Mhm. >> Okay, good afternoon, everyone. We, uh, will begin our council meeting. I'll start with a territorial acknowledgement. Um, we begin we'd like to begin by acknowledging that the land on which we gather, land on which we are broadcasting from today, is the land traditionally cared for by the Hodinoshoni, Anishinaabe, and Shinotan people. >> [clears throat] >> We also acknowledge the enduring presence and deep traditional knowledge and philosophies of the indigenous people with whom we share this land today. And we know that um I'll just add some personal reflections to that uh official land acknowledgement. Obviously yesterday was um National Indigenous Peoples Day and that is um an important day in the calendar, of course. It's also summer solstice, although certainly the weather doesn't feel like it's summer solstice, but summer it's summer nevertheless. Um and as some of you may know, I was in Thunder Bay from Wednesday last week um for I'm on I'm on the board of the Association of Municipalities of Ontario, so we had our annual AGM and um meetings in Thunder Bay. We held it there because the current president of AMO uh chose that as a place that she wanted AMO executive and board members to go to, so because there's been you know, learning that more learning that we need to do particularly around our northern communities and um and certainly more about indigenous peoples. Um I have the good fortune of one of my best friends lives in Thunder Bay, so I stayed for the weekend and um and she's from Martin's Falls um in um above outside of Thunder Bay and so I had the opportunity to spend the weekend with her and at the um I'm not going to say this properly, but uh at the First Nations there, it's the Animikig Waajew um First Nations and they are Sorry, Animikig Waajew is the Thunder Mountain that's outside of Thunder Bay and that means in Ojibway, the place where thunderbirds nest. Um and so the First Nations there were hosting, they called it a culture camp. Um so I had the opportunity to go with my friend and both of her daughters to um uh they had they had teach a teaching tent where I learned some First Nations games from from the Ojibway. Um there was um someone talking to and teaching anybody who wanted to gather around the fire or uh around making goose soup with a uh and plucking the goose and um uh and things of that nature, which was very interesting. And then there was also um they called it hide camp. So there was hides from moose um and then my friend had a deer hide. So they were instructing people on how to scrape the the hides and prepare it to be used um to be leather to be tanned and things of that nature. So certainly nothing that I'd ever been involved with before, but it was a really great learning opportunity, including seeing uh they were teaching people how to um use the leg of the moose and like dissect it and take it fully apart so that because of course they use every piece, the sinew, the bones, etc. So it was quite a learning opportunity for me. Um uh and then but then one of the most moving things was on uh Sunday morning, we got up very early at like 4:00 in the morning and went to the top of Amne Amnicqua Waju, Thunder Mountain, um for a sunrise ceremony where um where the elder there um called to the east and welcomed the crow. We went to the then faced the south and we and welcomed the eagle, went to the north and welcomed the grizzly bear, and then to the um to the east and welcomed the wolf. Um and so, it was a really beautiful way to start um what's a very important day in the calendar, Indigenous Peoples Day, and um and then of course the rest of the day was followed by a powwow and uh and celebration. So, um and it was the first time that I was able to see my friends' daughters um dance in the honor dances. They have They're both um trained as They've as They have jingle dresses, and so they were They were dancing on one of the first honor songs. So, it was a really special, deeply personal, and moving day. Um and had the wonderful opportunity to again see spend it with my friend who is First Nations, but also her daughters, and to really um be able to celebrate this together with uh with the First Nations and with her. So, just wanted to share that. Um and uh um Yeah, and I hope everyone else uh I hope the I hope the in the Indigenous Marketplace that we had here, um I hope it was well attended, and I see Bill Martins here. So, thanks for your work in organizing that. Um and uh I I know this the spirit I'm forgetting their names. >> Spirit Nation. >> Spirit Nation, thank you. Spirit Nation played throughout the day. Um so, I know I missed some really important things that happened at home, but wanted to also just thank Bill and I think Councillor Wright and uh Jay S. Balasubramaniam who helped um put the bring that to our community. So, again, hope everyone had a really special day yesterday, and thank you for letting me share um share my experience with you. So, with that, I will also offer a moment of reflection. At the beginning of this council meeting, we pause to think about the needs of our community. May we show wisdom and compassion in all our decisions. Council, is there look anyone with a pecuniary a disclosure pecuniary interest in the general nature seeing none I need someone to approve the minutes. Moved by Councillor Freeman seconded by Councillor Wright that the minutes of the 20 May 26th Council meeting be approved. All in favor, that is carried. We do have a delegation. We have Brian Santos and Tanya Benninger. Brian Santos is a member of the government relations committee and Tanya Benninger is a chief operating officer of the Cornerstone Association of Realtors. Welcome. I know you were here not too long ago celebrating a birthday, a special birthday of your your daughter. So >> [laughter] >> Welcome Brian to the to the podium and Tanya, I don't know if you're sharing the time or Yeah, okay. You're welcome to stand there or sit there, but over to you, you have 10 minutes. >> Thank you so much and uh good to be here again and uh thank you for throwing me under the bus here, you know. >> [laughter] >> So I get good afternoon to Mayor McCabe and uh members of Council. Thank you for the opportunity to appear to appear before you today. My name is Brian Santos and with me is my colleague uh Tanya Benninger and we're here on behalf of Cornerstone Association Realtors, the second largest Realtor Association in Ontario representing approximately 7,500 members across Waterloo Region, Hamilton, Mississauga, Burlington, Niagara North, Halton County, Norfolk County and surrounding areas. Cornerstone was established on July 1st, 2024 when all those areas came together and collectively they represent more than 325 years of uh service for those uh surrounding associations. Today we're here to speak about something that's deeply important to the residents of Waterloo, attainable housing and the need for gentle gentle density housing options, pardon me. We'll be drawing on two key resources, our local public opinion polling conducted by Abacus Data on behalf of Cornerstone and our policy report from Cornerstone to Capstone, Building Canada's Missing Middle Gentle Density Housing, authored by Dr. Mike Moffatt, founding director of the Missing Middle Initiative. Yeah, the local market. First, let's see what's happening here locally. Uh the data on the screen shows a breakdown of single-family homes and the townhouse condo market for May 2026 and year-to-date. Overall, sales are down for the month of May compared to last May, but on a year-to-year basis, sales are on par with where they were at this point last year. The number of new listings is way down both for May and year-over-year, which has lowered the months of supply and options for buyers. The average sale price for a home in City of Waterloo, while down from the peak of the pandemic, still remains out of reach for many. Sitting at just above 800,000 across all residential property types. For a single-family home, the average price in May 2026 was still over a million dollars and just slightly lower than in 2025. Homes for sale are taking a bit longer to sell than last year, but on average, they typically sell in under a month. As I mentioned, we worked with Abacus Data conduct public opinion research on housing across several local municipalities. Today, we'll focus on responses from residents in the City of Waterloo. So, let's get into the polling data because this isn't just a policy conversation. It's a conversation about what residents in the City of Waterloo are expecting every day. Almost 70% of respondents say home ownership is extremely important or important to them personally, with nearly everyone indicating some level importance to home ownership. And among non-homeowners, 83% say they still hope to own a home one day. 60% of renters are actively looking or planning to buy a home in the future. But, 24% are considering leaving the city to find a home they can afford, the second highest number out of the nine municipalities that we surveyed. And while the home ownership is still very much alive for many people, it's becoming further and further out of reach. We also asked residents what issues are municipal Uh excuse me. We also asked residents what issues a municipal government should focus on uh most with housing affordability and availability statistically tied to the cost of living. Those two are the number one issue. The message from residents is clear. Housing affordability and availability remain top concerns in this community. The survey data really does set the stage for why we're here. We need to acknowledge the good. Before we get to these recommendations, we want to take a moment to recognize what Waterloo has already accomplished because this city has made significant progress on gentle density. Waterloo has up to four units on low-rise residential property and buildings up to four stories on all residential areas. They have a really amazing interactive search tool to easily identify if your property is suitable for an ARU, additional residential unit, and what parking is required. They also have two ARU grants available for detached or interior ARUs which cover up to 50% of project costs to a maximum of $30,000 and $20,000 respectively. They also have a down payment assistance program through the region providing renters with a household income under 130,000 with a 5% loan for a down payment on a house of up to 620,000. And there's plenty more. However, Ontario and Waterloo are falling behind on home building targets. We need a wider range of housing options that serve the different needs of current and future residents at a more attainable price points. This is why we're excited to work with Dr. Mike Moffatt to look on how gentle density housing can play a role. The Cornerstone of Capstone report looks to into a variety of missing middle housing types like multiplexes, additional resident residential units, laneway homes, and small-scale infill buildings limited three or four stories. These housing types can fit into both new and existing neighborhoods without dramatically changing the character of those communities. Our recommendations are not meant as criticism. They're just simply meant as a next step forward. Let's start with zoning because everything flows from there. Right now, many