City of Waterloo council summary April 19, 2021

By City of Waterloo - Apr 19, 2021

 

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

Council provides further COVID tax relief 

The ongoing pandemic has put considerable strain on individuals and businesses. Council has unanimously agreed to a 60-day tax deferral program to assist individual and businesses who need additional time to pay property taxes. Similar to what was offered in 2020, the deferral is on an application basis and offers interest-free deferral for 60 days.

Council also approved a COVID relief Community Improvement Plan (CIP) to help businesses from across the community. The new CIP will aim to assist small businesses disproportionality affected by the pandemic, while contributing to the City’s continued economic growth and recovery. The city has run an Uptown CIP for a number of years with good success. Community Improvement Plans are intended to encourage revitalization initiatives and/or stimulate development and redevelopment.

Council strengthens its leisure access program policy

Council approved an updated version of the Fee Assistance Leisure Access Program policy. The revisions ensure the policy, which was first introduced in 1991, is aligned with Council’s Strategic Plan and goal of equity, inclusion and a sense of belonging. The program, increases access to sports, recreation, leisure, and arts programming in the city for low-income residents. Further details can be found on the city’s website fee assistance programs. 

Silver Lake reaches important milestone

The final piece in the reconstruction of Silver Lake has taken a big step forward with Council awarding the work to the north shore of Silver Lake to Gateman-Milloy Inc. for a maximum of $6.7 million. The overall reconstruction will result in a number of significant improvements to Silver Lake and park area, including:

  • construction of new boardwalks and a pedestrian bridge adjacent the Grist Mill
  • construction of a new Lake cell upstream of the LRT crossing
  • dredging and reconfiguration of Lake including hard edge treatments
  • earth works and grading of north shore and south shore of Silver Lake
  • new focal fountain feature, beach area and seating areas north of Silver Lake
  • upgrades to Park Inn area including restoration of the asphalt parking area and updated seating area
    • updated and improved lighting along the north shore and around the lake
    • new plantings and landscaping around the lake and north shore areas

Council approves keeping of backyard hens

Council has approved the limited keeping of backyard hens, following a request from some community members. Before hens can be kept, staff will draft bylaws to govern the practice and bring them back to Council for consideration in May.

Uptown Vision 2030

Council has adopted the new Uptown Vision 2030 planning document, which is focused on ensuring, “Uptown Waterloo will be a safe, inclusive and attractive place to live, work, visit and enjoy. Uptown will be a vibrant city centre that showcases what the City of Waterloo has to offer. Waterloo's historical character will be highlighted while embracing its sustainable growth as an environmentally progressive, equitable, innovative and culturally rich community.” The Uptown Vision 2030 is organized within five perspectives: Live, Work, Play, Move, and Build. Staff have been directed to consider the visionary document when it is undertaking planning work that would impact uptown Waterloo.

Transportation Master Plan (TMP) approved

Following community consultation, Council has approved a new Transportation Master Plan. In addition, Council has directed staff to advance a city-wide 30 km/h posted speed limit option as part of the speed management report for specific residential roads. Further, that the 30 km/h option be tabled for further public consultation before returning to council and that the TMP does not preclude the city from moving in that direction. 

The revised plan provides an up-to-date strategy for moving people and goods around the city now and into the future. With Waterloo changing and growing, the transportation system needs to adapt to who we are today and where we want to be in 25 years. To successfully deliver on the many projects, programs and policies set out in this master plan over the coming years, staff will bring forward requests for funding capital works, maintenance needs along with new resources and equipment through future budgeting processes. The plan can be found here.

Knock down signs in Uptown West approved

Council has approved the installation of knock down signs in the Uptown West neighbourhood bordered by Erb Street West, Caroline Street South, John Street West and Westmount Road South as well as Waterloo Street.  These signs will become part of the City’s existing seasonal traffic calming program.

 

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Media contact:
Tony Iavarone
Director, Corporate Communications
tony.iavarone@waterloo.ca

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