Published by the Region of Waterloo
Winter 2012
INSIDE 䊲
Waterloo Region continues to be a great place to live Communities across Canada and around the world are coping with significant change and uncertainty. Although people and businesses in Waterloo Region are still dealing with the effects of the recession, our community continues to have many good things going on. There are many factors that set this area apart. A combination of technology, academia, business, philanthropy and a strong entrepreneurial spirit have made Waterloo Region ripe for success. Unlike many Canadian cities, our population is growing, our core areas are thriving and many of our local businesses remain strong. Much of this success can be attributed to strategic decisionmaking by the Region of Waterloo. Regional Council and staff work hard to make important decisions that will have a positive impact on this community today and for years to come. Here are some of the
ways the Region is helping our community grow and prosper: • Building a rapid transit system will move people and help accommodate future growth by drawing intensification to core areas and limiting urban sprawl. Light Rail Transit will integrate with and complement Grand River Transit, GO Transit and VIA Rail. • The Region of Waterloo International Airport continues to grow. The airport’s annual economic impact was $78 million in 2010. This number will continue to grow with the addition of American Airlines, aiding in the growth of trade and tourism in Waterloo Region. • The Region is investing in important human services like child care, supportive housing, affordable housing and supporting immigrants and refugees.
• The Region continues to improve our community’s physical backbone by investing in infrastructure upgrades. We’re improving our roads and bridges, upgrading and expanding our wastewater treatment plants and redeveloping brownfield sites to make better use of land and existing infrastructure. • The Region continues to invest in and support a thriving arts, culture and heritage scene in this community. The successful opening of the Waterloo Region Museum last November is just one example. • The Region’s recently passed 2012 budget continues to balance our commitment to providing valued services and programs to residents, while also maintaining a reasonable level of property taxation and preserving our long-term financial well-being.
More improvements to transit service PAGE 2
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Family-friendly March Break activities PAGE 3
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Region maintains Aaa credit rating PAGE 5
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Take the low-salt challenge this winter Winter – a Canadian tradition of snow and ice. Safety is important but using large amounts of salt isn’t the answer. Salt doesn’t work in all temperatures and it can damage our clothes, cars and the environment. When snow melts, excessive salt can be absorbed in to the ground – and into our drinking water. Be smart about salt™! • Wear proper outdoor footwear and make use of snow tires • Shovel snow as soon as possible after a snowfall • Use salt sparingly and only at the proper temperature • Redirect downspouts away from walkways and driveways • Use a certified Smart about Salt Contractor The Region is doing its part by properly storing salt, using the latest weather reports so salt is only applied when required and working with a liquid solution using less salt that sticks better to the roads. To learn more visit www.smartaboutsalt.com. Join the conversation at www.facebook.com/smartaboutsalt.com.
www.regionofwaterloo.ca
Helping to end homelessness
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THINK BEFORE YOU INK. Body art safety
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Comments or questions? ext. 5147 • TTY 519-575-4608
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Region of Waterloo Customer Service: regionalinquiries @regionofwaterloo.ca Tel: 519-575-4400 TTY: 519-575-4608
Pedestrians must be aware at intersections round or square! To enhance pedestrian safety, the Region of Waterloo has been making many improvements to roadways and intersections. When new roads are built and old roads rebuilt, cycling paths and sidewalks are always considered as part of the design. At existing intersections, the Region has included many things to help improve pedestrian safety such as: ladder markings, pedestrian countdown signals, audible pedestrian signals, intersection pedestrian signals, improved lighting, pedestrian refuge islands, the removal of unnecessary right turn lanes to reduce intersection walking distances and the installation of roundabouts. Whether you’re crossing at a stop-controlled intersection, a signalized intersection or a roundabout, the basic rules for improving your safety are the same.
Communicate with drivers • Always assume drivers can’t see you. • Make eye contact with the driver. • Indicate with body language to the driver that you intend to cross. • Wear brighter clothes, especially during this time of year to help drivers see you.
Be aware of your surroundings • Make sure you know the directions of oncoming traffic. • Don’t assume that cars will stop because you have the right of way. • Look left, right, ahead and behind you. • At signalized intersections, when crossing on a green light, watch for drivers turning right on a red light or turning left on a green light
Cross cautiously • Before stepping into the intersection make sure that traffic in all lanes have stopped for you. • Keep scanning the road as you cross. • Stop in the centre of the crosswalk if you have to and make sure all oncoming vehicles intend to stop.
and for motorists that may be running through red lights.
