Growth of secondary suites and commitment to significant emissions cuts highlight Mayor’s speech

An increase in popularity of secondary suites, the upcoming completion of two major community projects and a commitment to cut greenhouse gas emissions were among the highlights of Mayor Dave Jaworsky’s State of the City address. 

“The pandemic has been tough on everyone, so we wanted to take a step back to celebrate the hope, kindness and community spirit that has helped Waterloo through this challenging time,” said Mayor Jaworsky. “We hit a milestone of 100 new secondary suites – affordable apartments within a home – in less than three years. We are emerging on the other side having built back better, with key projects at the Rec Complex, Albert McCormick Community Centre, RIM Park’s Eastside Library and Silver Lake in Waterloo Park. We’ve committed to tackle climate change, 50% reduction in GHGs by 2030, and launched an all-electric vehicle fleet for our Building Standards team. There is a rallying cry to shop local, helping our local businesses to survive, then thrive.” 

Secondary suites

Secondary suites were enabled by Council in 2018 and have seen strong growth over the years with 120 new second units being constructed. Secondary suites are separate living spaces created within a property that was originally designed to accommodate a single family. These private, self-contained units can take many different forms including basement apartments, in-law suites and above garage units. 

These secondary suites are a good source of affordable housing units. In 2020, 49 building permits were issued for secondary suites, and in 2021, 38 have already been granted.

Climate Action 50% GHG reduction by 2030

Recognizing we are in a climate emergency, Mayor Jaworsky said city council has also unanimously supported the TransformWR Climate Action Strategy which calls on local governments to be advocates to the provincial and federal governments to secure the additional resources needed to cut local emissions in half by 2030, in line with climate science (50 by 30).

Building Standards fleet goes “green”

A step we have already taken to reduce our GHG was the transition to electric vehicles for our Building Standards team. The city has six 2020 Hyundai Kona EV CUV’s (Compact Utility Vehicles). They use less than $13 per charge and require minimal maintenance as they have less moving parts – in a typical five-year cycle, only windshield wipers and washer fluid is required. This reduces the staff labour time, as there is virtually no downtime due to maintenance. In addition, no more idling while working to keep warm or cool.

Construction projects update

Two significant community projects are making great progress – Eastside Branch Library and the expanded senior center at Waterloo Memorial Regional Complex Centre (WMRC). 

The library, which is being constructed at RIM Park is on track to be finished by Spring 2022 and will be a great community gathering spot.

The new civic front on the east side of the WMRC building will include an activity court/gymnasium, additional lobby space, change rooms, inclusive washrooms. Hauser Haus is being renovated to allow for additional fitness programming in two exercise studios and a secondary indoor walking concourse. A new two-storey building - the Community Pavilion - on the west-side of the property will be new home for the city’s older adult recreation program currently offered at the Adult Recreation Centre (ARC) and Wing 404 RCAFA Rotary Adult Centre. The building will connect to the WMRC facility with an elevated pedestrian bridge. The occupancy of the community pavilion is weeks away, with total project completion next summer. 

Exterior upgrades to Albert McCormick Community Centre, which include a new skate park, will be ready in August. 

Waterloo Park, specifically Silver Lake, which will be the real jewel in the heart of our park, will be ready in late July. The boardwalk on the south shore will open this fall, and north shore landscaping will be complete in summer 2022.

The Mayor’s State of the City was held virtually this morning and was hosted by Rotary Waterloo in support of Hospice Waterloo Region. 

A recording of the event will be posted on the City’s Vimeo channel later today. 

Media contact:

Shelly Reed
Communications Consultant
shelly.reed@waterloo.ca