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Spring edition of Region News. Information about Region of Waterloo programs and services.
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Published by the Region of Waterloo Spring 2011
www.regionofwaterloo.ca
INSIDE�
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Try Something New PAGE 2
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Region of Waterloo International Airport
PAGE 3
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Accessibility PAGE 3
Commentsor questions?Region of WaterlooCustomer Service: regionalinquiries
@region.waterloo.on.caTel: 519-575-4400
Census PAGE 4
Over the past five years we’veasked you to provide your input onthe Region’s rapid transit project atevery key decision point along theway. You’ve played an importantrole in shaping the rapid transitproject and now we’re asking foryour input and involvement onceagain.
The Region of Waterloo continuesto plan for population andemployment growth over the next20 years. The region’s population isexpected to grow by about 200,000by 2031. This growth is welcome – itmeans jobs, vibrancy andprosperity. However, it must bemanaged properly in order tocontinue avoiding the type ofoutward growth that consumes farmland andcountryside and threatens our groundwater sourceareas and environmentally sensitive areas. Toachieve this and to maintain and improve ourcommunity’s quality of life, growth must beencouraged within existing urban areas.
High-quality rapid transit has been identified as a keycatalyst in this regard. It helps attract investment inhomes and businesses along the transit corridor,making better use of infrastructure and services. Itwill also provide transportation choice, meeting futuretransportation needs and avoiding road wideningthrough many of our mature neighbourhoods. Rapidtransit will help us in shaping a prosperous, vibrantand sustainable community.
A brief history of this project so far:• In 2006, the Region began theRapid Transit EnvironmentalAssessment and, after consultationwith the public, Council approvedrapid transit as the preferredtransportation strategy forWaterloo Region, rather thanfocusing on expanding the roadnetwork and conventional transitalone. • Extensive consultation,including public workshops anddiscussions with AreaMunicipalities, has guidedsubsequent decisions. Through thisprocess, the Region developedcriteria to assess a variety of rapidtransit technologies, which
identified bus rapid transit (BRT) and light rail transit(LRT) as the most viable and beneficial options.
• A total of 91 possible configurations of routes,station locations and technologies were identified,based on four key factors: transportation, social andcultural environment, natural environment andeconomic impact. The Region’s rapid transit teamundertook in-depth evaluation of theseconfigurations – including further publicconsultation – to rank each alternative based onbenefits and impacts.
• In June 2009, Regional Council approved LRT as thepreferred technology for Waterloo Region’s rapidtransit system. To ensure affordability and to
The Region of Waterloo is updating the Business Planfor Grand River Transit (GRT). The purpose of the Business Plan is to guide theimprovement and expansion of the GRT network andservices through the next four years while adhering tothe long term vision set out in the Region’s OfficialPlan and Transportation Master Plan and ensuringsuccessful integration with Rapid Transit and inter-city transit services. Some key objectives of this Plan are:• Develop a service improvement plan and ridershipgrowth strategy in line with the transit use targetsidentified in the approved Regional TransportationMaster Plan.
• Update transit service standards and keyperformance measures.
• Develop a financial plan that is fiscally sustainableand establishes an appropriate balance ofmunicipal investment costs and transit rider fares
• Develop a strategy to ensure compliance with therequirements of the Accessibility for Ontarians withDisabilities Act.
• Develop strategies to improve customer service,employee engagement and marketing of GRTservices.
• Identify strategies to better integrate GRT with inter-city transit services and to provide appropriatetransit service levels to Township urban areaswithin the Region.
In late May or early June 2011, there will be a publicinformation centre to present preliminary results ofstudy activities and gain additional communityfeedback. All interested members of the communityare encouraged to attend the public informationcentre.
Please visit www.grt.ca or call 519-585-7555 forupdates on the study.
Grand River Transit Business Plan to 2014Planning for the Future of Transit in Waterloo Region
Continued on page 2
Rapid Transit: Join the conversation
maximize benefits, Council endorsed implementing light rail transit in stages, subject tofederal and provincial funding.
• In 2010, other levels of government confirmed their funding contributions. The Province ofOntario announced an investment of $300 million toward capital costs for rapid transit inWaterloo Region, and the Government of Canada announced that it will provide one-thirdof eligible costs, up to $265 million, to support construction of the project.
