Published by the Region of Waterloo
Spring 2013
INSIDE
Protecting our environment for a better community At the Region of Waterloo, we are committed to embracing environmental considerations in all of our decisions. We continue to demonstrate this commitment by making forward-thinking decisions that help protect and conserve our land, water, air and energy resources for current and future generations. In this issue of Region News, you will read about some of the environmental programs and services that are part of our commitment to reducing our environmental footprint. The Region is responsible for supplying clean, safe drinking water to our cities and townships. We keep our water supply clean, conserve our precious water resources and treat wastewater. Inside, you’ll find a pullout issue of EnviroNews that highlights the benefits of rainwater harvesting, the importance of
protecting our sanitary sewers and an opportunity for you to have a say in our water conservation future. The Waste Management Master Plan (WMMP) study is in progress, looking at ways to keep garbage out of our landfill and what to do with leftover garbage when the landfill is full. We’ll be looking for your input in June. You may notice a few waste-related changes that have been initiated as part of the 2013 budget process to find savings in service areas. They include distributing blue boxes only to new homes and residents and having a minimum $2 charge for every load brought to the Region’s waste sites. You can get the details on page 2. On page 3, you’ll read about the Region’s TravelWise program. This unique program encourages commuters to bus, bike, walk or
carpool to work. The Region has partnered with many local employers to provide services that encourage employees to use these active forms of transportation. Features of the program include discounted Grand River Transit corporate bus passes, free carpooling software to connect local commuters, an online travel tracking system, and a refundable cab fare service for emergency travel. If you are interested in learning more about the Region’s many environmental programs and initiatives, read through this issue of Region News or visit our website at www.regionofwaterloo.ca and click on About the Environment. You can also join us at EcoFest, fun and interactive event celebrating the environment, on Saturday, June 1, 2013.
GRT is getting us there Grand River Transit (GRT) is expanding service this fall to improve the public transit experience for its customers. In 2012, GRT saw an eight per cent increase in ridership with a total of 48,421 hours of service added. This increase reflects the growing area GRT services and shows the importance of an efficient and effective public transit service in Waterloo Region. In order to meet the needs of our growing community and prepare for the introduction of rapid transit, GRT’s
network continues to be redesigned to provide seamless connections between bus and future rail service and improve overall travel options. GRT will be adding 48,200 hours of new transit service in September 2013, a 7.8 per cent increase in service. These additional hours add up to a $2.8 million investment in transit service and will include the purchase of 15 new expansion buses. GRT will also introduce a third iXpress route which will travel in Waterloo along University Avenue, from Ira Needles Boulevard to Northfield Drive. The iXpress Routes transport
passengers through the region in less time and along more direct routes with limited stops along the way. GRT will also be adding and modifying bus routes and extending the existing 201 iXpress to reach shoppers at Conestoga Mall and employees at the University Avenue and Northfield Drive business area. These additions to transit service reflect GRT’s dedication to connecting its customers to the community and helping to make Waterloo Region a desirable place in which to live, work and play. Visit www.grt.ca for more details.
Changes ahead at Waste Management PAGE 2
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Waterloo Air Show PAGE 3
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Removing barriers PAGE 4
Ontario Renovates Program PAGE 4
Comments or questions? Region of Waterloo Customer Service: regionalinquiries @regionofwaterloo.ca Tel: 519-575-4400 TTY: 519-575-4608
www.regionofwaterloo.ca
Changes ahead at Waste Management The Waste Management Master Plan (WMMP) study is in progress, looking at ways to keep garbage out of our landfill and what to do with leftover garbage when the landfill is full. We’ll be looking for more public feedback on some possible recommendations in June. For more information about the WMMP, the feedback sessions, or any of our programs, please visit www.regionofwaterloo.ca/waste, or call 519-883-5100. As part of the Region’s 2013 budget process to find savings in service areas, Waste Management has made the following changes for 2013:
Blue boxes: In the last few years, approximately 1,000 blue boxes have been given out each week. After careful consideration, a budget decision was made to provide blue boxes only to new homes or new residents to Waterloo Region. Please continue to use the Region-provided boxes which should last for years. You may also use other approved-size plastic recycling bins, as long as they are no taller than 40 cm (16”), have a rim around the edge, and weigh less than 23 kg (50 lbs.) when full. No laundry hampers or storage totes, please.
bring their HHW to one of the Region’s permanent drop-off sites. All HHW is accepted at the Waterloo (Gate 2) site; the Cambridge site accepts paint and motor oil, and the rural transfer stations accept only motor oil. Minimum $2 charge: A minimum $2 charge for every load brought to the Region of Waterloo waste sites for disposal came into effect on April 2, 2013. (Does not apply to loads of just HHW brought for proper disposal.)