low residential neighborhoods in Waterloo rely on zoning rules that focus more on what can be built rather than how it could should how it could and fit into the community. We are recommending a gradual transition to form-based zoning which focuses on how building looks and relates to the street, not just what it's used for. The height maximum for additional residential unit is also set at 4.5 m unless the principal dwelling is taller than 9.1 m. Many other jurisdictions have set this at 6 m which allows for a second level to be added. From the public opinion research, 64% of respondents support streamlining building permits to speed up new housing construction while almost 30% identify approval processes and zoning restrictions as major barriers to building more housing. Smaller homes and higher density were also identified as the most supported trade-off to improve housing affordability. Reforming these rules is one of the most important things this municipality can do. Another barrier to gentle density is minimum parking requirements. When municipalities require one or two parking spaces per unit on a standard urban lot, it consumes very valuable land and adds construction costs that could otherwise go to creating additional units. A homeowner who wants to add a garden suite shouldn't be forced to sacrifice their backyard to a parking pad just to comply with zoning. The city Waterloo has an application for affordable housing developers. Oh, sorry. The city Waterloo has an application for affordable housing developers to qualify for reduced parking requirements in place. But we are suggesting that the city consider reducing or eliminating unit-based parking minimums for density gentle density infill projects. This These aren't about eliminating parking. It's about allowing homeowners and the market decide what is actually needed. Cities like Hamilton and Edmonton have made similar changes. And the polling data supports the work done so far. 50% support allowing more multi-unit housing in single-family neighborhoods, and 56% of non-homeowners say they would consider living in an ARU. Removing parking minimums is the kind of low disruption, high impact uh reform that helps get more homes built without fundamentally changing what the neighborhood looks like. One of the final barriers to building ARUs is the high cost of construction. Fortunately, the city has a great grant program in place for both interior and exterior ARUs, and we hope it can be renewed going forward. The survey reported that 32% of homeowners would consider adding an ARU, and that you number is significantly higher among homeowners under the age of 60. Additionally, 65% residents support expanding rental housing development through government incentives. Further, um development charges uh across the province, we've seen uh well, we're excited that city of is participating in the charge reduction program, which would reduce development charges by uh uh 30% for 3 years. We commend the work for the mayor and the council for taking this step. I think that's a big improvement. >> And Brian, just want to let you know you're just coming up to 1 minute. >> Yeah, I see that. >> Remaining. >> Cool. Uh we'll jump over then to uh Where do we go? Oops, utility access. Anyhow, um our fifth and final municipal recommendation is ensuring that gentle density projects can access the electricity, water, and wastewater services they need uh without facing excessive costs and delays. We won't go too far into the details of the recommendation today, but it it's more uh detailed in the report, and we look forward to continuing discussions uh with city staff on this issue uh if there's an appetite for that. Uh other key polling results. Yeah, finally we want to uh share uh insights into what residents would consider as trade-offs for housing affordability improvements. The top answers were more smaller homes and higher density, and having provincial government use uh general tax revenues to help for municipal infrastructure and support uh new housing. Uh in closing, just wanted to say uh thank you for your time and appreciate everything you're doing. I think this step's in the right direction. Looking forward to taking steps forward, and uh we're here to help and uh appreciate what you're doing here. Thank you. >> Thank you very much, Brian, and uh Tanya, the silent partner there. Um I appreciate the information and uh and you coming again to share it with [clears throat] us. You know, I know this is the second time you've been here in the I think in 2026, so we appreciate the the opportunity to get this information. There's a lot of recommendations in there, council. Um I I can recommend that we unless people have specific questions that we, you know, take this information and refer it to staff, to Ron Armstrong and his team to take a look at, um unless anyone has any specific questions right now for the delegate Julie or sorry counselor Wright. >> Thank you through you mayor. I just have one one question that I wanted to ask. In in the context of the many measures that we've been exploring to reduce the cost of of housing. I'm wondering what you are seeing from the communities where you have like 7,500 members across Southwestern Ontario. I'm just wondering what construction innovation you are seeing in those communities and whether there's some shining examples of either the modular housing or other construction innovation that is helping to lower costs. >> Cool. Thank you through you Mayor McCabe. Thank you for the question. We should appreciate this having this data here and that's what we want to bring cuz sometimes you have no data, you have no problem. And it just seems that there is an appetite here for more gentle density and how we get there is just having more options whether it be modular homes cuz there's a lot of families out there that affordability is a big issue and they're just limited in the options they have and what we hope to get here is just having more choice for people out there so they can achieve that dream of home ownership whether that be an ARU or a modular home and I'm proud of the city for taking steps in the right direction to allow those options for for families locally so they want to stay here and don't have to leave our community like 25% are are thinking of. So uh Yeah, we'll be keen to look at more of those numbers up for you. >> Thanks counselor Wright. Counselor Rowe. >> Thank you through you chair. Thank you so much for the presentation. I know just as you're saying this is is data. So I don't know if you can answer this but I'm curious about space for lived experience and specifically around parking. I'm hearing from residents that are you know living in the interior of neighborhoods who have accessibility challenges, elderly who need a car. So I know some of these additional units could be for seniors, but without a parking space, if that's going to be feasible for them. So, I don't know if you've had any feedback regarding any challenges. And also, my other point is spillover. If they're not parking in the driveway, Ward 6 has a lot of challenges with street parking and having to have emergency no parking signs so buses can get by. So, I'm just considering those impacts as well. >> Yeah, great question. We've tried to get more data on that though, too. But, it's a balancing act we see though, too, where I'm a landlord myself and I see less and less people have cars. But, in certain situations, you're more of those suburban areas where then the cars only do take up quite a bit of room and it becomes challenging at times. So, it is a bit of a bundling or a balancing act. But, we've seen some people with some landlords where they're unbundling parking where parking isn't included with the unit. And those that wish to have it, they'll pay more for it. And then, those that don't need it maybe pay less rent and don't have that parking spot. But, it is a a fine balancing act as we try to adjust that, you know, having cars or no cars. >> Thanks, Councillor Wright. Are there any other questions of the delegate? Okay, seeing none. Thanks again, Brian and Tanya and all and your um and your the team at Cornerstone. And again, we'll refer those that those recommendations to staff to take a look at cuz there was there was a lot in there. Thank you very much. Okay, so the next item is a workshop, the Water Street Park Plan update and funding release for 2026 implementation. And um we would like to welcome um Andrea Basler, sorry, Anna Annalise Sangster and uh and Andrea Basler um to join us to introduce this. >> Uh good afternoon, Mayor McCabe and members of Council. Thank you for the opportunity to be here today. The 2009 Park Plan uh includes a series of written recommendations to improve the park with consideration to evolving and future community needs. It is accompanied by a preferred concept plan shown on the screen which provides an example of how different park activity areas may be configured with recommended park amenities and features. The recommendations and preferred concept plan have provided a flexible guide allowing a consistent approach when implementing single projects in the park. The 2009 park plan defined an overall vision based on guiding principles and several objectives that were considered through the plan recommendations. The objectives include different aspects of the park comprised of some different categories such as planning context, natural areas, land uses, amenities, circulation and connections, parking and utilities. Some examples of objectives that have guided park plan implementation include priority of flexible and dynamic multi-use areas, reducing the number of exclusive or single-use spaces within the park when possible to accommodate the use in another location. An example of a single-use area is a ball diamond or cricket pitch which take up a large area but have a limited number of overall permitted users. The park plan also places a priority on the pedestrian experience with directions to expand the park path system throughout the park and to strategically limit parking lots to the park perimeter where nearby activity areas where possible. Other significant objectives include to improve connections between the east and west sides of Waterloo Park, establish a formal festival area for the celebration of the rich diversity in Waterloo, to protect, enhance and manage the ecological function of the park and increase the profile of the existing natural features in the park. These are only a few of the many objectives but they give you an idea of what level of direction comes from the park plan. At this level, design details are not determined, allowing for those details to be developed at a later stage. I'll now share some general improvements made to the park under the 2009 park recommendations. The Father David Bauer Drive frontage to Waterloo Park was completed in various stages and phases. Laurel Creek was realigned and Silver Lake was cleaned out with a reconfigured and improved shoreline. Park-wide wayfinding signage was designed. Phased implementation is underway. Improvements to E.B. Farmstead that aligned with the park plan included installation of playgrounds with accessible surface and accessible play components. Improvements in E.B. Farmstead that were not quite aligned with the 2009 park plan