO Brenda Halloran bhalloran@regionofwaterloo.ca 519-575-4404 Ext. 3400 (R) 519-747-8700 (W) Jane Mitchell jmitchell@regionofwaterloo.ca 519-575-4404 Ext. 3411 (R) 519-886-9626 (H) Sean Strickland sstrickland@regionofwaterloo.ca 519-575-4404 Ext. 3414 (R) 519-503-0613 (C) WELLESLEY Ross Kelterborn rkelterborn@regionofwaterloo.ca 519-575-4404 Ext. 3410 (R) 519-699-4611 (W) WILMOT Les Armstrong lesarmstrong@regionofwaterloo.ca 519-575-4404 Ext. 3412 (R) 226-748-8971(C) WOOLWICH Todd Cowan tcowan@regionofwaterloo.ca 519-575-4404 Ext. 3405 (R) 519-669-0591 (H) General Fax for Council 519-575-4048 TTY: 519-575-4608 W-work R-region H-home C-cell
See our progress for yourself! Region launches new Strategic Plan website We heard you. And now the Region of Waterloo is delivering on your vision for the future of Waterloo Region as we make progress on the 2011-2014 Strategic Plan. Over the last two years, significant progress has been made on the strategic objectives and actions set out in the 2011-2014 Strategic Plan. This progress has been made despite continued challenging economic times that are reducing the Region’s revenue sources and driving up need for many Regional services. The Region is delivering on five key focus areas outlined in the Plan, including: • Environmental Sustainability: We are protecting and enhancing our environment by considering the environment in all of our decisions and working with area municipalities and community partners to foster stewardship of the natural environment. • Growth Management and Prosperity: We are managing growth to foster thriving and productive urban and rural communities by implementing a Growth Management Plan and working in partnership with community and area municipalities to cultivate a vibrant region that is globally competitive, supports a diverse and prosperous economy, preserves heritage and creates spaces that maintain quality of life. • Sustainable Transportation: We are developing greater, more sustainable and safe transportation choices by offering accessible and affordable choices for moving people and goods in a safe, integrated and seamless manner. • Healthy and Inclusive Communities: We are fostering healthy, safe, inclusive and caring communities by working with community partners to reduce inequities and enhance community health,
safety, inclusion and quality of life. • Service Excellence: We are delivering excellent and responsive services that inspire public trust by working to maintain consistently high levels of citizen satisfaction in delivering programs and services that are accessible, efficient, effective and responsive to community needs, as well as collaborating with community partners and engaging citizens to foster open, transparent and accountable municipal government. See our progress for yourself! Visit seeourprogress.regionofwaterloo.ca to learn about specific actions the Region is taking to make Waterloo Region an inclusive, thriving and sustainable community.
Accessibility Matters: Dialogue on Diversity In October 2012, the Region of Waterloo organized its fourth Dialogue on Diversity in collaboration with various community partners. These Dialogues are part of the Region’s Diversity and Inclusion Strategy, a three-year plan with short and longterm activities to increase the inclusiveness of our programs and services. The October event, entitled Accessibility Matters, focussed on topics that are important in the lives of people with disabilities, caregivers and service providers. The purpose of the session was to facilitate a conversation about how we all can make our community more inclusive and supportive. Some of the key messages that came out of the Dialogue on Diversity: • It is important to put the person first, not their label. See
what is possible: the skills, abilities, resilience, and strength. • We need to increase awareness and address our attitudes if we want a truly accessible society. • The responsibility for ensuring accessible services lies with the service provider, not the person accessing the service. • Creating an accessible and inclusive event or meeting can mean bringing in specialized equipment and resources to ensure everyone can participate. For tips on meeting etiquette, visit www.regionofwaterloo.ca/accessibility. The next Dialogue on Diversity will focus on topics related to seniors. It is tentatively scheduled for March 20, 2013. Please check www.regionofwaterloo.ca closer to the date for more details.
While salt helps make winter safer, it’s only part of the answer. Do your part to stay safe while helping reduce salt’s impact on our environment. Give winter the boot. Protect yourself from slips and falls by wearing sturdy footwear designed for snow and ice. Look for winter boots with low, wide heels and solid treads that grip without clogging with snow. Check out additional winter tips and our handy checklist of what to look for when purchasing winter boots by going to www.smartaboutsalt.com. Join the conversation on Facebook at www.facebook.com/smartaboutsalt.
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www.regionofwaterloo.ca