City of Waterloo Council Summary November 18, 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.

Waterloo continues investment in Uptown Community Improvement Plan

The Uptown Waterloo Community Improvement Plan (CIP) has aided the development and revitalization of businesses in uptown Waterloo since 2015. The CIP includes funding of the Façade Improvement Grant, Major Activity Grant, and the Parking Exemption program. In 2024, staff extended the program for continuous intake until November 30, 2024, allowing businesses the flexibility to align renovation or opening plans with the program. Five applications have been approved under the Façade Improvement Grant so far in 2024, with two in process.

Council approved the extension of the existing program for another year, until December 31, 2025. Staff are planning a review of the program in 2025, including a look at expanding elements of the program to include areas such as accessibility and sustainability to align with City of Waterloo strategic priorities.

Council approves conclusion of live animal display at Eby Farmstead

Waterloo Council approved the staff recommendation to conclude the live animal display at Eby Farmstead in Waterloo Park. The animals will be re-homed, and the former enclosure space will be reimagined as part of the Waterloo Park Plan update in 2025.

Staff presented information leading to the recommendations, including the results of an extensive community engagement process. The report cites concerns with the age of the current herd, the changing conditions and activity levels in the park around the enclosure (including the addition of the ION route), as well as the potential cost to upgrade the infrastructure and add full-time staff. While the current herd has been well cared for as agricultural animals, significant investment would be required to meet the expectations for care standards that other managed live animal facilities have.

Staff and Council took time to recognize the nostalgic connection people have to the Eby Farmstead and past live animal experiences in the park, while acknowledging the need to focus limited resources in other priority areas.

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Media contact:

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