involved removal of the live animal display and subsequently the animal pens. Some works implemented in the park also required adjustment from the approved 2009 plan. Specifically, accommodations were made through the park for the LRT station, LRT corridor, and pedestrian bike crossings of the LRT corridor in the park, which were supported by the 2009 park plan recommendations, but implementation differed from the outlined that outlined in the preferred concept. So, while undertaking the various projects for these recommenda- or these accommodations, consistency with general park plan directions were considered where they applied, such as the creation of pedestrian-friendly park paths. An example of a project not identified in the 2009 park plan is the installation of the temporary off-leash area in Waterloo Park West. And an example recommendation under the 2009 park plan that has not been advanced is a festival area in Waterloo Park West. A plan was prepared through the Father David Bauer Drive frontage. A design exercise. However, this phase has not been constructed. The 2009 park plan recommendation to install a festival area in the vicinity of ball diamonds 1 and 2 in Waterly Park West was clear that this could only occur when the ball diamonds use is transitioned elsewhere in the city. Improvements to diamonds 3 and 4 in Waterly Park East were advanced in support of effort to expand the capacity of existing diamonds around the city and ultimately to potentially facilitate park plan recommendations in the 2009 park plan with respect to diamonds 1 and 2 in the festival area. A functional study has been completed that identifies a location of a perimeter path around the west side interior of Waterly Park West aligning with the park plan objectives. Some of the paths have been installed in the area of Father David Bauer Drive frontage. Some path segments remain for future implementation. The transition of the general parks operations or those with non-Waterly Park focus from the service center in Waterly Park West is a recommendation from the 2009 park plan that have not been advanced. So, these are a few examples of how park plan objectives have and have not yet been addressed through the implementation efforts. Changes in the community since 2009 to account for the updated plan for Waterly Park include intensification and population growth, COVID-19 pandemic and continued increased use of parks, AODA in the design of public spaces standard, park visitor desire to be in and observe the natural environment, increase in canine population and the increased need for off-leash dog areas, and general significant overuse of the park and conflicts from this such as parking issues and bookings. Projects that will be advanced with 2026 capital funds for implementation include Waterloo Park East access circulation and mobility study and initial implementation of the Young Street Park entrance and park road. Uh wayfinding signage and Wonders of Winter electrical upgrades. And in closing, if you're interested in being informed about the Waterloo Park plan update project, you can follow the project on engaged wr.ca /waterloopark. And I'm happy to take any questions if you have any. >> Thank you very much. Uh appreciate the information and I'm sure there are some questions. So, we'll turn this over to um council. Uh go ahead, counselor Wright. >> Thank you. Through you, mayor. Um everybody loves Waterloo Park, so big kudos. Uh I know we've shared this so many times in council that we get uh lots and lots and lots of compliments about the park. Um and that was a massive project seeing that through from 2009 to what it is today. Um just the other day I was walking through um in the evening and the the peonies were in full bloom and that light was perfect in Waterloo Park and the the pictures were just stunning. So, like at this is peak season for for Waterloo Park. It's so gorgeous. Um one of the things I just wanted to ask about was um with that increase in park usage um stemming from the the um pandemic era into uh our our population growth uh which has been significant. Um we do have a bit of a waste issue and so I'm wondering if we can think really comprehensively about how to manage waste in the park in the most proactive uh diversion-friendly way possible as we move forward with our our next stage. Um that's just a one one item that um has been kind of just rolling around on the back of my mind because our infrastructure really needs to catch up to the use of the the park and we know that the park's being very well used. And then the second one that I'm just hoping to flag is the continued issue with invasive species and we know that this is a really difficult issue for the park. And if there are ways to partner with local organizations or or citizens and neighbors around the park on invasive removal, it would be something to explore further as well. I know a lot of people would love to be able to help us out with that work. City of Kitchener has a similar plan in place. >> Thanks very much, Councillor Wright. Um I think I should have I should have explained this better that we actually the questions we can we can hold questions if that's okay with council because Claire from Tate Consulting wants to work walk us through a workshop and I think that's where some of the questions and comments like what you just made will be captured and then if there's specific questions around the the two recommendations that are here that are around the the the release of funding and stuff we can take those at the end. Is that is that okay with the okay. >> That's all right with me. >> Okay. All right. So I know there was a couple questions that Councillor Rowehead but we'll why don't we'll invite Claire up, Claire Bezinsky. >> And and and I'm just going to add Elisa a Prescott as well, the second consultant. >> Sure. Great. So come up and you can walk us through this this workshop. >> Wonderful. Thank you so much. Thank you for having us here today and thank you for the introductory context-setting presentation that was given which provides a picture of what has been done and all of the wonderful successes that we've seen in terms of this amazing community asset within the city of Waterloo. Once again, my name is Claire Byschinski. I'm a co-founder and principal at Tate Consulting, and I'm supporting MHBC Planning in this amazing project. Alyssa will introduce herself after, but in terms of what we're working on today, it's called a workshop, but I understand that you have had quite a heavy agenda today and quite a bit of discussion. So, it's not the type of very interactive, let's get up and facilitate in small groups type of session you may be used to. This I would call is a little bit more of a round table conversation because we're quite early in our process, of course, in the development of this updated plan. We want to talk to you today and to give you a little bit more information about the project that we're undertaking, the timeline, what some of the major assumptions and milestones are. We also want to go over some of the major themes that were framing this project around to help better position the conversations and the engagement that will ultimately be having. There is so much, of course, that we can talk about through this plan and through this update. We do need to make the best use of our time over the next year or so to be able to really use the engagement that we do and the input that we gather to be able to inform key process and outputs. So, we want to start with this presentation and with this discussion to make sure that we're giving you that context and that we're starting with a conversation at the council table to get a sense of where you're at from your thoughts and your input on this park and through this plan and its next steps and stages, but of course, there will be many more opportunities after this particular discussion to share your thoughts and your ideas as we work through the overall process. And in terms of the overall scope of work, we're just going to give a little bit of a high-level overview of our some some of our key elements in the plan process. >> Good afternoon, everybody. I'm Elisa from MHBC. I'm a senior landscape architect. We're of course working with Claire to to see the project through. So, this is really re- reiterating what Claire has already noted that we're really at the beginning of the project. There's multiple sections within the project and currently we're just beginning project initiation and background review. So, we we come to you to open the discussion to to get some early feedback but with the notion that we are early on and there there's multiple lines of opportunity to to engage as the project progresses. And we see the project progressing. It's it's been working long before we joined in the spring of 2025 and we're taking it on here. We'll see it. We are here little dash at the very onset with engagement coming up and multiple public engagement opportunity timelines really to strewn throughout the entire project timeline itself. So, I'll give it over to to Claire to discuss some assumptions here. >> And this isn't just about the engagement opportunities though of course it is a huge component of informing and framing the development of this plan update but because there has been so much wonderful work done by staff and other community members and interest holders in and around the park already, we do really feel like it's an important point to pause and to take stock of what has been done hence the background and a lot of the research and the input and engagement that we've been gathering over the past little while but also to set out some core project assumptions, the baseline of how we're proceeding through with this plan update. Of course, it is an update to the 2009 plan, which means that we are not starting from a blank slate whatsoever. We are starting from a strong foundation of recommendations that are already in place, that have been adopted already. Some that have been actioned on, some which may be lagging behind us was mentioned a little bit earlier. But we do need to give due respect to what was already done and what was already adopted and build from there. We have already mentioned the increased growth and demand on the park space. This is now not just a park, this is a community gathering space, a social opportunity for people to connect. When we talk about people looking for access to nature and access to green space with our higher density uses and our higher density growth, we're seeing so many more people wanting to use these spaces to be able to get access to nature and access to green space. So we understand we are trying to manage increased visitor volumes and that is a result of amazing growth and development we're seeing within the city. We know that there is ongoing work that is already in place right now. So this plan needs to happen in tandem with that work. We need to understand what has already been accepted or adopted, what has been done, and what else can be changed or adapted through this process. So it's a really interesting balancing act to incorporate and accommodate what has already been done and to continue to monitor those initiatives and incorporate them into our processes. I think this next one is going to be sometimes the most