• These announcements changed the funding picture for Waterloo Region. Based on thisnew information, during the fall and winter of 2010 staff revisited the different rapid transitalternatives. At Council’s request, this review included both BRT and LRT options.
The latest review has identified 11 different implementation options. One is full BRT, and oneis full LRT, each connecting Cambridge, Kitchener and Waterloo. The other eight options arevarious combinations of LRT in the north and adapted bus rapid transit (aBRT) in the south.The 11th option is “business as usual” – i.e., no rapid transit at all. However, it has beenconcluded that this option is not viable, both for economic reasons (including forfeiting allof the funding from the provincial and federal governments) and for the negative impact itwould have on quality of life throughout the community.
Now, the Region wants to hear your views on these various approaches. The Region is inthe midst of another extensive public consultation process. Information on costs, ridership,property tax impacts and more about each route can be found atwww.region.waterloo.on.ca/rapidtransit.
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“Rapid Transit: Join the conversation” continued from page 1
This spring, try something new!As Waterloo Region prospers and grows, trafficcongestion becomes a greater issue particularlyduring the morning and afternoon rush periods.There is limited space to build new roads, and justbuilding more roads is not a sustainable or longterm solution to congestion. A transportation network that provides balancedopportunities for various types of transportation(walking, cycling, public transit, and carpooling) isimportant to our economic success and ourcommunity’s health! Here’s how you can help: • Try making a few errands a week by walking
or cycling. It’s a great way to work activityinto your daily routine.
• Combine trips and make the most of eachjourney.
• Consider flexible work hours to avoid therush or to commute by transit moreconveniently.
• Ask your employer about joining the Region’sTravelWise program to offer things like:
• Bike racks• Discounted transit fares • Carpool matching• Access to showers to freshen up beforework
• Preferential carpool parking• Promotion of sustainable commutingoptions
Taking these steps means better air quality andreduced traffic congestion. So this spring, why nottry something new and leave your car at home.
To find out more about TravelWise visitwww.regionofwaterloo.ca/travelwise, or contactJohn Hill at [email protected] or SanchariQuader at [email protected].
Join the conversation!Based on public input and additional evaluation,staff will recommend a preferred implementationoption to the Region’s Planning and WorksCommittee in April 2011. The Region will host publicconsultation centres in early May. We will also bevisiting malls and markets across Waterloo Region.Check out our website for more information.Go to www.region.waterloo.on.ca/rapidtransit,where you can: • join the conversation on our discussion boards,• fill out an online comment sheet,• sign up for our mailing list,• find background on the project.
You can also follow us on Twitter@ROWRapidTransit and on Facebook atfacebook.com/ROWRapidTransit. Or call our RapidTransit Infoline at 519-575-4757 ext. 3242. Now is thetime to get involved in your community with aproject that will shape the region for years to come.Make sure your voice is part of the conversation.
A closer look at the options:
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The Region of Waterloo International Airport is a modern facility that supports commercial, corporate andgeneral aviation but the existing gateway sign on Fountain Street does not convey that image. Installed in 1987,the sign is now in poor condition. The metal has rusted and colours, once vibrant, are now faded.
A team was assembled with a goal of creating a sign that would be iconic, built to withstand the test of timeand instill a sense of community pride. The new design incorporates a number of visual cues including adirectional aircraft symbol and aircraft tail.
“We’re pleased with the new design,” said Chris Wood, Airport General Manager. “This sign isrepresentative of our airport and the significant community investment that has transformed it into aworld class gateway.”
The Airport is currently home to three Canadian Airlines - Bearskin, WestJet and Sunwing. For moreinformation please visit www.waterlooairport.ca.
Construction of a new Airport Combined Services Facility is wellunderway at the Region of Waterloo International Airport (YKF). The25,000 square foot single-storey building located at the end of NewGermany Lane just off Kossuth Road will be home base for the Airport’sAirfield Maintenance and Fleet Services Team providing maintenanceand vehicle storage, fire hall, office, change rooms, storage space, anda new fuelling station.
This building is designed to meet LEED Silver Certification Standardsand is an energy efficient/sustainable construction project with ascheduled completion date of March 2011.
Passenger traffic at the Airport continues to grow and last summer fireservice was brought in house. This new facility will ensure that the
Region of Waterloo International Airporthas the necessary infrastructure tocontinue to provide safe and predictableoperations for years to come.
