City of Waterloo Council summary for Oct. 2, 2018 (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.

2018 Grant Report Update
Council received an update on the city’s grant applications. The City of Waterloo applied for 16 grants in 2018, of which 10 applications were successful totaling more than $1.5 million in grant funding received. Three additional grant applications are pending, totalling another $200,000 in potential grant funding if successful. The city is also projected to receive funding transfer grants in the amount of $5.4 million from the Federal and Provincial governments in 2018.

Since the inception of the Grant Policy in 2012, the City of Waterloo has submitted 153 grant applications, 111 applications have been successful in providing additional funding of more than $11 million to the city. 

Cash-in-Lieu of Parking Agreement, 176 Regina Street North
Council approved a cash-in-lieu parking agreement with the owner of 176 Regina Street. The owner is constructing a six-storey apartment at 176 Regina Street and is asking to modify the internal configuration of the building by increasing the number of units within the building from 7 to 9 by dividing two five-bedroom apartment units into four two-bedroom units. As a result the development will be shy one parking spot. In requesting relief form the parking requirement, the owner is providing cash-in-lieu of parking.

018-2019 Electric Scooter Pilot Project
Council has approved a pilot program that will allow electric scooters to operate through the David Johnston Research and Technology Park and extend slightly into the Idea Quarter district, as well as run along the Laurel trail to the Uptown Promenade. The pilot project is based on a defined boundary, clear objectives and data sharing. The pilot project will examine mobility patterns with a focus on the “last mile” trip and provide insight on potential reforms to the current Highway Act legislation. The company operating the e-scooters is California-based Lime. The currently operate in 40 U.S. cities and Waterloo will be the first Canadian city to participate.

Formal public meeting
Zoning by-law amendment Z-18-11, West Waterloo Retail, Lifting of a Holding Provision, 924 Erb Street West
Council approved the removal of a holding provision, to permit the development of Phase 2 of the West Waterloo Commercial Centre. The holding (H) symbol was put in place through site specific zoning by-law 2014-037, authorized by by-law 2015-020 as approved by the Ontario Municipal Board, to ensure the development of Phase 2 does not proceed until the traffic impact study for the area is updated and certain transportation infrastructure improvements are completed/secured, including: completion of a section of Platinum Drive and completion of transportation improvements Erb St. W.

Media contact:
Tony Iavarone
Director, Communications 519-747-8531
tony.iavarone@waterloo.ca