challenging but important to emphasize, which is that we can't do everything that we want to all the time. And I know we all know that, but considering this is also being broadcasted elsewhere, it's important to state that at the outset, that we will have to have some challenging conversations about we what we can do and what we can't do. This is a long-term strategy, so maybe some things will happen sooner rather than later. But we do want to acknowledge that there will need to be some compromises made and that implementation implementation will happen using a phased approach based on available budgets, based on available opportunities to support capacity and implementation. Of course, all of this work will be informed by robust engagement and outreach. As Lisa has already mentioned, we have a number of different points throughout our process that are using engagement to be able to inform outcomes and outputs. This is a plan that is being based and developed based on the International Association of Public Participation process and frameworks. It is very much about audience support and involvement as much as we can. And of course, uh last but certainly not least these two, we are committed to creating an inclusive, barrier-free, and culturally responsive park in any of the initiatives that we do that's in alignment with the strategic priorities that have already been set by council and any of the frameworks that are already in place. So, you'll probably be seeing these assumptions quite often throughout the process. These things are our givens. They're our core foundations and statements and commitments to what we're doing and we'll continue to communicate them and reiterate them through our process as best as we can. >> We're going to frame a couple of questions today around eight different themes. So, we'll take a moment now to just go through every theme so that we are all on the same page prior to asking the question. So, to start off, we'll be talking about activation and there's several types of activation in park activation. This first one being recreational items. So, this is the intentional use of and the enhancement of park spaces to encourage physical activity and social interaction. So, things like festival, events, playgrounds, splash pads, running, walking, off-leash dog park is is here as well. Uh alongside that, there's passive activation. This is the way that we use a uh uh park or or a space that's port calm, low intensity, and uh it's primarily for individual or small group activities. Uh things like benches, hills, walking trails, uh, really the spectator areas adjacent to recreational activities, uh, food areas, and people watching, one of my favorites. Uh, safety and well-being is of course, uh, paramount. Uh, and this is the conditions, the design features, and the management practices that, uh, make visitors feel welcome and secure in a space. Uh, and this is offered through shade, shelter, fitness areas, biking trails, lighting, emergency emergency buttons, and opportunities for escape. Equity and diversity is the intentional design, programming, and management of the park spaces that ensure that all people, regardless of age, culture, income, ability, uh, that we can all use the park and feel welcome in the environment. Things like wayfinding, site access, uh, ready reconciliation. And then mobility and connectivity, which, uh, really looks at how people access and move through the space, um, not just the park, but beyond it. So, how do we, uh, engage with the park, uh, from a city perspective as a whole? So, things like park entrances, connections to outside trails and landmarks, parking, circulation, really a big topic. Operations and maintenance will will, uh, speak to the ongoing maintenance, care, and upkeep of park spaces. Um, this is going to become critical as it's already been noted. Uh, so, things like finance, operations staff, current versus future as well, uh, the the center yard, the service yard, uh, booking systems, maintenance, servicing based on seasonality is an important one as well. And finally, the climate and natural system. How do we tie in, uh, to the overall bigger picture? Uh, so, this looks at environmental features, ecological processes, climate responsive design, and really how a park functions naturally and sustainably through the vegetation communities, waterways, preservation and management of these natural systems. So, things like manicured garden beds, softscape, hardscape, invasive species, those kind of items will really fall under this theme. Community and outreach. So, really we're looking at the strategies, the tools and activities to share information. So, the standardized public engagement, the how do we notify people and the programming and promotion throughout. >> I just wanted to mention that we have selected to organize a lot of these major elements and topics into these themes. Before we were brought on to this project process and the request for proposal, there was a really wonderful list of a lot of really key topics and major elements that need to be addressed through this park plan update. What's important from an engagement perspective is to be able to organize them into more manageable conversation topics, which is where you see these themes come forward. So, we're really going to be using these themes and then the elements and details that Elisa went over underneath each of them as the framing point for our engagement as we go through the next steps and stages. It allows us to be able to have more focused conversations while also very specific topics that we can address. It allows us to create visions and strategies around these themes and to help guide recommendations. It just is a really great way to be able to position this in a more manageable and approachable way through our engagement process. So, that's why you see these themes that we've moved forward with and again as I said before, this is really the first couple of stages of engagement and we come to you first to get your thoughts and your ideas. As I see, I only have about 30 seconds to wrap this last slide up, but I believe we're moving into the next stage of our round table conversation and again, I'm not going to ask you to get up. I'm not going to ask you to do anything overly facilitated today. What we really wanted to do is to hear from you first and foremost before we move into future stages of engagement about your thoughts around the park, around these themes. Are there any specific themes that come to mind, specific elements that you think are critically important for us to be really considering or honing in on as we embark on these next couple of stages of engagement. Is there anything missing? Is [snorts] there anything that you thought you would see in these themes or in these elements that was not there? And what I'd invite you to do if we're okay with this is to take about two to three minutes for each council member and to just there share those thoughts as you're able to. And again, we're not going to do anything overly facilitated. We'll just go through each member and we'll note these down to help us better frame this conversation and to help us better understand how we can move forward with engagement and through the conversations around the park plan update. So, that's it for us. >> you both for that overview. Um so, I know we counselor Wright had already referenced a couple of points around invasive species and waste management. So, I'm going to We'll come back to you after counselor Wright, but I'm just going to You were here, so I'm just going to make sure you that you noted that. Counselor Rowe, did you want to start? >> Yes, thank you through you, chair. Thank you so much and I really welcome this conversation. I'm looking at the specifically the piece about accessible play components. I'm the council liaison to the ready team. So, we've had multiple conversations about Waterloo Park and accessibility. And um one feature that we have come up with and had conversations about more than once is an accessible swing. So, I'm wondering if that's something that we can um to this update and really have a good look at um the possibility of having an accessible swing and where that would go and what that would look like in the park. >> Thank you. Yeah, they're not going to be responding at you're just going to take notes at this point unless you had questions of clarification. So, I don't know if you had anything in addition to uh in addition to that, you can. >> Um that's my main one for now. So, I wanted to get that noted. So, you've got it down. So, I'm I'm good. Thank you. >> Okay, thanks counselor um Roe. We'll go over to counselor Freeman. >> And through you, Mayor. Um just >> [clears throat] >> in terms of responding to your question about themes as you've listed them here. So, when I look at where you say activation recreational versus activation passive, um I I I just I feel like um programmed space like programmed is different from just recreational. And so, I kind of feel like that whole theme around program space is something that I'd like to see separated because a [clears throat] lot of people want to um um to just go to the park and maybe they're recreating whether they're running, riding bike, playing soccer with their family, or whatever, but they wouldn't see that as a programmed piece. And then there's a lot of people that do want to use program the piece not just through ball diamonds and such, but also um the buildings. People want to rent those and that kind of thing. So, I kind of feel like I'd like to see those separated. And then um on the on that whole programming piece, I I think something that would be helpful is to really have an understanding of you know, the needs assessment for our our um programmed recreational fields. Now, I know we do an update to that plan on a regular basis, and I'm uncertain where we are because it ebbs and flows, right? Um FIFA is on a lot of people's minds right now, so maybe a lot of people are wishing they could sign up for soccer. But when the Jays win the World Series, a lot of people want to sign their children up for baseball. Um so, um I know that there that those pressures do ebb and flow, so it would be helpful to kind of see the next plan in light of those needs assessments. >> Thank [clears throat] you, Councillor Freeman. All right. Um Councillor Hammer. >> Thank you very much. Uh thank you for the presentation and the opportunity to participate in the conversation. I'm going to just expand a little bit on my two colleagues' comments. Um with respect to the activation and the programming I with that Councillor Freeman just talked about, I think it is important if we can try to have separate space or separate timing because sometimes people just want to be there and and be able to use the equipment that that we have. And if it's programmed all the time, then we're going to discourage people from coming. Um and with respect to the mobility and connectivity uh I echo the concerns of it being something that we want to make sure that there is space, but I'm wondering and maybe it's a renewal of the plan or build into it every 10 or 15 years. There's so many changes that happen with equipment and wayfinding and things that will make it more accessible for people and mobility that we kind of have that as