Region of Waterloo

Last week, we marked National Housing Day, recognizing the vital work being done by the community to address housing and homelessness challenges in our community. This year’s event focused on the people who directly support individuals and families in finding and maintaining housing. It was inspiring to see such a strong turnout from staff, volunteers, industry experts, and community leaders across the region. A key highlight was the panel discussion, which featured Nikki Britton (The Working Centre), Amina Suljovic (PATHS2HOME ), Sarah Martin (Unsheltered Support Worker), Frank McQuade (Supportive Housing Health Initiative), and Maya Shields (Supportive Housing of Waterloo), who shared valuable insights on the pressing issues we face and the realities of frontline housing support. We also had a vibrant Celebration Square marketplace, where community organizations had the opportunity to showcase their work and connect with others in the sector. Thank you to everyone who joined us for this important event and for your ongoing commitment to improving housing outcomes in our community!

We are pleased to announce $747,000 in grants to support the arts in Waterloo Region. This funding includes $330,000 from Region of Waterloo This funding also includes a collaboration with City of Waterloo to fund microgrants through @PatTheDogPDC’s Microgrant Program. “Making funding recommendations that reflect the diversity of people across our region, and a wide range of arts disciplines, were priorities for WRCF and both committees reviewing arts applications. The projects selected achieved those goals – but many excellent projects did not receive funding because funding available was 40% of the total requested. Having a vibrant and supported arts community is an important component of creating and maintaining a region where people are connected and thriving, so WRCF is committed to continuing to work with partners across the region to explore options.” -- Eric Avner, President & CEO, @WRCommFdn Read our joint press release to see a full list of organizations and individual artists and arts collectives supported: https://lnkd.in/gqweZvCV

Cambridge is now home to 30 new affordable housing units for First Nations, Inuit and Métis people. New residents were welcomed in October to the Kitchener-Waterloo Urban Native Wigwam Project (KWUNWP)’s new building at 27 Cambridge Street. The building has one and two-bedroom units for Indigenous households in need of stable housing. A mix of families, individuals, students and Elders will call this place home. We supported the construction with $3M from the Equity Investment Fund. This project is a part of our affordable housing plan, Building Better Futures: 2,500 Homes in 5 Years. The building features many special designs choices, made by KWUNWP and their construction partners, to ensure it meets the cultural needs of the people living there. Each unit has an outdoor balcony so residents can enjoy connections to the outdoors, the land and the surrounding trees. Units also have windows that residents can open and bring in fresh air, which also helps accommodate smudging taking place in the units. The building includes indoor and outdoor space that can host cultural events and traditional ceremonies. There’s also an accessible rooftop, an outdoor patio, and some greenspace at the back of the building where they’re planning to build a tipi and have sacred fires. The site is located near groceries, public transit, pedestrian and cycling infrastructure, as well as support services that are familiar to the residents. The close proximity of the Grand River is also an important feature. The river is a sacred connection for Indigenous culture. When the new site opened this fall, 15 people moved from KWUNWP’s transitional housing site in Waterloo where they shared a space with others experiencing homelessness. These individuals now have their own private, permanent home at 27 Cambridge Street.

This year we've partnered with Savic Homes Ltd. to turn regional land at 1388 Highland Road into new affordable homes and childcare spaces. What investments will come next? Council is setting the 2025 Budget now: https://lnkd.in/gRtEyh9W Do you have suggestions for our community? Share your thoughts at our public input meeting! 📅 November 27, 6 pm, 150 Frederick Street, Council Chambers Please register to speak as a delegate, 24 hour in advance: https://lnkd.in/gi_3-YiR

Our budget is how we invest in the community and support what people need. This year, we've made progress on our work to reduce carbon emissions from transportation. We've replaced some diesel GRT buses with hybrids and introduced an electric bus pilot program. What investments will come next? Regional Council is setting the 2025 Plan and Budget now: https://lnkd.in/gRtEyh9W Do you have suggestions or ideas? Attend our public input meeting! 📅 November 27, 6 pm, 150 Frederick Street, Council Chambers Please register to speak as a delegate: https://lnkd.in/gi_3-YiR

Last night we awarded this year’s Water Efficiency Excellence Award to the University of Waterloo. The university worked with our Water Efficient Technology program to reduce the amount of water they use on campus. Their water saving upgrades saves the equivalent of the water used in 100 homes each day! Well done, UW! 💙 Get the details: bit.ly/4fSMBUE

Registration to join the #NationalHousingDayWR virtually, closes today at noon! Join us as we celebrate the local initiatives helping individuals and families secure housing in our community, including an update on Building Better Futures. 📅 November 22, 9 am – 12 pm, virtually Don't miss out—register now: bit.ly/3Oikm6e. You will receive a link to the event via email, this afternoon.

Among the decisions made by Council last night: ✅ calling on the Ontario Government | Gouvernement de l’Ontario to help with growing service & infrastructure needs ✅ ensure accountability and transparency to public around lobbyist activities ✅ new all-way stop in Roseville, making it safer and easier for pedestrians and cyclists to get around ✅ asking the province to withdraw cycling lane legislation Get the details: bit.ly/3YXK6da

Yesterday, we had the honour of celebrating 125 years of Water Services! Staff enjoyed a special behind-the-scenes experience, gaining a closer look at the amazing work that keeps our community’s water safe, clean, and flowing every day.   A heartfelt thank you to our incredible Water and Wastewater Services team for making this event possible—and for your unwavering dedication and service <3  

This Friday is #NationalHousingDayWR, a chance to highlight the important work of direct service providers helping individuals and families find and maintain housing in #WaterlooRegion. Join us to learn about the initiatives making a difference, including an update on Building Better Futures. 📅 November 22, 9 am – 12 pm, virtually Please register by noon on November 21: bit.ly/3Oikm6e. You will receive a link to the event via email in the afternoon on November 21.