If there is a push button at an intersection, you must push it to cross the street. Pushing the button will provide you with a walk signal and enough time to cross the street. If you don’t push the walk signal button, you will notice that traffic light will turn green, but the walk signal will display a red hand. If you cross on the green traffic light with a solid red hand, you won’t have enough time to cross the street.
More improvements to transit service The 201 iXpress provides a direct, limited-stop route from University Avenue, along Columbia Street, down Fischer-Hallman Road, ending at the Forest Glen Terminal on Block Line Road. With fewer stops along the route, the 201 iXpress is faster than local bus routes. Travel time from the University of Waterloo to the Forest Glen Plaza is 45 minutes. The 201 iXpress is the first of several additional iXpress routes that will be launched over the next few years. Look for the colour green and the new bus stop marker to identify iXpress stops along routes and on the Transit Route Map.
Transit technology makes it easy to ride the bus In 2011, an estimated 4.5 million customers
used Grand River Transit’s (GRT) easyGO trip planning services. EasyGo services include the online trip planner at www.grt.ca, next bus call and text messaging services. They are fast and easy to use!
Transit ridership continues to grow
The continued implementation of advanced transit technology will make public transit more attractive to current and future riders. Accurate travel information in real-time and more reliable and secure service will all contribute to greater use of GRT. New technologies that will be implemented over the next five years include: • More widely available real-time information • Transit priority measures for advanced bus rapid transit (aBRT) service • SmartCard automatic fare payment system
• There were more than 19.5 million trips taken on GRT in 2011 • GRT ridership increased 8 per cent from 2010 to 2011 • Since the formation of GRT in 2000, ridership has more than doubled • More than 13,000 rides are taken on iXpress every week day. This is over four times the daily average in 2005.
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Celebrating our history at the Waterloo Region Museum The grand opening of the Waterloo Region Museum took place in November 2011 with over 8,000 visitors coming to see the new exhibits and helping to celebrate this milestone in our community. Exhibit galleries in the new museum are now open! They include: • What Makes Us Who We Are? • Community Highlight Exhibit: The Hmong in Waterloo Region • Unconventional Thinking: Innovation in Waterloo Region • Waterloo Region Hall of Fame For more information on the Waterloo Region Museum and upcoming special events, visit www.waterlooregionmuseum.com.
Join us for these family-friendly March Break activities The Region of Waterloo’s libraries and museums have lots of family-friendly activities during March Break (March 12-16, 2012). Below is just a sample of the events that will be scheduled. To see the full up-to-date list of March Break activities 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.
Get up close and personal with crazy creatures this March Break at the Region of Waterloo Library. Here, Alicia and Stuart meet a python at the Ayr Branch.
Libraries The Region of Waterloo Library, with 10 branches in the four rural townships, offers a variety of family-friendly activities during March Break, including musical guests, wild critters and zany entertainers for all ages. Many events are interactive, keeping little minds and hands busy with crafts, animals or reptiles, science experiments, books and more! Parents can participate, or relax with a new magazine, use the Internet, surf the WIFI (at participating branches), download ebooks, or browse the new DVDs for low-cost weekend entertainment. Check out the Read With Me kits to share stories and activities with children at home, part of the library’s family literacy resources.
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Waterloo Region Museum and Doon Heritage Village: March 3 Growing Seedlings Indoors Workshop 9:30 a.m. to noon. admission is $10 per person plus HST. Member’s discount applies. Capacity is limited. Pre-registration is required. Adventures in Time Summer Day Camp Registration 9 to 10 a.m. Museum Members only 10 a.m. to noon Non-members Registration is taken in person only, with full payment, on a first come, first serve basis. Space is limited. MasterCard, Visa, Interac, cash and cheques accepted. No cancellations or refunds. Registration takes place in the Waterloo Region Museum. March 5 and 19 Waterloo Region Museum Talks 1:30 to 3:30 p.m. Full Series Pass is $40 plus HST. Tickets must be purchased in advance by calling 519-748-1914. Single ticket price is $8 plus HST. March 10 to 18 Museum March Madness (MMM) 11 a.m. - 4 p.m. daily (Museum open regular hours) Bring your family to the Museum during March break, tour the galleries and let the kids enjoy the special activities planned for the week. General admission: $10 Adults, $8 Seniors/ Students, $5 Children, Children four and under free, $25 Family, all admissions plus HST.
Evalyn Parry will be at the Waterloo Region Museum March 20 as part of the Historical Storytelling Series.