a common theme that we're we're regularly updating. And [snorts] then my final comment was I really appreciated the multi-use um aspect of the spaces that we're not going to dedicate it for one particular use. If we truly want to be inclusive, I think it's important that we have opportunity for the spaces to be used for multiple purposes, not all at the same time, but that can be like we do for many of our other facilities. They're multi-use facilities. So, thank you. Thank you, Councillor Hanmer. Uh Councillor Bradley. >> Uh thank you through you, Mayor McCabe. My apologies for my coughing fit earlier. Sorry about that. Excuse [clears throat] me. Um uh the one thing I did want to just acknowledge, and I apologize if I missed this while I was while I was out, is just the um substantive work that the Waterloo Park Advisory Committee had put into this uh ahead of time, particularly on your comments uh around community and outreach and public engagement and how that how that how in which way that should move forward. Um so, I hope that we are using those those documents uh a lot of work from a lot of volunteer hours of community members has put into that. So, just wanted to flag that uh here up front. I'm going to echo a little bit about what uh my council colleagues had noted around the sort of passive versus recreational versus program space. I think one of the >> [clears throat] >> even the very idea of having it as two separate themes is sort of a bit of a a tension almost in uh for me in the sense that I I think I think we're in a bit of a bind where we have maybe a vision of Waterloo Park as not being these >> [clears throat] >> areas where we're going to have these programmed single-use spaces that runs against the tension of a of a community that is running out of greenfield space in general and places for baseball diamonds, for cricket pitches, for soccer fields, uh etc. So, there's a tension there, and I think one of the things we're going to have to think through as we move forward through this plan is how do we make those programmed or uh active recreational spaces still functional as passive spaces when they are not programmed cuz there's a substantial amount of as much as they are needed there's a substantial [clears throat] amount of time when those spaces are not programmed and they are uninviting for the general public to utilize. So how do we how do we manage that? Um perhaps a little bit easier with a cricket pitch perhaps much more difficult when you have a baseball diamond with a big fence that has to go around it. So I think trying to think through that would be really valuable. Um and then the last thing that I didn't see through here and maybe I just missed it is uh is the arts and I know that there's a substantial amount of of community commentary around having more art space usage in the park. Whether that's having music or having festivals and maybe that's not possible given the constraints that we have around the baseball diamonds etc. But how do we activate some of these spaces so that we can have small local theater plays happening small musical performances in addition to the visual arts and other and other art space. So I'm not sure if I if I missed where the arts would fall into one of these categories and I'm not sure whether the arts should be its own theme in here. I would probably advocate for that but that would be the commentary that I have. Thanks. >> Thank you very much Councillor Bodley. I'm going to go to Councillor Roach. >> Uh thank you. I really appreciate the work that's gone into updating the the Waterloo Park plan. For me Waterloo Park has to remain a true city-wide park not just an uptown park and not just a an event space. Um it has to work for seniors, families, students, newcomers, people with disabilities, dog owners, cyclists, volunteers, festival organizers, you know, all all those all those things and and and obviously a place for people that just want to sit, right? So, the themes I would emphasize are our safety, accessibility, and maintenance, practical year-round use, right? And uh as I support investment in the park, but I also want to be very clear about, you know, what is essential and what is urgent and, you know, what what can wait, right? Um residents are watching their dollars are every dollar that's spent, so the plan should prioritize the basics, right? Like like safe paths and lighting and seating and signage and accessible connections and anyway and spaces as as some my colleagues have said here, spaces that are are welcoming without being over programmed. So, that's just my little two cents. Thank you. >> Thank you, Councillor Roach. We'll go to Councillor Valsec. >> I think so, three Mayor Merriweather and much of my thoughts have also been said already and um I do want to touch on um uh This is a friendly workshop, so it's just a friendly a point on Councillor Roach's. Um one of the things that I remember former Mayor Dave Jaworsky invested in was or or talked about how they made this decision. It cost more money, um but ultimately they made the decision cuz it was the right decision. So, I think we have to balance definite fiscal responsibility, um while also thinking about how and what enhancements to invest a bit more in. So, like the example that he would use um Dave would be the um separating the pedestrians from the cyclists. And oh my gosh, isn't it lovely? It's so lovely. And so, um for sure balancing um, taxpayer needs and increasing costs, but also with being thinking this is the central part of our park. Um, it's also um, a place of tourism. So, I didn't really see that there either. It kind of connects with some of the other pieces here. Um, if you have big tournaments, for example, like one time the tennis club had that was like wild challenger, right? It's like an international tournament or maybe baseball ones, I don't know, but Lumen. So, thinking about tourism as well. And then I think about, you know, Central Park. And Waterloo Park's not going to be Central Park, of course, um, but just that same sort of um, beautiful um, fully invested in um, space in the center of town. Yeah. >> Thank you very much, Counselor Vasquez. I think we've done one full go-round. So, if people have other comments or questions, certainly feel free to put your hand up. I'll take my turn, though. Um, Counselor Bodley, I think was reading my notes cuz uh, I had very similar comments around arts in the park. Um, just it it it part of what I was thinking were, you know, there's the planned things. And so, what do we need for people that want to have um, like I think the concert band was in the park on on Sunday or Saturday. Uh, so what do they need? Like maybe electricity or maybe a storage space for chairs or, you know, things like that. Um, but then there's also like people who want to just come and maybe have like an impromptu sort of much less sort of low-key concert. But, you know, is there a concert theater that could be done? I will never forget uh, seeing Shakespeare in the park um, in in High Park in Toronto many, many years ago and just what a great experience it was to to sit on in one of the grassy spots and watch uh, Shakespeare. You know, author readings, you know, all of those kind of things. But, um, yeah, but so on the storage side, what do we do we need things for that? Do we need electricity, etc. I mean, I think it's pretty clear we need electricity somewhere in the park. Um I was also thinking about connections to and from the park. And particularly when you showed that um the overview of the park and you see these parking lots that um there's a parking lot in the park, but then there's that at a couple of the different ends. Like, what do we do for connections to and from the park, whether you're walking there, rolling there, cycling there, like or driving there. Like, how do we really connect kind of to Councillor Roach's point, like the this is a park for people across the city, right? So, if people Waterloo's not that geographically big, so if someone from Ward 3 wants to is going on a bike ride and wants to come to the park, like how do we make it really easy for them to figure out how to get there? And then you know, if they're if they're biking or have some kind of mobility device, like and you know, want to leave it while they go and explore the park, you know, where is there where there places to to to store it safely? So, things like that. Um and then that also made me think about the Laurel Greenway, which is a bit different from Waterloo Park, but still like part of it is going to my under- is going to like be some of the connection in and out of the park in that linear park um plan that that staff had been that we've that we were present had a presentation on a year or two ago. Like, like how does that sort of all fit together? Um and then on the other piece on the connection side was um we know the library is across the street across a very challenging road uh Caroline to get across. Um I know I've talked to the region a few times about, you know, can we narrow that road? Can we put some crosswalks in? Or like a signalized crosswalk to make it easier for people because they generally people either kind of want to cross, I think, at the Grist Mill over the boardwalk and not walk down to Caroline. You know, and so is there like better connectivity to the library and then to the Carnegie library that we have there and then, you know, kind of also to uptown, right? Like how do we kind of make it a all those connection points make sense for people. Um and then of course accessibility is Councillor Rowe talked about, but um but also like accessibility for, you know, the very young, but also everyone of different abilities, but I was also just thinking of there's a lot of seniors that live in the perimeter of the park, you know, at at the um Luther Village. Um they are there's a, you know, a number of older adults in um the Barrel Yards and places like that. Like how are they kind of safely getting again, probably signalized crosswalks and things like that. Like how are they getting from where they live across to the park, but then, you know, in some ways probably managing a bit of the noise that comes sometimes from the park, but we want a really active park as well. And I'll just throw this out there, but like we have the park in >> [laughter] >> um you know, is there a better way to make kind of use of that? I think it's it's a bit limited right now in terms of what's sold. Um you know, is there more that can be done with that, you know, I I I don't know about every everyone else, but you know, I've been to many parks in various places in Europe where you have opportunity to get a nice glass of wine or a cold beverage um or a hot beverage on a colder cooler day and maybe, you know, a light lunch or something like that, right? Like you know, is there something there that could be done with the park in? And then of course there's the the Potters of what's the water the the house there for the Waterloo Potters. That's that's uh I I um it's a beautiful old house and it's well used right now by the Waterloo Potters, but my understanding is it needs a number of upgrades, too. So, how does, you know, what does that look like and is are there other uses for that place? I don't know. I don't know enough about that house itself, but you