What did City Council do?

Waterloo Park – Eby Farmstead

Council previously directed staff to review the future of the Eby Farmstead in Waterloo Park in advance of our forthcoming Waterloo Park Master Plan update.  In May, staff initiated the first phase of public engagement to reimagine this area of the park.  This could include continuing live animal displays or could look at feasible alternative options.  Some of the main challenges with the Farmstead include the fact that there are currently only nine animals on display, four of which are advancing in age.  Additionally, there is an operating cost of $75,000 per year associated with the Farmstead alongside changing societal trends with respect to animal displays for entertainment purposes.  A municipal scan of similar Farmsteads suggest that significant investment in upgrading the space would be necessary to ensure that we are following best practices.  This would include fencing off the area and limiting the hours of operation to ensure the wellbeing of the animals.  Some initial considerations for alternate use of this space could include picnic areas, additional splash pad, a performance area, skating rinks or trails in the winter and more.  Please feel free to provide your feedback with your thoughts on the Eby Farmstead area on the EngageWR page below.

https://www.engagewr.ca/eby-farmstead

Financial Reports

Council received a number of financial related reports in the month of May, starting with our annual statements for Development Charges (DC), Community Benefits Charges (CBC), Parkland and Investments.  While we did not meet our DC target, this is predicated on housing development.  A number of major developer projects were deferred to 2024 and beyond, however with projects that are in the pipeline we do anticipate meeting our targets over the term of the current DC bylaw.  The annual return on our investment portfolio continues to trend above budget, which is great news.  Particularly great news is the ESG related investment that Council made producing a return that is actually above our total return, while also contributing to the community in the form of a partnership with Kindred Credit Union and the Waterloo Region Community Foundation in affordable housing.  Council also received a report confirming a small surplus from our 2023 budget, which was appropriately reallocated to a variety of reserve funds.  Lastly, Council was provided a sneak peek at our update to our Asset Management Plan, as well as confirmation that we received additional infrastructure funding from the Federal government through the Canadian Community Building Fund, which will help us continue to invest in many of the infrastructure renewal projects that were reduced by Council as part of our budget deliberations to reduce the tax burden.

251 Albert St.

Council approved a Zoning Bylaw Amendment for 251 Albert St, which is an existing spiritual site for the Jewish community.  The updated plan will see the site increased to seven storeys; providing housing, a child care centre and an indoor amenity area alongside the existing spiritual use.  The amendment adjusted parking requirements alongside some other minor amendments.  The renderings of the site look beautiful and I am strongly encouraged to see this important location for our friends in the Jewish community to continue to grow and thrive.

Affordable Housing – 2025 University Ave

As discussed in last month’s newsletter, Council is considering advancing the use of municipal owned lands at 2025 University Avenue for affordable housing.  The first step is to seek a ministerial zoning order (MZO) to fast-track the zoning changes needed to allow housing on the site, given that it is currently zoned for employment use.  This was unanimously approved in May and we continue to proceed with the project.  In addition to the Council meeting, I attended a Public Information Session on the MZO, held at the Waterloo Rec Complex.  This engagement process highlighted a variety of issues for consideration as we move through the process.  Many residents at this meeting suggested that we should be bolder than staff’s original proposal for six storey buildings, to consider incorporating ground floor commercial into the plan and to consider the environmental impact of not only the current site, but the future site as well.  In response and in consideration of some of the public feedback the revised MZO that was approved includes adjustments to allow up to 9 storeys on the back half of the property and 12 storeys on the part that fronts University Avenue.  Upon approval from the Provincial government, Council will solicit proposals from the not-for-profit development sector and will develop a terms of reference to consider how Council will dispose of this property (or utilize the property while maintaining ownership).  This is an exciting project and wonderful use of municipally owned lands to help tackle the affordable housing crisis our community is facing.

Other Council Business

In other Council business, we awarded tenders for the reconstruction of Waterloo Street and for consulting work on the revitalization of Albert McCormick.  We also approved an Official Plan Amendment for 150-152 Albert Street to convert the WLU grad house into other office, academic and ancillary uses while maintaining the existing heritage building.  We also received reports on how the Commissioners’ special projects budget was allocated for 2023, our 2023 reports on waste water and storm water monitoring and more.

In The Community

In the community this month I had the pleasure of representing Mayor McCabe as Acting Mayor at a variety of events, including the HawkHacks Hackathon at my alma mater and the celebration of the eHealth Center of Excellence 10 year anniversary.  I attended a national conference held in Waterloo called Together | Ensemble held by the University of Waterloo in discussing the role of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals in a local context.  Always a pleasure to hear Mayor McCabe on a panel regarding housing and to connect with individuals across the Country in advancing the work of the SDGs.  The Ontario Special Olympic games were in town last month and I was pleased to attend a torch run event in the square and to celebrate athletes from across the Province competing in our Region.  On a community note, the Vista Hills Community Association held a wonderful community picnic at Beechdrops Park.  It was well attended, with food trucks, games, booths and prizes on a beautiful Sunday afternoon.  Often as community members and parents, when we attend these events we sort of just appreciate that they occur, but also think they just magically happen.  In reality these events are put on by passionate, dedicated volunteers who put a lot of time and effort into these events.  Please consider getting involved with your local neighbourhood association if you live in Laurelwood, Clair Hills or Vista Hills.  You can also become a block-connector or get involved in other ways through your neighbourhood.  Check out our micro-site here – https://www.waterloo.ca/en/neighbourhoods/index.aspx.  May also featured the Mayor’s State of the City address.  In addition to connecting with and honouring members of the community, this marked the continuation of our Grade 5 Councillor for the Day contest.  I loved spending some time with my Councillor, Bennett and it was clear that they had a lot of fun throughout the day.  This included a mock-Council meeting at city hall where some ‘interesting’ decisions were made J.

Lastly, I was pleased to attend the grand opening of the new Progress Flag, ‘pridewalk’ crossing on Willis Way, as well as to attend an event at Kitchener City Hall recognizing the International Day Against Homophobia, Biphobia and Transphobia.  Particularly as we head into Pride month these celebrations and reflections allow me to reflect on all of our roles in ensuring that we have a city that is welcoming and inclusive for people of all genders and sexualities.

Take care and please reach out if you’d like to connect to discuss anything further.