City of Waterloo council summary, February 6, 2023
** The council summary below provides a snapshot of the major items presented at today's council meeting. Please refer to the minutes for an official record of the meeting.
Council approves Northdale apartment building
Council has approved a new eight storey apartment building in Northdale that will have 136 units.
The building will be located at Columbia Street West and Hemlock Street. It will predominately contain one bedroom units and also have ground level commercial space, 77 vehicle parking spaces and 38 bicycle spaces. A new public walkway will extend from Columbia Street West to Hemlock Street.
Council reviews proposed capital budget
As part of its budget process, staff presented “routine” and “non-routine” capital projects for 2023, as well reviewed the 2024-2032 capital forecast. Council did not approve the capital budget, rather they reviewed and approved the routine project classification listing. Council had the opportunity to discuss individual projects, ask questions of staff, and make project changes in advance of February 13, 2023 – budget day. The reporting criteria, that would require a capital project to be classified as non-routine and to return to Council prior to commencement for specific approval and funding release, includes:
- Financial materiality (projects greater than $2.5 million in a one year budget)
- High public/Council interest
- Request by Council
One notable project that was deferred is the Beaver Creek Road and Conservation Drive Reconstruction project which was proposed to be included in the 2023 budget. Council deferred the project, shifting the timing to 2024-2026. This deferral provides time for staff to review the current budgeted project, funding source splits and the impact of Bill 23 on city revenues and development charges. Staff will continue the ongoing planning and engineering design work of the project based on funding released to date.
Moment of reflection: Black History Month
Black History Month has been recognized in Canada since 1978 when advocates from the Ontario Black History Society emphasized the importance of this celebration for Canadians of all races. Forty years of celebration of black history and black excellence are still underlined by the struggles that come with the black experience.
Black communities are still underrepresented in workplaces and decision-making structures, more negatively affected in health outcomes, lacking appropriate ongoing investments for entrepreneurs and more. In communities across Canada and locally, we have also seen that racialized individuals face extreme backlash when they speak out against injustices.
We all have a role in creating a city that brings an end to racial discrimination, and to build a more inclusive community. This starts with the basics of how we relate to each other as humans -- we must be aware of our individual prejudice and learn to treat each other with dignity, respect and compassion. Learning about the experiences of others is an essential part of understanding how we can effectively join in the fight against all forms of racism and discrimination, including anti-Black racism.
Throughout February, we encourage you to support local Black-owned businesses, read the work of Black writers and connect with your community at one of the many events being hosted by local organizations.
As a Council, we reaffirm our commitment to addressing anti-Black racism and rededicate ourselves to making the City of Waterloo a place where the contributions of Black community members are recognized and celebrated.
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Media contact:
Tony Iavarone
Director, Communications
519-747-8531