know, how does that fit into what we're talking about here as well. So, um yeah, those are some of the things that that that I wanted to contribute to that. So, um I don't know if that if others have any other comments or questions. Yeah, going back to you Councillor Wright. >> Thanks. Yeah, I just have one last comment and it really has to do with partnership for the park. Um and so maybe that falls under community and outreach, but you know, like we have post-secondary partners along the border of the park. Um as well as you know, our our uptown neighbors. And so so it's really important I think to think about what the opportunities are there and you know, as Councillor Roach was mentioning, um you know, we're we're going to be dollar constrained in the in the near term. And so thinking about where we can make them maximum amount of progress through partnership, um seems really important. Thanks. >> Thanks very much. Um So, I don't see any other hands, but I'm just going back uh Councillor Bodley kind of raised the arts in the park piece and and part of the question was to to was should that be included as I guess something missing from the list of the themes and elements that are on here. So, um I know you heard what we all had to say, but I think that's a pretty important one to put under maybe as a guiding principle as well if the rest of council is open to that. Does that make sense to you, Claire? >> And through you, Mayor, I was just going to say that the themes are not set in stone. So, the whole idea of this conversation is to find any of the opportunities to adapt them to enhance them. Right now you have an interesting combination of a definition with defining elements. Those are all up for discussion. Ideally, what we're working towards is to be able to potentially create a bit of a more clear vision of what any of those themes mean to help guide future recommendations. So, all of this is very much adaptable, and I absolutely was hearing either ways we can emphasize things that are already there or some of the missing pieces. You know, you look at your work when you see it up on a screen, and you even reflect, you know, are there some areas where we can be even more intentional about making sure that the definitions are clear in between them, and they're not overlapping so much as well. So, a lot of this has been very helpful hearing about the balance of needs, hearing about integrating arts, defining more clearly what activation is, the passive versus programmed. I actually don't like the word versus. It means it feels adversarial. So, I don't mean that in that way, but definitely picking up on a number of things that I know we'll be reflecting on to enhance these themes, maybe build out some more more clearly, definitely redefine some elements, and ultimately bring that back for you to take a look at and to continue to engage on, and hopefully use that as the base for our engagement with and I will go back to a previous comment that was made. Our list of audience is it's very deep. And we're so appreciative of the work that was done by the committee previously. This is an engagement plan that is really trying to make sure that voices are heard, but it will also take partnerships as well to make sure that the the notice and the information gets out there. So, we really look to you as partners as well to be able to encourage participation. And if there are things we can continue to do better, we absolutely will and and are open ears to that. >> Thank you. That prompted just another thought for me. Actually, two things. The equity and diversity, I think I'd feel more comfortable if it I know you're thinking of this, but and people have said it, but accessibility explicitly stated in there, I think would be really important. Um and and then I I'm just also um I'm just thinking of some of our post-secondary students because there's two universities that are very close that border the border the park on on two different areas. Um and we're also the city's working to counselor Wright's point about partnerships. We're currently just at the beginning stages of a healthy Waterloo um project um or goal, I should say, and you know, it's about how do we how do we make it us a healthy community. And for the University of Waterloo, their goal is to be the healthiest campus in Canada. So, you know, what does what does that mean in terms of, you know, places like Waterloo Park, but then, you know, their on-campus and off-campus experience for students, but also for residents. Like how do things again kind of connect to connect to each other, whether it's trails, whether it's open spaces, green spaces, etc. because part of it is, you know, students need to come off campus and and residents of Waterloo need to know that they're welcomed on campus for different things, too. So, how does that like how can we use that idea in sort of the you know, thinking about Waterloo Park in particular. How does [snorts] that all fit? But we do have probably 40,000 students who come into who who who live in Waterloo um for, you know, a year to 4 years or longer, right? And and they're in addition to our full-time I mean, I consider them full-time residents, but you know, they they're there's a lot of what they want to do um and I recall being in a in a session with some of their planning and environmental staff. And and what this and they came up with some of their own ideas around Waterloo Park. And one of the things, and these were like 20-year-olds, they kept coming back to was connection. Like can there be places where they could, you know, kind of just hang out, meet up, you know, randomly sit down and around some place and be like introduced to someone they didn't know and have an interesting conversations and and things like that. So, um So, yeah, there. I get I got I got uh more than 1 or 2 minutes there, but that's chair's prerogative, I guess. >> [laughter] >> Yes, I said a little bit earlier that your it's your your role to chair this, of course, so however you'd like to take it, we're open ears. Um in whatever way it just jogged my own memory of uh rollerblading, that's what dates me cuz it's now come back through the park after classes at 9:00 p.m. Um and just how much it's changed and evolved and the opportunities here that we definitely have. I know there's uh a lot more we need to do. I just wanted to move on to the next slide just in case timing of was of the essence, but >> Yeah, I just saw that Counselor Freeman had um had a comment. >> I think that one of the things that came to mind just during your comments and also Counselor Boddy's Boddy's comments about arts and culture is just the notion of balance. And so, I think that as we're bringing forth the next plan, some kind of commentary on how how all of these uh themes are are being balanced within the plan. Um because I I I think Counselor Roach said it really well, too. Like this park means a lot of things to a lot of different people depending on your lived experiences and where you know, what your goals and expectations are when you go to the park. I go to play Pokémon Go, for example, with my son, right? And so, um we're we're looking for features in the park that are geo-referenced in that game, for example. So, I think that I I I think it would be really helpful to kind of see some commentary on that. >> Thank you, Councillor Freeman. I think that did Did you Okay, I think that's prompted something with Councillor Vasic. >> Oh, no, I just cuz you went on to next steps. I realized it it was just about themes today. Uh but I'm not going to be on council. So, I just wanted to make two suggestions for consideration. Um uh one earlier you said you can't do everything to Councillor uh Freeman's point, which completely makes sense. Um uh from a fiscal perspective and from a practical perspective, but I just wanted to So, in Ward 5, which is where I'm the council representative, there's Bechtel Park. Yes, and I my email just keeps freezing when I try to look up the email that I've asked about a long time ago and staff got to me about So, I'm not sure when that plan is being updated. Uh I can't recall. Um but it might be worth um >> Sorry, Councillor Vasic. I didn't catch what you just said. You What Which plan? >> The Bechtel Park. >> Thanks. >> Um like an update to it. Um I think the last time it was done was I 2009 here. No, 2015. Uh it doesn't matter. It's here. A long time ago. Uh 2009 cuz it said for 15 years and we're a couple years past. So, it must be coming up. My point is, if there isn't something that's suited for Waterloo Park or you want it there, um and maybe it's actually could be suited for Bechtel, um I understand that Waterloo Park is a central, you know, heart of the city, but maybe there's something that's better suited for Bechtel and it's right off the highway. Um so, that's something for consideration. Um and then I just wanted to draw your attention to the Parkland strategy um in considering the uh safety piece, uh whatever that theme was. And so, I just wanted to direct you to the Parkland strategy 2.2.5. Uh safe park design. And I'm sure that things have been um updated around best practices with that since we've done this. Um but I think it's a a good starting point for um the strategy that the plan we have with there, it speaks to, um, park ambassadors, um, and other sub-head principles, which of course you know. But, um, the park ambassadors piece is something we talked with then, it hasn't really taken off, but it would be worth thinking about, um, in terms of, uh, safety. That's all I wanted to add. >> Thank you, Councillor. Okay, I think we're I think we're good there. All right, so, um, we you were going to go through the next steps. One of you. We just have a couple, one or two more. >> Uh, I'll pass over. >> Um, so, really we started off with these slides and and we'll continue on with them. Our next steps in the near future up into the fall is is to move through the the project understanding and the site understanding itself, but also to develop the the project engagement and communication plan, uh, and then facilitate the public engagement, which is coming up, uh, in in the fall of this year. So, lots more opportunity to engage, of course. We are just at the onset. Um, we're we're both very excited to be here. I actually leaned into Claire and said, "Isn't it fun that we're talking about a park because it always is?" Uh, and it's it's really great to be here to to hear everybody's feedback and to start on on the right foot, uh, and to continue engaging throughout the process. So, looking forward to that. Thank you, everybody. >> Thank you very much. And I get just on the engagement piece, I'm going to assume that we're also including cross-functional like within the city, we're going to talk to all the different divisions. Okay, I see, um, Director Milne nodding our heads just cuz I'm thinking of you know, creative industries and of course operations and transportation and, you know, all of that that that they other staff need to have, uh, will have some great ideas, I'm sure, as well. >> Through you, Mayor, if I could indulge just one more moment. So, we that big list that I was mentioning, absolutely internal and external. We actually go so deep as to talk about, uh, the various levels of staff. So, the leadership, council, as