Come try your hand on a pottery wheel with former Folk Artist-in-Residence Rosemary Aicher (here demonstrating during her residency).
March 20 Historical Storytellers Series – Spin Storyteller: Evalyn Parry Ticket pricing is $15 per person plus HST advance ticket sale or $18 per person plus HST at the door. Series subscription: $75. Tickets available at 519-748-1914. Doors open at 7 p.m.
Joseph Schneider Haus Drop in to Joseph Schneider Haus in Kitchener, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday to Saturday and 1 to 5 p.m. on Sunday, for family activities like cave art, orienteering, pottery, and scavenger hunts. There will also be Story Time with Kitchener Public Library and other special guests dropping in throughout the week, including staff from the Laurel Creek Nature Center with live animals
McDougall Cottage McDougall Cottage in Cambridge is hosting a special March Break Tea with Granny on March 12 from 2 to 4 p.m. Kids can bring their Granny, or any adult they please, for traditional Scottish scones ‘n cream, shortbreads and more. Cost is $12.50 per person and you can reserve your spot by calling 519-624-8250. A grandmother enjoys tea with two of her grandchildren at McDougall Cottage. (Photo by Judee Richards)
Region makes active transportation a priority The Region of Waterloo is working hard to develop greater, more sustainable active transportation choices for our community. Here are four projects underway now: 1. Region of Waterloo’s Active Transportation Master Plan The Region is developing a plan to make it easier to walk, cycle, and roll in Waterloo Region. Last fall, we held a series of workshops to get input from the public on how to do this. The plan, called Walk Cycle Waterloo Region, will include a number of specific actions including new design ideas for walking and cycling facilities, filling in gaps in the walking/cycling network and demonstration projets to showcase new ideas to the community. 2. Working with employers to increase walking, cycling and transit use The Region will also be rolling out a Transportation Management Association (TMA) pilot project early in 2012. The TMA will work with employers to provide a variety of tools and services to reduce the number of employees driving to work alone. The Region has already partnered with seven employers, three City governments and the two local universities in this initiative, who will begin to see the health and financial benefits of providing incentives to their employees to use active transportation. 3. The Waterloo Spur Line multi-use trail Another project underway is the Waterloo Spur Line multi-use trail. The trail would connect Uptown Waterloo with Downtown Kitchener along the Waterloo spur line, which is already an informal trail for those walking and cycling along this route. This past fall the public had a chance to give their feedback on the multi-use trail, which will be used to inform the final design. 4. Individualized tips and tools increase active transportation in Uptown Waterloo More than 300 households in Uptown Waterloo participated in a travel survey program over the last year. A survey was completed by each household describing daily travel habits. Based on their responses, the specific information and tools required were given to residents to help them walk, cycle and take transit. Residents were then asked to complete a follow-up travel survey to see how their habits had changed. The survey results showed a remarkable 26 per cent increase in the use of active modes of transportation and a 13 per cent decrease in car use. Travel surveys are now being prepared for distribution in other neighbourhoods. Watch for yours! The Region continues to work on our commitment to enhance active forms of transportation. If you would like more information about these and other projects we’re working on, please visit www.regionofwaterloo.ca/travelwise.
LRT’s Transit Project Assessment (TPA) Update In the Fall 2011 issue of the Region News, we introduced to you rapid transit’s next provincial approval process called the Transit Project Assessment (TPA). The rapid transit team has been following the steps outlined in the TPA chart shown here and we are pleased to let you know that we have successfully completed the first three steps. The six-month TPA officially began on November 22, 2011. It is anticipated that it will be done in May 2012. Currently, the rapid transit it team is getting input from interested nterested parties and working g oonn the Environmental Project Report.
Contact the Ministr Ministry ry of the Environment to identify ify agencies
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35 - Day Perio Periodd Minnister of the Environment Minister ev valuates documentation evaluates
Issuee Statement of Completion
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For details about the TPA and updates about the project, go to www.regionofwaterloo.ca/rapidtransit
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Promoting the health of the Grand River through wastewater plans The Grand River is the source of over 20 per cent of our community’s drinking water, which is why the health of the river is a key consideration for the Region.
Ongoing construction at the Waterloo Wastewater Treatment Plant. Upgrades will improve the quality of water being discharged into the Grand River.