Airport Gets a New Gateway Sign
New Combined Service Facility at theRegion of Waterloo International Airport
www.waterlooairport.ca
The Waterloo Region CrimePrevention Council recentlyreleased a strategic plan thatfocuses on what works best toprevent and reduce crime,victimization and fear of crime.Based on public input, “Smart onCrime in Waterloo Region” providesa shared direction for the CrimePrevention Council over the nextfour years (2010-2014) to further thework of crimeprevention byaddressing the rootcauses of crime.
“Smart on Crime”outlines the CrimePrevention Council’s prioritydirections, goals and activities.With a focus on Research,Education, Strategic Leadershipand Organizational Development,“Smart on Crime” is about planningfor the future while being flexible torespond to emerging communityneeds.
“Community safety is thecornerstone of a healthy andvibrant community,” said JohnShewchuk, Chair of the CrimePrevention Council. “It remains our
goal to engagethe entire regionright from thegrassroots to the
highest levels of decision-making increating one of the safestmunicipalities in Canada. Quitesimply, preventing crime before ithappens is the smart thing to do.”
The Crime Prevention Councilremains committed to developing ahealthy foundation to furthersupport our vision for a safe andhealthy community in which towork, live and grow.
To find out how you can be “Smart on Crime” visitwww.smartoncrime.ca.
Waterloo Region Getting Smart on Crime
Region of Waterloo Plans for AccessibilityThe Region of Waterloo is pleased to present our annual plan tomake services and sites more accessible for people with disabilities.Copies of the Region of Waterloo’s 2011 Accessibility Plan are nowavailable free of charge. You can get your copy of the 2011Accessibility Plan by:• Visiting our website at www.regionofwaterloo.ca/accessibility• Stopping by 150 Frederick St., 2nd Floor, Council and
Administrative Services between 8:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m.Monday to Friday.
For more information please contact Vanessa Lopak, Social PlanningAssociate at [email protected] or by telephone at 519-575-4757 ext. 3864 or by TTY at 519-575-4608.
The Region of Waterloo 2011 Accessibility Plan is available inaccessible formats upon request, including electronic copy in text-only or PDF, large font, Braille and audio.
www.smartoncrime.ca
“Smart communitiesinvest today for the needs
of tomorrow.”
www.regionofwaterloo.ca
COUNCIL CONTACTSREGIONAL CHAIR
519-575-4585 (R)COUNCILLORSCAMBRIDGEJane Brewer
[email protected] Ext. 3402 (R)
519-653-3315 (H)Doug Craig
[email protected] Ext. 3404 (R)519-740-4517 Ext. 4215 (W)
Claudette [email protected] Ext. 3408 (R)
519-621-7202 (H)KITCHENERTom Galloway
[email protected] Ext. 3401 (R)
519-578-2112 (H)Jean Haalboom
[email protected] Ext. 3406 (R)
519-748-1508 (H) Geoff Lorentz
[email protected] Ext. 3413 (R)
519-741-1494 (H)Jim Wideman
[email protected] Ext. 3409 (R)
519-576-5150 (H)Carl Zehr
[email protected] Ext. 3403 (R)
519-741-2300 (W)NORTH DUMFRIESRob Deutschmann
[email protected] Ext. 3407 (R)
519-621-0340 (W)WATERLOO
Brenda [email protected] Ext. 3400 (R)
519-747-8700 (W)Jane Mitchell
[email protected] Ext. 3411 (R)
519-886-9626 (H)Sean Strickland
[email protected] Ext. 3414 (R)
519-503-0613 (C)WELLESLEYRoss Kelterborn
[email protected] Ext. 3410 (R)
519-699-4611 (W) WILMOT
519-575-4404 Ext. 3412 (R)226-748-8971(C) WOOLWICHTodd Cowan
[email protected] Ext. 3405 (R)
519-669-0591 (H) General Fax for Council
519-575-4048W-work R-region H-home C-cell
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Follow us on Facebook and TwitterThe Region started posting regular updates on Facebook and Twitter at the beginning of the year.Updates include videos and photos, media releases, Council Info, newsletters, information aboutjobs at the Region, updates from Public Health, Waste Management, Grand River Transit and much more.“It was really important to us to jump into social media because we not only want to be providinginformation to the public, we also want to hear from our citizens,” said Bryan Stortz, Director ofCorporate Communications. The Region is finding that there is more immediate two-way dialoguehappening than was ever possible before. “People are expressing their opinions and getting theirquestions answered,” said Stortz.The Region is also using many forms of social media to promote exciting job opportunities. Sign upfor automatic updates on current opportunities by visiting www.regionofwaterloo.ca and clicking onJob Opportunities.Join the conversation at www.facebook.com/RegionWaterloo, www.twitter.com/RegionWaterloo.
