Waterloo City Council Meeting Summary

Waterloo council received updates on reconciliation events, the city's Platinum Bicycle Friendly Community designation, THEMUSEUM, municipal greenhouse-gas reductions and facility retrofits. Council approved accessibility and energy upgrades at Moses Springer Community Centre, updated resident honoraria and the terms of reference for the Grand River Accessibility Advisory Committee, and enacted the meeting's bylaws before adjourning.

Topics Discussed

MUNICIPAL SERVICES AND RECONCILIATION

City services remained open on Sept. 30, the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, while staff participated in reflection and learning. Council encouraged residents to attend reconciliation events in the community.

"Reconciliation is not a single day or action. It's an ongoing commitment to build respectful relationships, advancing understanding, and taking meaningful action."

The statement also said city staff would spend time reflecting and learning while services remained open.

PLATINUM CYCLING DESIGNATION

Waterloo was recognized as a Platinum Bicycle Friendly Community by the Share the Road Coalition. The designation made Waterloo one of two municipalities in Ontario—and one of five in North America—to receive the platinum rating.

The city's cycling and active transportation work includes bikeways, pedestrian crossovers, traffic-calming measures and connections between sections of the trail network.

Christopher Hodgson described the designation as the result of long-term investment in cycling, active transportation and road safety.

"It's a significant commitment investment made to cycling, active transportation and road safety over a long period of time."

THEMUSEUM PROGRAMMING AND FINANCES

David Marskell, CEO of THEMUSEUM, reported improved attendance and revenue. An exhibition developed with the Leonardo da Vinci Museum in Rome drew more than 1,500 visitors during its opening weekend. Upcoming "Da Vinci Dialogues" speakers include Margaret Atwood, astronaut Jeremy Hansen and science broadcaster Bob McDonald.

Marskell said the museum recorded a surplus in its last fiscal year, with gate receipts up 20 per cent year over year. Memberships, education programs and camps also contributed to revenue.

Attendance had recovered to about 80,000 visitors, compared with approximately 100,000 before the pandemic. Marskell said sponsorships and government grants remained below pre-pandemic levels.

Council also recognized the death of Dr. Ron Schlegel. City flags were lowered to half-mast in recognition of his contributions to healthcare, senior care, mental health and aging research.

FACILITY RETROFITS AND CLIMATE TARGETS

Council reviewed municipal greenhouse-gas reduction projects at Albert McCormick Community Centre, RIM Park, Moses Springer Community Centre and other city facilities.

Staff reported that the city had identified projects representing 42 per cent of the emissions savings needed to meet its 2030 target of reducing municipal emissions by 50 per cent from 2010 levels. Since 2022, the city has received $6.2 million in grants and utility incentives.

Projects include heat pumps, window replacements, weatherization, dehumidifiers and cold-water ice resurfacing at several arenas. The REALice system has saved an estimated 136 tonnes of greenhouse-gas emissions and generated $58,000 in utility incentives.

RIM Park is scheduled for roof replacements, accessible washrooms, LED lighting and heat recovery from ice-making equipment. Moses Springer is to receive a roof replacement designed to accommodate future solar panels, accessibility improvements and cooling for summer-camp use.

Scott Post said the city's green-building policy guides projects such as electrification and heat recovery.

"We've got electrification of heating which is fuel switching. So converting our heating sources for air and water from natural gas to electricity, heat and energy recovery."

MOSES SPRINGER COMMUNITY CENTRE AND ACCESSIBILITY

Construction at Moses Springer was expected to begin within two to three weeks, with completion targeted for the end of May. The project is funded by a $2.4-million federal Green and Inclusive Community Buildings grant and a $600,000 municipal contribution.

The work includes a direct accessible route to the pool, a universal washroom with adult change tables and shower lifts, automatic doors, a second emergency egress ramp, improved ventilation and arena air conditioning.

The existing concession area will be converted into multipurpose and staff space. The men's change room will lose one shower while retaining its existing locker capacity.

Councillor Basic said the project did not address the broader need for an indoor neighbourhood gathering space with kitchen facilities.

"I just want to highlight a community need that has come up over and over again for space where people can gather and make food and share food and community spaces."

Motions

• Honoraria and Compensation Policy: Passed unanimously. The policy centralizes funding for honoraria and compensation for residents and volunteers contributing lived experience and expertise to city projects.
• Corporate greenhouse-gas emissions recommendation: Moved by Councillor Wright and seconded by Councillor Roach; carried unanimously.
• Moses Springer Community Centre Energy Accessibility Renovation and Retrofit Project — RFT 2016-12: Council approved the project and recommended awarding the contract to Jackman Construction.
• Grand River Accessibility Advisory Committee Terms of Reference: Endorsed unanimously.
• Enactment of bylaws: Passed unanimously. Specific bylaw numbers and titles were not provided.
• Adjournment: Passed unanimously on a motion by Councillor Bodley, seconded by Councillor Roach.

No motions were reported as rejected or deferred.

Attendees

Councillors identified in the provided meeting material as participating:

• Mayor Dorothy McCabe
• Councillor Basic
• Councillor Bodley
• Councillor Hanmer
• Councillor Roe
• Councillor Roach
• Councillor Row
• Councillor Wright

Other named participants included David Marskell of THEMUSEUM and city staff members Christopher Hodgson, Scott Post and Matthew Regier.