City of Waterloo council summary January 22, 2024

By City of Waterloo - Jan 22, 2024

** The council summary below provides a snapshot of the major items presented at Monday’s council meeting. The council meeting webcast is available on the City of Waterloo YouTube page. Please refer to the minutes for an official record of the meeting.

Community Services business plan presentation

The management team from the Community Services department presented their business plan to Council and fielded questions. Community Services includes Community Planning and Outreach Services; Recreation Services; Parks, Forestry and Cemetery Services; Facility Design and Management Services; Fire Rescue Services and Municipal Enforcement Services. The business plan and other budget documents are available at waterloo.ca/budget

Staff provide update on accessibility improvements at City facilities

Staff presented an update on meeting and exceeding minimum Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act, 2005 (AODA) standards in City-owned facilities, to better meet the needs of residents and visitors with disabilities. Through the development of the City’s new Multi-Year Accessibility Plans (MYAP), the Grand River Accessibility Advisory Committee (GRAAC) has confirmed that investing in the accessibility of the built environment is critical to improving lived experiences in Waterloo. Staff outlined the approach to achieving optimal accessibility at City-owned facilities, and shared several accessibility improvements that have been completed since the Facility Accessibility Audit results were shared in April 2023, including:

  • new automated door openers at the Waterloo Public Library (WPL) Harper Branch Library/YMCA and RIM Park, along with reconfigured automated door openers at Waterloo Memorial Recreation Centre (WMRC)
  • braille buttons added to WPL Main Branch elevator
  • regrading of the lower entrance to the Parkview Crematorium
  • a labelling system for easier drop-off/pick up and increased safety installed at WMRC entrances
  • listening system upgrades for RIM Park and City Hall
  • revising parking space signage at WMRC to better support older adults
  • development of facility accessibility design standards

These initiatives support the City’s commitment to Reconciliation, Equity, Accessibility, Diversity and Inclusion by investing in accessibility and inclusion to enhance belonging across municipal facilities.

Council supports neighbourhood-led initiatives for connected communities

Council unanimously approved the new Supporting Neighbourhood-Led Initiatives Policy, in support of events, activities and projects that are planned and implemented by residents within their neighbourhood. Initiatives include outdoor movie nights, block parties, community gardens and other activities to promote vibrant and complete communities where people feel safe, welcome and included.


The new policy will make it easier to plan and deliver a neighbourhood initiative, outlining eligible initiatives, setting clear responsibilities for organizers, listing available supports, the process for accessing support and the fees that can be waived. The policy is one way the City of Waterloo supports neighbourhood-led initiatives, aligning with the changing volunteer landscape and supporting block connectors and neighbourhood volunteers who are not necessarily part of formal associations.

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Media contact:
Cari Van Niekerk
Director, Corporate Communications
cari.vanniekerk@waterloo.ca

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