Waterloo Council receives draft strategic plan

On Monday, May 27, 2019, Waterloo Council received a draft strategic plan that provides a common focus for council and staff to guide decision-making over the next four years. 

The draft strategic plan proposes six strategic goals based on the feedback of nearly 11,000 members of our community. The goals are: 

1. Equity, inclusion and a sense of belonging – Strengthen Waterloo as a diverse and inclusive community.
2. Sustainability & the environment – Transform Waterloo to be an environmentally, economically and socially sustainable community.
3. Safe, sustainable transportation – Improve all modes of transportation to make Waterloo more mobile, accessible and connected.
4. Healthy community & resilient neighbourhoods – Position Waterloo as a strong and resilient community.
5. Infrastructure renewal – Ensure infrastructure needs through effective planning.
6. Economic growth and development – Foster a robust and diversified economy.

The strategic goals reference two to three objectives aimed at achieving those goals. The draft plan also proposes two new guiding principles – equity and inclusion, and sustainability, as well as updated mission and vision statements.

Community input played an integral part of the development of the draft plan. Nearly 11,000 people contributed through telephone interviews, online surveys, workshops and in-person discussions. 

The draft strategic plan will now undergo refinements based on council’s feedback, and council will approve the final document on June 24. 

Next steps 

We look to the community one more time to submit ideas for action items that could be included in the city’s departmental business plans – the administrative task list that will help us achieve the goals and objectives of the strategic plan. 

To participate, visit engagewr.ca/waterloo and answer these questions: 

Question #1: What would you like the city to consider doing to achieve these goals and objectives? 

Question #2: How can residents contribute to the success of these goals and objectives?

For more information including the draft strategic plan report and this new engagement opportunity, please visit engagewr.ca/waterloo. 

Media contact:

Shelly Reed
Communications specialist
519-747-8515
shelly.reed@waterloo.ca