City of Waterloo council summary, October 3, 2022

** 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.

Commercial and Employment Policy Study

A Commercial and Employment Policy Study (CEPS) has been completed as part of the Official Plan Review process. Council has accepted staff recommendations to incorporate the findings and recommendations of the study, as appropriate, into the Official Plan.

Recommendations include:

• Expanding opportunities and flexibility for mixed-use developments
• Greater flexibility and access for retail uses and services
• Consolidate commercial land use categories
• Designating post-secondary lands as institutional
• Expand opportunities for general employment uses
• Restricting office uses in industrial employment areas
• Certain lands in proximity to the Northfield, Research and Technology, and Conestoga LRT Stations should be prioritized for office and employment uses to maximize the benefit of high-order transit and accommodate employment land needs

The changes will be made to the commercial and employment policies in the Official Plan. The community will have an opportunity to provide feedback on these potential changes to the Official Plan before any final decisions are made.

Council supporting relief effort

Council has unanimously agreed to make a $15,000 donation to the Canadian Red Cross Hurricane Fiona in Canada fund to assist people in Atlantic Canada who are impacted by Hurricane Fiona.

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Media contact:
Tony Iavarone
Director, Corporate Communications
tony.iavarone@waterloo.ca