well as other staff members when we're talking internally, we talk about technical interest holders. So, any that do have a mandate or buy-in, like the region you mentioned, Caroline, anybody who's affected from a technical perspective. Of course, clubs, interest groups, interest holders, community groups, uh a bit more organized or formalized, but still part of the community. And then, we have said public engagement, but this is very broad. It would include all of those audiences, as well as community members. Uh you'd mentioned people in different areas around the park. Um I am a planner, so I tend to go to zones, you know, your zones of influence around the park and who we need to engage with. So, uh the engagement plan that Alisha was just referencing goes into that depth of how we're engaging, who we're engaging, and and how we can bring those perspectives to the plan as best as we can. Great. You don't need to talk to the geese, though. >> [laughter] >> Interestingly enough, when I was working on the Victoria Park plan, which I had the privilege to work on, the goose management strategy got top points in any of our facilitated activities. So, that is no joke, as we all know very well. >> Oh, yes, yes, yes. No, the geese are the geese are real. Um and to echo Councillor Balty's comments as well, we really do want to thank people who've been on the Waterloo Park Advisory Committee for a number of years and and the the stewardship and the ideas and the energy and enthusiasm they brought to that. I see a couple of them in the here in the chambers today as well. So, um we'll keep um keep that information coming and and uh the engagement piece will be really important as we continue to move forward on this. So, thank you very much. And thank you to staff as well. Um so, with that, there is there is a couple of recommendations recommendations here. So, that's the workshop piece of it. Um I'll just ask if council has any questions about the recommendations. One is to approve the report and the other is around the release of the the non-routine capital funding. Um any questions on that piece, Council? Okay, seeing none, I'll look for a mover and a seconder. Um moved by Council Freeman, seconded by Council Wright. All in favor? That is carried. Okay, great. Thank you so much. Appreciate the information in the report and the opportunity to provide some input. Um so, Council, moving on, we're at the consent agenda. And I understand Council Wright, did you want to pull an item? >> Yeah, just very briefly, item D, the stormwater credit system. >> Item D, okay. Okay, so Okay, anyone else? Oh, Council Freeman. >> My apologies. I was thinking >> [clears throat] >> that the fire protection was actually in a staff report, not in consent. So, I have a very quick question on that. >> Okay, that's two. And then Oh. >> Sorry, to the fire prevention folks. >> No, that's okay. Council Roach? Sorry, I didn't hear that. >> Um uh item E, proposed demolition of residential dwelling. >> I don't see an item E. Oh, I don't have the re- Oh, I don't have that. Oh, I don't have the revised agenda. Okay. All right. Um Okay. So, we So, then So, we will pull um So, we'll approve what's left, which is a communications policy and social media update, and the 2025 waste water and storm water annual reports. Okay, I don't have [snorts] that one either. >> [laughter] >> I don't see what F is. Okay, so I'll just say A. Sorry, I'll say B. Thank you. B, C, and F. Okay, moved by Council Bot. Moved by Council Bodley, seconded by Council uh Hanmer. All in favor? that is carried. Okay, thanks for the for the agenda here. Okay, so we will go we'll start in the numerical or alphabetical order here. So we'll go to the fire protection and prevention administrative penalty system. I know we have Chief Van Solon here. Counselor Freeman. >> My question was just with regard to um I think that the tribunal the the office of fire marshal tribunal or whatever it was called also used to be used if there was um a situation where an inspection was done and um it there was a a fire code violation but related to how the building is constructed as opposed to whether or not fire alarms and so on are operational. So does does this piece deal with that too? So for example, they don't have a proper egress door in the event of fire. >> Uh through the chair to the counselor. Uh so no, uh there is there in the law for that has been amended since January 1st, 2026 actually has a whole list of those offenses that can be managed through the system. So we're talking smaller offenses like no smoke alarm, no CO alarm. Um the fire extinguisher certification is not up to date. So we still have that part three uh step that we can take but for these smaller offenses, this is the one that we could could follow. >> Okay, so the the bigger things that are a building code issue contrary to the fire code, then that would go through the regular court process. >> Through the regular court process, yes. >> you. That was my only question. >> Okay, thanks Counselor Freeman. Did you want to move that? >> Uh sure, I'm happy to do that. Thank you. >> Okay. Actually, why don't we wait and we'll move the what rest of Sorry, no. We'll do this the one at a time. So, moved by Councillor uh Freeman, seconded by Councillor Hanmer. All in favor then of the fire protection and prevention. That is carried. Okay, thank you. Um and we'll go to item D, sanitary and storm services bylaw and stormwater charge and credit program bylaw updates. Councillor Wright. >> Thank you, through you, Mayor. I just have a quick clarifying question. Um several weeks ago after there was considerable rain, uh I went on to the stormwater credit system to see what the registration process would be like to apply for the credits. And um the thing that really struck me was that um I didn't know what to do and I'm like a fairly reasonable person who has lots of understanding of stormwater credits. Um and so what it what occurred to me um is that the process probably needs to be a little more similar to how we deal with energy rebates. And so I was wondering if that's the direction that we're going on this LID or what what is proposed in terms of overhauling uh stormwater credits. >> So, um we after this bylaw was reviewed, we are going to revamp our um website uh because we do have a lot of calls asking where where I can find the information even though there is a click here to apply, people don't tend to go all the way down until they find apply here. So, we intend to revamp the whole um webpage uh but we wanted to add the changes that the bylaw is now here for approval. >> And so, you know, like the the um the burden seems to be on actually being able to quantify the low impact development. And so, I'm just curious how that is going to unfold. Like what what is the process that we're envisioning for that? >> So, it's the basically the same process. Um but we will be able to uh request annual certifications or annual inspections. And that's why we are introducing um the renewal process cuz what we have seen over time when we go to inspect, there is no um there are missing some of the controls that were approved. So, we are trying to quantify this in the matter of renewals to be able to really see if uh they keep maintaining their controls. And the quantification is basically the same. It's uh the uh rain gar um rain barrels have the same uh 200 L capacity. Um the French drains, they usually send us drawings so we can quantify that way. Um and for the non-residential properties, that's more engineering um stuff um controls so it's easier to quantify because it's a according to um the storm water um report. >> Okay, so I guess what I'm trying to clarify too is um you know, like locally uh REEP does a lot of um promotion of the rain gardens, etc. >> Yes. >> And so at the at the lot level, at the residential lot level, um is this the sort of thing that you would then as as a residential homeowner need to go through REEP in order to um you know, verify that your rain garden does this potential uh offset of the the storm water? >> Um no. Uh usually uh the program with REEP, the homeowner can reach out to REEP. REEP will help them um design the rain garden. And then when people apply they will tell us well I have a 2 by 2 m rain garden with 45 cm of depth and then that's the way we will quantify. >> Okay, thanks for that. It's just like obviously on the current site there's no no indicator for how you would actually qualify. So yeah, I was curious about that. >> We we are following step guidelines from the RCA on how to quantify how to inspect all these LEDs that don't are not easily quantifiable like rain barrels. So we are following those guidelines. >> Okay, that's super helpful. Thank you. It was coincidence that I went through that process and was just sort of messing around on the site. So sorry if you got my application. I was just trying to test the system. >> [laughter] >> Thanks very much for that for that information. It's good to know that that's being updated. So I appreciate appreciate that work. Okay, did you want to move that counselor right? Okay, move by counselor right seconded by counselor Roe. All in favor? That is carried. Thank you very much. Okay, and um and item e proposed demolition of residential dwelling. Counselor Roach. Just give her a minute to >> Thank you through you mayor. Maybe I'll preface my questions with just reading one sentence that you have in the report. The sentence goes planning staff support the request for the demolition at 120 King Street North including the extended time frame of 7 years or such later date as agreed upon by the city's director of planning so the applicant can secure the required approvals for the intended redevelopment. So my two questions are why 7 years? 