Upgrades being made at the Kitchener and Waterloo wastewater treatment plants will significantly improve the quality of water being discharged into the river and protect the river health and natural environment. Plant odours will be reduced and aging equipment will be replaced to provide reliable, long-term performance. Beginning with a master plan, which was completed in 2007, the upgrade project is scheduled to end in 2019 with the opening of new treatment processes at the Kitchener site. The recently completed first phase of the project saw the opening of a new biosolids (sludge) dewatering facility on Manitou Drive. Phase 2 will end in 2013 with the completion of a new effluent pumping station and ultraviolet disinfection – a treatment that eliminates toxic compounds in the river. The Waterloo upgrades, which also include new processes and technologies, should be completed by 2014. “These upgrades will give the Region state-ofthe-art facilities for the treatment of our
wastewater,” said Jose Bicudo, Senior Project Engineer, Water Services. “It will allow us to have a stable and efficient long-term solution and will significantly improve the quality of the
Thank you Nyle Ludolph, father of the blue box The blue box was born right here in Waterloo Region, thanks to the visionary thinking of Nyle Ludolph, a longtime environmentalist and resident of Kitchener. Nyle’s concept of collecting recyclable materials curbside was unique. His idea of giving each home a box to store and carry out recyclables for collection was brilliant. Recently, Nyle passed away. He believed that while it was difficult for the average person to do all the things needed to help the environment, recycling was something we could all do to make a difference. The blue box was piloted in a small area of Kitchener in 1981. In the first month, 75 per cent of the 1,100 households were separating their recyclables. It was expected that 1,360 kilograms (3,000 pounds) per week would be collected. Instead 4,082 kilograms (9,000 pounds) per week was collected…triple the amount anticipated! Nyle’s goal was to get people to see garbage differently. He said: “It’s your stuff, don’t just throw it away. It’s valuable, sort it out for recycling.” Even when he was
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water in the Grand River.” For more information on the project, please visit www.regionofwaterloo.ca/kitchenerwwtp for details.
Region of Waterloo maintains Aaa credit rating Moody’s Investors Service has once again rated the Region of Waterloo with the highest credit rating possible – Aaa. This rating reflects the Region’s sound financial management, low debt burden and strong liquidity position. The Region has held its Aaa credit rating since December 2000 and the rating outlook is stable. “I believe our fiscal discipline and forward-looking budgets have helped us maintain this level,” said Ken Seiling, Regional Chair. “Being in a strong financial position, the Region of Waterloo is well positioned for the future.”
“Nyle Ludolph believed in food waste recycling. He worked on several commercials encouraging people to use the green bin.” over 80, Nyle remained passionate about reducing garbage and became involved in promoting the green bin. He believed composting offered a natural, logical way to help the environment.
Consider a student position at the Region this summer Students are an important part of the workforce at the Region of Waterloo. The Region employs over 100 summer students each year in a variety of positions across all departments. If you are currently enrolled as a student and are interested in contributing to the development of your community, we invite you to consider a summer student position with the Region of Waterloo. Recruitment for our summer student positions will begin the end of January 2012.
Nyle asked to be driven around neighbourhoods to see the green bins. Always confident about people, he said, “Well, it’s a start. It will catch on.” He should know. Nyle left a legacy that the entire world knows with his little blue box. A truly great example of the impact just one person can make!
Visit the ‘careers’ section of our website at www.regionofwaterloo.ca for more information.
STEP Home – Helping to end the cycle of homelessness
STEP Home is an interrelated set of programs aimed at providing options and supports to end persistent homelessness in Waterloo Region.
From 2008 - 2010, STEP Home supported almost 300 people in their journey towards housing stability, with the majority becoming housed, often after many years or decades experiencing homelessness. STEP Home addresses both human and economic costs. People experiencing persistent homelessness often have complex needs leading to: • an expected death rate that is two to four times higher than the rest of the population, • a chance of dying an early or preventable death that is 127 times higher than the rest of the population, and • a suicide rate that is 40 times higher than the
Region’s Open Data portal encourages innovative applications for daily living Ever wish you had something to remind you to put out your garbage, blue bin and green bin on the right day? Computer application developers and programmers in many communities have developed useful computer applications for desktops and mobile devices to do just that using waste pickup schedule data released by their municipalities through open data initiatives. Open data is raw data that is made available to everyone to use and republish with very few restrictions. Waste pickup reminders are just the beginning. The uses for open data are virtually endless and depend only on the imagination and skill of our community. Late last year the Region of Waterloo launched its own Open Data portal to provide innovative developers with the local data they need to create innovative applications for daily living in Waterloo Region. Want to know when the next bus will arrive at your stop? There’s an app for that. Other communities have also created apps for parking, locating community gardens, reporting potholes and even calculating the amount of rainfall that could be harvested from your roof using a rain barrel. Open data is also being used to add our community data to the global map. For instance, the launch of Open Data allows our community to add data to applications like Mapnificent. Mapnificent shows you the area you can reach using public transit from any point at a given time. The Region is committed to openness and transparency. The release of open data is part of the Region’s overall effort to provide citizens with accessible and responsive services that inspire public trust. Visit the Region’s Open Data portal at www.regionofwaterloo.ca/opendata.
