City of Waterloo council summary (1)

The council summary below provides a snapshot of the major items presented at this evening’s council meeting. Please refer to the minutes for an official record of the meeting.

Revised municipal alchohol policy
Council has approved several changes to the Municipal Alcohol Policy. The first change reflects a shift in best practices regarding minimum liability insurance for events at which alcohol is available. Following a recommendation from The Waterloo Municipalities Insurance Pool and in keeping with the standard implemented by neighbouring municipalities, the minimum liability coverage has increased to $5 million. The second change is in response to changes to the provincial Liquor License Act (LLA). The Act now allows for an additional type of Special Occasion Permit (SOP) for tailgating events under specific conditions. As a property owner, the city could decide whether tailgating SOPs would be permitted in city-owned public spaces. Under the newly approved policy, the city is not permitting tailgating on any municipal premises. Additionally, under the revised policy, third party catering endorsements and special occasion permits would no longer permitted at Moses Springer Recreation Centre. This change was made as the centre is no longer a site for Oktoberfest, and to better align with similar facilities like Albert McCormick Community Centre. 

City of Waterloo economic development strategy
Council has approved the City of Waterloo Economic Development Strategy & Action Plan 2019-2024, which presents a path for action and advancement of our economy over the next five years and beyond, by informing our business planning and priority development. The strategy identifies economic opportunities and recommends strategic priorities and relevant actions to advance tangible solutions that create a strong path forward towards economic sustainability, global competitiveness, and the community’s aspirations. The Strategy and Action Plan follows three strategic priorities with respective objectives. The plan has a total of nine objectives, and 27 actions. The three strategic priorities are a culmination of the strategy’s key findings of the City of Waterloo’s economic strengths and opportunities. The three priorities are: Start + Attract – Be the place where businesses of all types want to get started or locate for success; Preserve + Grow – Be the place where businesses of all sizes and in all sectors are protected and well- positioned for growth; and Organize + Empower – Be the place where stakeholders are empowered to support economic growth and resiliency. The full strategy can be found in this council report. 

Media contact:
Tony Iavarone
Director, Corporate Communications
519-747-8513
tony.iavarone@waterloo.ca