Holiday closure of transfer stations: The Cambridge (201 Savage Dr.) and Waterloo (925 Erb St. W., Gate 2) sites as well as all rual sites will no longer be open for residential drop off on statutory and designated holidays. Household hazardous waste (HHW) event days: The HHW event days will no longer be held. Residents are encouraged to use the free Orange Drop program (www.makethedrop.ca) or
RADON: Protect your health. Test your home. Health Canada recently completed a cross-country residential radon survey of 14,000 homes and found that 6.9 per cent of homes tested had radon concentrations above the current Canadian guidelines. In Waterloo Region, 101 homes were surveyed and four per cent experienced elevated radon levels.
Region of Waterloo Public Health is encouraging residents to take preventative measures and test their homes for radon gas. Radon is a naturally occurring radioactive gas. When radon is released from the ground into the outdoor air, it becomes diluted and is not a concern. However, in enclosed spaces (such as a home), radon can sometimes accumulate to elevated levels by entering through cracks in the foundation and other places where a house is open to the ground. Long-term exposure to high radon levels can increase the risk of lung cancer. This risk is further increased among smokers and those exposed to second-hand smoke. Indoor exposure to radon is estimated to cause approximately 16 per cent of lung cancers in Canada. The geographical location and the age of a home cannot be used to reliably predict radon levels.
A fun-filled day to celebrate our environment!
Testing is therefore encouraged in all homes. The higher up residents are in a building, the less exposure to radon they are expected to have. A radon test should be performed in the lowest livedin level of a home where residents spend more than four hours per day.
If your home tests above Health Canada’s guideline of 200 Bq/m3, Public Health recommends that you take measures to lower the amount of radon entering your home. For advice on home remediation options, consult a certified radon mitigation expert. Region of Waterloo Public Health provides guidance on how to test your home for radon and can direct you to resources that will help you find a certified radon mitigation professional if needed. Visit us at www.regionofwaterloo.ca/radon to find out more.
Saturday June 1, 2013 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Free Admission!
10 Huron Road, Kitchener 519-748-1914 • TTY: 519-575-4608 www.waterlooregionmuseum.com
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687,292 TOTAL NUMBER OF PASSENGERS SINCE 2003
NON-STOP FLIGHT DESTINATIONS
Airshow promises high-flying fun
2004 20 k 2007 2012
90 k 120 k k=Thousands
of Waterloo YKF Region International Airport
CALGARY
OTTAWA
250
ONE-STOP Destinations
via
CHICAGO
CHICAGO • CALGARY • OTTAWA
INCLUDING: 1 Vancouver 2 Las Vegas 3 Montreal
4 New York 5 Halifax 6 Orlando
7 8 9 10
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
AIRPORT CODE
Looking for a great outdoor event to kick-start your summer? Come to the Waterloo Air Show, June 1 and 2 at the Region of Waterloo International Airport! Be dazzled by amazing aerial displays, highlighted by the Canadian Forces Snowbirds. This year, the show will offer two new acts: a wing walker and a jet car. Go back to the glory days of barnstorming with Jane Wicker as she moves around her airplane’s wings while in flight; and get ready to rumble as a speeding car soars down the runway at 640 km/hr billowing 20-foot flames out the back. The flying aircraft will be joined by additional display aircraft on the ground. Get up close, take photos and speak to the pilots. This year’s ground display will include WWII bombers, plus Vietnamera military transports.
Teams shortlisted for region’s rapid transit service A major milestone for the Region of Waterloo’s Rapid Transit service was reached in March when Regional Council short-listed three teams to submit proposals to design, build, finance, operate, and maintain (DBFOM) the 19 kilometre Light Rail Transit (LRT) portion of the service between Kitchener and Waterloo. The three teams – GrandLinq, Kitchener Waterloo Cambridge Transit Partners and Tricity Transit System – are comprised of world-class firms with major transit-building experience. They were shortlisted from a group of seven teams that were part of the Request for Qualifications process, after demonstrating they had the required design, construction, operations and maintenance capabilities and experience as well as the personnel and financial strength to deliver a project of this size and scope. The three short-listed teams will now move on to the Request for Proposal (RFP) stage of the procurement process. The Region’s RFP is expected to be released in April 2013. In early 2014, one of these teams will be selected to implement LRT in Waterloo Region. For more information, visit www.regionofwaterloo.ca/rapidtransit.
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Gates are open 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., so bring your blankets, chairs and cameras out to the Region of Waterloo International Airport and pick your spot on the airport’s huge grass field. There’s not a bad seat in the house when you’re looking skywards!