7 years is quite a long time. Why 7 years? And why should any extension beyond 7 years be approved administratively rather than coming back to council? >> Uh through the mayor to Councillor Roach. Um 7 years is an extended time period. Um we've been working at this property now for almost 4 years. It's a small property, but it's a very complex property. And combined with the current water water allocation restrictions and some of the complexities of securing approvals around this property, we were estimating out a time frame of about 5 years and then added a buffer to it. So, in essence, the 7 years is just to provide a reasonable degree of flexibility, but we are actively working with the owner to try and move a redevelopment forward with with within the scope of the property and the complexities of the property. Um and in terms of the ability for an extension, again, that would just be for some unforeseeable circumstance wherein you know, again, some discretion would be allowed by the the director to provide an extension where um in an example, the owner is diligently working towards completing the activity, but needs another month to complete the activity. So, an extension for 7 years 1 month could provide. That's the intention around those provisions. It's not intended for the long duration. Um anything that is exceedingly excessive of any time frames established around demolition control, then fines are imposed against the lack of performance. >> Right. Thank you Thank you for that, Joel. And just one further question, Mayor. Like what what binding conditions about if any will prevent this prominent uptown site from becoming a long-term vacant lot? like landscaping or fencing, lighting, security, graffiti removal, uh maintenance standards. Is there Are there any binding conditions or could this possibly just be an empty lot for 7 years? >> Uh again, the uh we're working with the the owner who wants to move the the project forward. Again, challenging site. Um but uh you know, if uh the the property comes down, um it could remain vacant for a period of time, at which time property standards would apply. The city would main make sure that the property is maintained in accordance with the property standards bylaw. Our concern is is that if it takes a period of time um to secure a development approval under the current conditions, the uh the existing state of the building, the trespass, there's been a fire within the building, um those concerns continue to escalate. And in our opinion, we hit a precipice, at which point we were suggesting that this is an appropriate time to recommend for a for demolition approval. >> Thank you, Joel. >> Okay, thank you, Councillor Roach. Um are you prepared to move this? >> Yes, I will. >> Okay, moved by Councillor Roach, seconded by Councillor Wright. All in favor, that is carried. Thank you very much for those questions, Council. So, that concludes the consent portion, and we are on to staff reports. Um the first one being the bylaw to regulate the time, manner, and extent and nature of the supply of water within the city of Waterloo. Welcome, Janet. And staff. Um so, Council, we have this report. Are there questions? There's no presentation here. Seeing no questions. Okay, then who is Councillor Bodaly? You're prepared to move the report? Okay, moved by Councillor Bodaly, seconded by Councillor Roach. All in favor? That is carried. Okay, the next one is the status update on the William Street Pumping Station Adaptive Reuse Project. Leslie is staff is I don't see Leslie here. Okay, we'll move to the next one and we will locate Leslie. All right, the next one is the Rim Park Energy Infrastructure Retrofit Tender Award. Are there any questions Council on this? No, is anyone prepared to to move it Councillor Hanmer? Okay. Oh, okay Councillor Roach, sorry go ahead. >> Um, thank you. Through you Chair. There was no compliant bids, is that I'm I'm correct right? There there are no compliant bids received. So, like why is negotiating negotiating with one bidder better than re-tendering? And what assurance do we have that this price is competitive? >> Thanks for that question Councillor. >> Through you Chair. Um, this compliant bidder this was the most compliant out of the other four bidders. And the demographic in which uh the supply of these equipments occurs there isn't a huge um net if you will. So, out of out of the bids that we did get um, we weren't forecast to get anything different. Hence why we went into negotiations rather than uh re-submitting and taking that additional time. Thank you. >> Thanks for that. Um, okay so this is are there any other questions from Council? Okay, it's moved by Councillor Hanmer, seconded by Councillor Row. All in favor? That is carried. I'm glad to see that moving forward. Yes, that's really really good news that that's moving forward. Thank you very much for staff who who are working on that. Okay, so we will welcome Leslie Heptig and the around the status update on the William Street Pumping Station Adaptive Reuse project. This is another really interesting piece of property and project. So Council there's no presentation but are there questions of staff? Go ahead Councillor >> Thank you through you Mayor McCabe. I just want to ask cuz I just because it's top of mind to recently here at Council we approved the sort of principles behind report that was provided to us by the sustainability advisory committee. Around [clears throat] Uptown visioning and while I don't think that this project was explicitly referenced in that document there were some a number of other projects in and around the Uptown that were and so I'm asking staff just sort of as we move forward how will that report be incorporated? Will we be reviewing that report as part of the plans as we as we move forward with with what we might see on this exciting piece of property Uptown. >> Through you Mayor to Council Councillor Bodily. Um the the William Street Pumping Station is part of the Civic Commons initiative. Um the projects help strengthen the connections between Heritage Green, the William Street Pumping Station site and Brewmeister's Green creating a network of welcoming public spaces and improving pedestrian linkages through the Uptown core. >> [snorts] >> Opportunities could also be explored to increase the tree canopy, naturalize the site and repurpose the underutilized open space through a passive park elements of temporary pop-ups, installations, and can test concepts and enhance the public realm while creating a more inviting gathering place until a more permanent solution is in place. By preserving and repurposing the heritage pumping station rather than constructing a new facility, the project aligns with the city's commitment to green development and high-performance buildings. The adaptive reuse of the pumping station conserves the environmental values and maintains Uptown's unique landmarks. It also shows how existing infrastructure can be transformed into resilient and vibrant community space. Through work with internal teams in Waterloo at Waterloo and consultants, we can explore energy-efficient upgrades and support an active transportation public gathering space. The project will serve as a visible example of sustainable redevelopment. And once completed, the William Street pumping station will not only contribute to the pedestrianization of Uptown Waterloo by creating a walkable destination, but also foster a culture of sustainability through innovation building solutions, showcasing the value of adapted reuse, and inspiring partners that support a more connected, resilient, and sustainable community. >> That's great. Thank you, Lisa. I appreciate that. And lots of stuff in your in your commentary there from that from that SAC report. And I just want to make sure that that's top of mind to be considered as we're moving forward these types of projects. So, thank you. >> Thank you very much, Councillor Bodaly. Are there other questions or comments from council around this project? >> Through you, Mayor. I I'm just excited for it. >> Okay. >> [laughter] >> That's a good comment. Yep. Um, um, I A question that I have is just around if there is a partnership that we create, um, you know, to help manage this and upgrades, etc., etc. Um how have how would we build in what like if the partnership needed to end? >> Um that's a good question, Mayor. Um we haven't talked about that yet, but I can take that back and respond to you. >> Okay. >> Yeah. >> Like I realize there's you know, there's legal implications and things like that, [clears throat] but it's just how would we you know, if we get into a partnership of this nature with with someone, just you know, want to anyway, how how would we, you know, if in the fullness of time we realize we we want to do move to other um you know, another partnership or something, what would that look like and how would we how would we negotiate that and you know, what should we maybe be thinking about at the start of it um you know, as we move forward. Um I also just was wondering about the the outdoor the outdoor space cuz some of it's owned by the region, correct? >> Right. >> Now like when will we have access to that or well, the you know, there there's the building itself, but then there's the outdoor space. Is is there um work that we can do or in the like in the interim, like to use at least the outdoor space once we do have possession of it? >> Yes, we are in um negotiations with the region right now to transfer that land including the building um for that outdoor space and we're hoping to have that completed by the third in within the third quarter. Um in terms of the interim use, I've wanted to explore talking to the region about the green space that could be used um and through public engagement, we're also you seen to look to look at using the um land in the property um to showcase some of the ideas for the building during during Lumen. >> During pardon? >> Lumen. >> Oh, during Lumen. Okay. Okay, right. And I guess beyond Lumen, you know, because know, if there's use for that space, you know, what it might be and what you know, because we certainly our own creative industries, but also the BIA and just people in the community, you know, we're always looking for different space to to use and activate and um do fun and cool things. Um the other question I just had was um and this is maybe a little bit beyond the scope of just the building itself, but you know, in the fullness of the project, like are there like the parking lots that we have there and then the street, is it Herbert, that little sort of neb of a street? Like are we considering looking at um like the like maybe uh realigning any of that or is that going to be kind of outside the scope of of the work that you're doing? And and with the street, I know the street leads into 55 William Street, but you know, it's streets take up a lot of capacity and it just, you know, if there was another entrance point to 55 William Street, like could that be repurposed? I I don't know. I'm just I'm just sort of throwing that out there as to ask if that's something that might be able to be thought about through the this project. >> I have not um spoken to anybody about the parking lots yet. Um but we have been working closely with planning as well um just to talk about the zoning in the area um in general. So, as we continue those conversations, I can mention that as well. >> Yeah, okay, cuz it is quite a it's quite a chunk of land there that's that's for parking and then also that just short street. So, um you know, again, we know we there's a there's a big demand for green space and just space that can be activated. Um so, just wondered about that in this as well. Um and then I guess I'm just also wondering about Laurel Greenway and is there what the connection or do you envision a connection to Laurel Greenway or is this going to be considered part of the Laurel Greenway? >> Yes, it is um um in as part of the Laurel Greenway in the Uptown strategy. Um that is more consultation um the design will be um in a different RFP that'll be coming out um after we acquire the region's portion as well. >> Okay. All right, great. Thank you very much for that, Leslie. And yeah, this is a really exciting project and uh um great that we have uh you in in the role of the executive officer to move this forward. So uh no pressure, but we expect great things. >> [laughter] >> Um okay, staff there or sorry, council, there's three recommendations here. Is there a mover and a seconder for that? Moved by counselor Wright, who's very excited about this project, and uh seconded by counselor Rowe. All in favor, that is carried. Thank you very much. >> Thank you. >> Okay, thanks very much uh Leslie. All right, so count the council meeting will now recess and reconvene in two hours at 6:30. Thank you, everyone. We'll see you back at 6:30.