City of Waterloo council summary (10)
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.
Community Cash Grants 2019
Council received a report on the allocation of more than $92,000 through its cash grant program by the Community Grants Committee. A portion of the cash grants budget - $10,000 – was supported through a generous donation from the Kitchener Waterloo Community Foundation for 2019. The cash grants program is designed to encourage grass root volunteer and not-for-profit organizations to provide recreation and leisure opportunities for the residents of Waterloo and surrounding area. The funding categories for cash grants are arts and culture, festivals and events, sports and recreation, and neighbourhoods.
Significant festivals and events
Council approved the designation of the following as city-delivered festivals and events of 2019: Lumen, Open Streets, Solstice Sampling, Summer Concert Series, Winterloo (January 2020) and Waterloo Family New year’s Celebration. The city will also support a number of affiliate-delivered festivals and events throughout the year.
Spurline Train Crossing at Union Street East
Council approved the installation of a 2.75 metre wide pedestrian refuge island on Union Street East at the Spurline Trail. The Spurline Trail forms part of the high priority active transportation network within the city. Following input from the community around safety at this location, it was determined that the installation of a concrete pedestrian refuge island would be beneficial. The cost is $7500.
Award of tender reconstruction of Moccasin Drive, part of Longwood Drive and replacement of Albert Street culvert
Council approved awarding a tender of just over $3 million to Sierra Infrastructure for the road reconstruction of Moccasin Drive (from Greenbrier to Longwood) and Longwood Drive (from Albert to Longwood), as well as the installation of a new culvert conveying Cedar Creek under Albert Street.
Draft inventory of significant cultural heritage landscapes
Council received for information a draft inventory of significant Cultural Heritage Landscapes in the city. The preparation of the inventory is a first step toward addressing requirements from the province, region and city’s Official Plan. Information provided in the inventory will help Council identify and prioritize areas that require further study and areas that would benefit from specific conservation measures, both of which are subject to further public consultation and Council approval. The inventory lists landscapes under several categories, including: residential neighbourhoods, commercial, industrial, retail; institutional; cemeteries; parks, natural areas, private/public open space; agricultural; and transportation corridors. The draft list can be found in Council report IPPW2019-013.
Outdoor Sports Field Strategy Implementation
Council approved $633,000 in funding to support the Outdoor Sports Field Strategy implementation. The funding will support advancement of the following projects: lighting of RIM Park diamonds #4, #5 and #6; rehabilitation and improvements to Bechtel Park Stadium; improvements to Hillside Park diamonds, and minor improvements of various facilities within the sports field inventory.
Gatestone Boulevard – traffic and parking measures
Council approved improvements to accommodate the upcoming T-Ball season at Laurelwood Park. The improvements are designed to address concerns from residents about on-street parking and pedestrian safety during T-Ball games. A “no parking” area to accommodate a drop off/pick up only area will be designated on the north side of Gatestone Boulevard on weekday evenings during the diamond use season. Stopping will be restricted on the south side across from the park entrance during weekday evenings during the diamond use season. Seasonal flexible signs will also be re-installed as a traffic calming measure. The city consulted with neighbourhood residents in developing these solutions.
Media contact:
Tony Iavarone
Director, Corporate Communications
519-747-8513
tony.iavarone@waterloo.ca