national average. Local research has shown that managing homelessness by providing emergency services (such as police detention, ambulance and hospital admittance) is roughly 10 times more expensive (based on a calculation of daily costs) than ending the cycle of homelessness by providing people with affordable housing and support. The important work of STEP Home continues. For further information, including the recently released STEP Home video and evaluation reports, go to www.regionofwaterloo.ca/socialservices (search STEP Home).
Immigration Partnership helps newcomers settle, work and belong The Immigration Partnership is a community initiative hosted by the Region of Waterloo that focuses on improving the settlement and integration of immigrants and refugees. The initiative concentrates on improving three “pillars” for refugees: settling, working and belonging. Working groups are undertaking projects that will make it easier for newcomers to adjust to their new life in Waterloo Region, find employment that matches their education and skills and ensure they feel connected to and participate actively in their community. Funding for the Immigration Partnership is provided by Citizenship and Immigration Canada, the Region of Waterloo and the United Way. If you would like to be involved in the Immigration Partnership or receive information and updates, please contact Bojana Savic at 519-575-4757 ext. 3172 or bsavic@regionofwaterloo.ca.
Did you know? • 22.3 per cent of Waterloo Region residents are immigrants or refugees from diverse regions of the world. This is expected to grow to 30 per cent by 2031. • Immigrants are expected to account for all net population growth by 2031.
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Sunnyside Wellness Centre for older adults a big success Responding to increased demand, the first-of-its-kind Sunnyside Wellness Centre, located on the Sunnyside campus in Kitchener, has introduced new programs and extended hours. The Centre is a one-stop facility designed to promote healthy living through supervised exercise programs, massage, foot care, hydrotherapy and physiotherapy. New services include Pilates, tai chi, chiropractic and dental hygiene.
The Wellness Centre was made possible through the fundraising efforts of the Sunnyside Foundation and the generosity of this caring community. The Sunnyside Foundation Wellness Centre campaign was the recipient of $100,000 from the 2009 Kitchener Conestoga Rotary Dream Home lottery. The Sunnyside Foundation raised $550,000 to custom build, furnish and equip the Wellness Centre.
The Wellness Centre is an accessible community facility designed for older adults. Fitness Memberships and other services are reasonably priced. Also located on the site are a public café, gift shop and hairdressing/barber shop.
For more information on the Sunnyside Wellness Centre, call 519-896-0805 or visit our website at www.regionofwaterloo.ca/socialservices and click on Seniors’ Services and Sunnyside Wellness Centre.
PUBLIC HEALTH
Cover your nose or mouth and cough into your sleeve or upper arm
Cover your nose or mouth with a tissue and throw it away (DO NOT REUSE!)
or
Wash with warm water and soap
Clean with alcohol-based cleaner
Stop the spread of germs! www.regionofwaterloo.ca/ph
Beauty services and body art safety Beauty services and body art can be used to express yourself or as a way to relax and unwind. It is important to know that serious infections can be spread during aesthetic services (e.g. facials, manicures/pedicures and hair removal) and tattoo and body piercing.
issues, allergies or if you are pregnant • Hepatitis B vaccination is recommended • Visit the Public Health website for a complete list of what questions to ask. Make sure the service provider can confidently answer all your questions about safety precautions
Your skin is your first line of defence against infection. When your skin is broken, there is a risk of bacterial and fungal skin infections or serious infections such as Hepatitis B, Hepatitis C and HIV. You do not need to see blood or body fluids on needles or equipment for an infection to occur. Beauty services and body art can be done safely, but there are a few things you need to know.
What is Public Health doing?
How do I choose where to go? • Choose a well-trained professional in a properly equipped studio • Make sure the studio is regularly inspected by Public Health
What should I do before I go? • Talk to your doctor if you have any medical
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Public Health regularly inspects known premises that provide beauty and body art services to ensure that proper infection control practices are followed to eliminate or reduce the risk of acquiring a disease. Public Health recently launched a new campaign promoting safe tattooing and body piercing. Posters have been provided to senior elementary and secondary schools across the Region and to community agencies that serve youth.
