City of Waterloo council summary March 23, 2026

** 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.

Waterloo approves new Development Charge Bylaw

Council approved the new Development Charge (DC) Bylaw, which will take effect April 1, 2026. The new residential development charge rates are an increase over current City of Waterloo rates, but remain lower than most other residential rate categories in comparison to Kitchener, Cambridge and other cities in the greater Toronto area. Development charges are an important financing tool, allowing the City to build the roads and water/sewer and stormwater infrastructure to meet growing needs, while also providing the libraries, recreation facilities, parks, and fire protection services that make a safe, livable complete community. 

Council approves amendments to support west-end commercial development

Council approved official plan and zoning amendments to allow additional development at the existing commercial plaza on the southwest corner of Erb Street West and Ira Needles Boulevard. The amendment will enable the site to expand beyond the existing commercial plaza to include a new commercial block, new municipal road, new multi-use path and relocated/new stormwater management facility.