The Home Child Care program is piloting a newinitiative to reduce greenhouse gases and modifybusiness practices. Home Child Carecaseworkers are driving in WaterlooRegion up to 70 per cent of their work dayin order to meet with caregivers andparents. In September 2010, Home Child Careintroduced the use of technology to savetime, mileage and improve services toclients. Each caseworker now has a laptop andprinter that they travel with each day while out in thecommunity meeting with caregivers. This allows
caseworkers to complete many administrative taskswhile out in the community. Reducing travel time
and mileage provides cost benefits andincreases efficiency. Funding for thisproject was provided by the Region’sCorporate Sustainability Fund.In the first three months of the project,mileage costs have been reduced by23 per cent. As the project continues it is
anticipated there will be greater use ofelectronic data transfer that will add to the
success of saving time and resources. Reduced useof cars has a positive impact on the environment.
Because the census is important toeveryone who lives in CanadaIn Canada, a census is taken every fiveyears. The next census is in May 2011.A census includes everyone who lives inCanada. When Statistics Canada receivesyour answers to the census, it adds youranswers to the answers of everyone elseliving in Canada. Together all our answers are used byCanada, Ontario and Waterloo Region to prepare forthe future.The census means services for your communityThe answers you provide on the census are used byyour community to plan services such as schools,seniors housing, health care, daycare, police services
and fire protection. These services areimportant to every one of us.We depend on you!Completing the census is both a civicresponsibility and a legal requirement for allpeople living in Canada. When you fill in yourcensus questionnaire you continue a traditionthat goes back over 340 years – from a few
pioneer villages in 1666 to today’s large and prosperouscountry.If you need help:Please call Statistics Canada’s free telephone serviceat 1-877-777-2011 from May 2 to 31 between 8 a.m. and8 p.m. Operators who speak other languages will beavailable.
Home Child Care takes technology on the road to reduce greenhouse gases
The Region is updating its strategic plan for 2011-2014to ensure that it remains focused on the most importantpriorities of our community. Community consultation isa key component in the development of this strategicplan. Since last November, we’ve been gatheringpublic input on:• What residents like best and least about WaterlooRegion?
• Experience and satisfaction with Region ofWaterloo services (barriers and suggestions).
• Communication and engagement preferences.• Suggestions to boost trust and confidence in government.
• Community priorities for the next four years.The Region has asked the public for input through: • A statistically valid telephone survey with 1,160residents
• 21 focus groups with diverse community groups• An online/paper survey
PUBLIC INPUT RESULTSResults indicate that people like living in WaterlooRegion. They believe it is a safe community that has asmall-town feel with big-city advantages. The blend ofrural and urban areas and the region’s geographic
location in relation to other cities, receivedconsiderable positive praise. Being home to tworeputable universities and a college was somethingresidents often liked best about living here. Many feltthe universities and the technology sector help createan innovative and forward-thinking community whilehelping the economy.Like any other growing community, Waterloo Regionhas its challenges including traffic, managing growth,poverty, the environment, as well as ensuring Regionalservices meet the growing demands of the population.Although many people cited that they like the sense ofcommunity and felt like they were connected to othersin their neighbourhoods, others cited that this was notthe case. This was especially noted in more vulnerablegroups such as people who were living in poverty andimmigrants/refugees.
NEXT STEPSBased on this public input, draft objectives for theStrategic Plan will be available for community inputthrough an online/paper survey and more focus groups,being held throughout the spring. For more information,visit www.regionofwaterloo.ca or contact Lorie Fioze at519-575-4758, [email protected] or TTY 519-575-4610.
The Region is setting priorities based on public input
“Treat the Earth well … it was
not given to us by ourparents … it was
loaned to us by ourchildren …”
Kenyan proverb
Why should you fill in your census questionnaire?