Travelwise program takes commuters halfway to the moon! Commuters throughout Waterloo Region are realizing the benefits of travelling sustainably by taking advantage of the Region’s Transportation Management Association, TravelWise Commute. TravelWise works with local employers to provide innovative services that encourage employees to use active and sustainable transportation. Features of the program include discounted Grand River Transit (GRT) corporate bus passes, free carpooling software to connect local commuters, an online travel tracking system, and a refundable cab fare service for emergency travel. Walking, cycling, taking transit or carpooling to work helps to ease parking concerns, relieve traffic congestion, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, promote healthy lifestyles and improve quality of life. Organizations from across Waterloo Region have joined Travelwise, including the Cities of Cambridge, Kitchener and Waterloo, Open Text, BlackBerry (formerly Research In Motion), the University of Waterloo and Wilfrid Laurier University.
Not only does Travelwise offer services to simplify the daily commute, it’s also making a significant impact on the number of cars on the road. The association has helped eliminate 220,000 kilometres of driving, the equivalent of travelling halfway to the moon! This has reduced fuel consumption by 7,400 litres and saved 16,500 kilograms of carbon emissions. Recent highlights include: • Local employees using TravelWise Commute services have grown from 18,000 to 22,000, a 22 per cent increase in just one year. • The sale of GRT Corporate Bus Passes increased by 38 per cent in 2012 compared to 2011. • The number of registered TravelWise Commute users carpooling to destinations in the region has increased by 44 per cent since its Jan. 2012 launch. For more information, visit www.travelwisecommute.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
Region striving to remove barriers At the Region of Waterloo, we strive to understand and meet the needs of all those we serve. That’s why we’re excited to announce Regional Council approval of our first Multi-Year Accessibility Plan. This plan will help us ensure our policies and programs are respecting the dignity and independence of all members of our community and providing them with equal opportunities. We encourage you to review the Accessibility Plan to learn more about the Region’s approach to identifying, preventing and removing barriers for people with disabilities. In 2013, we’ll continue to consult with our Grand River Accessibility Advisory Committee to meet our priorities related to accessibility. We will provide support and training for all staff on the Integrated Accessibility Standard Regulation. We are also working on resources for staff to support inclusive community participation. For more information about the Multi-Year Accessibility Plan or accessibility planning at the Region, please visit www.regionofwaterloo.ca/accessibility.
Ontario Renovates gives homeowners a helping hand Homeowners in Waterloo Region know how quickly repair costs can add up. The good news is there’s now a program available to help cover these expenses for low-tomoderate income households living in modest homes. These may include condominiums, townhouses or free-standing homes, as long as they are owned by the occupant. The Ontario Renovates Program provides qualifying applicants forgivable loans to a maximum of $25,000. These funds can be put towards housing repairs, energy-efficiency upgrades, or accessibility modifications that allow homeowners with disabilities to remain in their homes. The program has been made possible through the Investment in Affordable Housing for Ontario Program, which is funded by the federal and provincial governments. Limited funds are available.
Eligible Ontario Renovates projects may include major repairs to make a home safe, while improving energy efficiency. Examples include: • Heating systems • Doors and windows • Structural repairs to foundations, walls, roofs and floors • Electrical systems • Plumbing • Roof replacement Changes to improve housing accessibility may include: • Ramps • Handrails • Chair and bath lifts • Height adjustments to countertops • Bathroom modifications For more information, please visit: www.regionofwaterloo.ca/housing.
Region recognizes importance of student hires Students are an important part of the workforce at the Region of Waterloo. Each May, the Region hires more than 100 summer students in a variety of positions across all departments. Some student positions include receptionists, planners, groundskeepers, resident care providers at Sunnyside Home and Public Health analysts. You may also see students on our roads, in our Regional lab, at waste management facilities, Grand River Transit, and all around our Regional buildings. The Region also has students on placement throughout the year for co-op terms or internships, and these opportunities are organized directly through the schools. Check out job opportunities online by going to www.regionofwaterloo.ca and clicking on “Careers”. The Region of Waterloo looks forward to welcoming our summer students of 2013!
Applying for child care subsidy just got easier!
Using our online application, you can now apply for child care financial assistance any time of the day or night. To access the easy, step-by-step application, type in this URL or follow the steps below: http://bit.ly/WVerCg. • Go to www.regionofwaterloo.ca/socialservices • Click on “Financial Help with Child Care Costs” under the Children’s Services menu • Complete the Child Care Subsidy Calculator and you will be directed to the Child Care Subsidy Online Application. For more information on child care subsidy, visit www.regionofwaterloo.ca/socialservices or call 519-883-2200.
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