City of Waterloo council summary, January 23, 2023

** The council summary 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.

Expanded after hours call centre

Council has directed staff to continue its work to expand after hours call centre service to the community. Staff will be implementing some recommendations within approved budgets.

Staff will return in a few months with plans on what the expanded services will include, how the service will be delivered and identify a staffing model to lead the process. Staff had received provincial grant money to study its current after hours customer service with a goal of enhancing it.

Housing and homelessness update

Council has approved spending an additional $130,000 to address different aspects of housing and homelessness. The additional money will be spent in a number of areas, including: encampment supports and cleanup; street outreach, partnerships, and support; service provider operations, neighbourhood supports, Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design (CPTED) audits and implementation elements, regional programs and services; and additional patrols including parks patrols.

Waterloo Park Circuit gets the go ahead

Council has approved spending $2.6 million to complete Phase 1 of the Park Circuit in Waterloo Park.

The Park Circuit will provide a formalized, multi-use loop around Waterloo Park West that currently does not exist. It will reinforce the east-west connections through the park, specifically by connecting back to the Central Promenade and the Waterloo Park East trail system. It will also offer park visitors of all ages and abilities an opportunity to be physically closer to Laurel Creek and to connect with the natural environment, which currently is accessible by desire lines and informal routes only.

Construction should begin next month and be completed late this year.

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