For more information, talk to a Public Health Inspector. 519-883-2008 ext. 5147 TTY 519-575-4608 www.regionofwaterloo.ca/ph
KNOW BEFORE YOU GO. GGetting etting a ppiercing? iercing? To T o prevent prevent iinfection nfection aand nd sstay tay ssafe, afe, fifind nd oout ut w hat yyou ou nneed eed tto o kknow. now. what Talk T alk tto oaP Public ublic Health Health IInspector. nspector. 5519-883-2008 19-883-2008 eext. xt. 55147 147 • TTY TTY 5519-575-4608 19-575-4608 w ww.regionofwaterloo.ca/ph www.regionofwaterloo.ca/ph
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 W-work R-region H-home C-cell
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Putting the Region’s 2011-2014 Strategic Plan to work We heard what citizen’s want, now we’re doing something about it. The Region has identified key actions (70 in all) to address the community’s top priorities. These actions will contribute to the Region’s vision of creating an inclusive, thriving and sustainable community committed to maintaining harmony between rural and urban areas and creating opportunities for current and future generations. The following chart offers some highlights of what we’re planning to do in each of your priority areas. Environmental Sustainability
Growth Management and Prosperity
Sustainable Transportation
Healthy and Inclusive Communities
Service Excellence
Improve Emergency Medical Services (ambulance service).
Improve access to, and satisfaction with Regional programs and services.
Reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
Encourage growth in Optimize road existing urban spaces capacity to safely manage traffic. to reduce sprawl.
Reduce waste going to landfill.
Optimize infrastructure like roads and water treatment facilities to meet citizen needs.
Build a Light Rail Transit system and expand the current bus system.
Enhance community safety through the Crime Prevention Council. The focus is drug and gang prevention.
Ensure Regional programs are effective and efficient.
Protect the quality and amount of our drinking water.
Partner with organizations that support innovation and economic opportunities.
Promote more active ways of getting around i.e. cycling or walking.
Work with partners to provide more affordable housing. Support older adults to live active, healthy lives.
Increase awareness of Regional services and seek public input on key decisions.
Restore and protect green spaces, farmland and sensitive environmental areas.
Coordinate economic development activities with key groups i.e. Canada’s Technology Triangle.
Improve intercity transportation services to and from the Region (e.g. GO Train, Via Rail, air service.)
Partner with community to improve immigrant/refugee programs by working with community partners.
Hire and develop skilled, motivated and citizen-centred employees.
Go to www.regionofwaterloo.ca to follow our progress.
Creatures with careers: Welcoming service animals Service animals are important for many people with disabilities. The Region of Waterloo welcomes service animals at Regional facilities. Did you know that a service animal is any animal that is trained to assist people with disabilities? This includes guide dogs for people who are blind or partially sighted, cats to aid people with anxiety and even rats trained to be alert to muscle spasms! It is not always obvious that an animal is a service animal. Some disabilities are non-visible and not all animals wear a special harness or vest that identifies them as a service animal. If it is not clear that your animal is a service animal, you might be asked to show a note from a doctor or nurse stating that you need your animal because of a disability. Service animals save lives and improve the quality of life for people with disabilities by performing some of the tasks that the person cannot do. Welcoming service animals is an important part of being inclusive to people with disabilities. What can you do to support people
with service animals? • Put the person first… the animal won’t mind! • Recognize that people can bring their service animals to any public space. • Don’t distract service animals. Help service animals do a good job by saving snacks and cuddles for your pets at home. • Learn more about service animals by visiting the Region of Waterloo website – www.regionofwaterloo.ca/ accessibility.
www.regionofwaterloo.ca
Regional Council meetings: watch us online and on TV! Region of Waterloo Council and committee meetings are now being webcast on the Internet. Webcasts are in real-time, but remain on the Region’s website for viewing after the meetings are over. To view a webcast, go to www.regionofwaterloo.ca and click on “Council Webcast” under “Quicklinks”. Rogers Television will also be broadcasting Regional Council meetings on Council nights at 9 p.m. Broadcasting and webcasting Council meetings will help the Region improve transparency and make meetings accessible to a greater number of people. For a schedule of meetings, go to www.regionofwaterloo.ca and click on “Regional Government” and “Agendas and Minutes”.