Regional Council Minutes

Wednesday, December 5, 2018

The Inaugural Meeting of the Council of the Regional Municipality of Waterloo for the term 2018-2022 was held in the Regional Council Chamber, 150 Frederick Street, Kitchener, , commencing at 7:00 p.m. The meeting was called to order by Kris Fletcher, Regional Clerk as Presiding Officer, in the presence of the Honourable Justice Mr. Patrick J. Flynn, Regional Chair Karen Redman, Regional Councillors, Mike Murray, Chief Administrative Officer and Guests.

Regional Chair-Elect Karen Redman – Presentation

The meeting was opened with a land acknowledgement by Chair-Elect Redman. She then presented tobacco ties to the Mino Ode Kwewak N’gamowk singers.

The Council Procession took place to a song by the Mino Ode Kwewak N’gamowak singers.

Call to Order/Welcome

Kris Fletcher, Director Council and Administrative Services/Regional Clerk called the meeting to order and welcomed everyone. She introduced the Suddaby Public School Junior Choir who opened the meeting with the singing of “O Canada”.

K. Fletcher introduced, Rabbi Moshe Goldman, The Rohr Chabad Centre for Jewish Life. Rabbi Moshe Goldman provided the invocation.

Certification of Qualification of the Regional Chair And Regional Councillors Regional Clerk K. Fletcher read the Certificate of Qualification of the Regional Chair and the elected Regional Councillors as follows:

Regional Chair: Karen Redman

Regional Councillors - Cambridge: Helen Jowett, Karl Kiefer

Regional Councillors – Kitchener: Elizabeth Clarke, Tom Galloway, Michael Harris,Geoff Lorentz 2881863 Inaugural Council Minutes - 2 - 18/12/05

Regional Councillors – Waterloo: Jim Erb, Sean Strickland

Regional Clerk K. Fletcher read the Certificate of Qualification from the Area Municipalities designating the Area Mayors to Regional Council. The list is as follows:

City of Cambridge – Kathryn McGarry

City of Kitchener –

City of Waterloo – Dave Jaworsky

Township of North Dumfries – Sue Foxton

Township of Wellesley – Joe Nowak

Township of Wilmot – Les Armstrong

Township of Woolwich – Sandy Shantz

Declaration of Office of Regional Chair The Honourable Mr. Justice Patrick J. Flynn administered the Declaration of Office to Regional Chair Karen Redman.

Presentation of Chain of Office

Former Regional Chair Ken Seiling presented the chain of office to Chair Karen Redman.

The Regional Clerk presented the gavel to the Regional Chair who then assumed the Chair.

Declaration of Office – Regional Councillors – The Honourable Mr. Justice Patrick J. Flynn

The Honourable Mr. Justice Flynn administered the Declaration of Office to members of Council. He then provided congratulations to all members of Council and provided remarks on the evening.

Regional Chair Redman thanked the Honourable Mr. Justice Flynn for his participation in the evening’s proceedings. She also acknowledged the presence of family members and former members of Regional Council.

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Regional Chair’s Inaugural Address

Regional Chair Redman gave her Inaugural Address, a copy of which is appended to the original minutes.

Declarations of Pecuniary Interest Under The “Municipal Conflict Of Interest Act”

None declared.

Reports – Regional Chair

a) RC-19-01, 2019 Meeting Calendar and Appointments

Moved by H. Jowett

Seconded by S. Foxton

That Regional Council approve the 2019 Meeting Calendar, attached as Appendix A to report RC-19-01;

And That Regional Council approve the following appointments for the 2018- 2022 term of Regional Council;

Waterloo Regional Police Services Board (WRPSB):

Council: Councillor Karl Kiefer Councillor Sandy Shantz Regional Chair Karen Redman (ex-officio)

Citizen: Rosita Tse

Grand River Conservation Authority (GRCA):

Council: Councillor Les Armstrong Councillor Jim Erb Councillor Sue Foxton Councillor Michael Harris Councillor Helen Jowett Councillor Geoff Lorentz Councillor Kathryn McGarry Councillor Joe Nowak Citizens: Jane Mitchell Warren Stauch

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And Further That Regional Council approve the following appointments subject to a two (2) year review:

Planning and Works Committee (P&W): All Members of Regional Council Chair: Councillor Tom Galloway Vice-Chair: Councillor Sue Foxton

Community Services Committee (CS):

All Members of Regional Council Chair: Councillor Elizabeth Clarke Vice-Chair: Councillor Geoff Lorentz

Administration and Finance Committee (A&F):

All Members of Regional Council Chair: Councillor Sean Strickland Vice-Chair: Councillor Helen Jowett

Budget Committee of the Whole:

All Members of Regional Council Chair: Councillor Sean Strickland, Chair Administration and Finance Committee Vice-Chair: Councillor Helen Jowett, Vice-Chair Administration and Finance Committee

Economic Development Committee (EDC):

Councillor Jim Erb Councillor Tom Galloway Councillor Michael Harris Councillor Dave Jaworsky Councillor Helen Jowett Councillor Karl Kiefer Councillor Kathryn McGarry Councillor Berry Vrbanovic Regional Chair Karen Redman (ex-officio)

Audit Committee:

Chair: Councillor Sean Strickland, Chair, Administration and Finance Committee Members: Councillor Helen Jowett, Vice-Chair, Administration and Finance Committee Councillor Elizabeth Clarke, Chair, Community Services Committee 2881863 Inaugural Council Minutes - 5 - 18/12/05

Councillor Tom Galloway, Chair, Planning and Works Committee Regional Chair Karen Redman (ex-officio)

Library Committee:

Councillor Les Armstrong Councillor Sue Foxton Councillor Joe Nowak Councillor Sandy Shantz Regional Chair Karen Redman (ex-officio)

Licensing and Hearings Committee (LHC):

Councillor Les Armstrong Councillor Elizabeth Clarke Councillor Jim Erb Councillor Geoff Lorentz Regional Chair Karen Redman (ex-officio)

Waterloo Region Crime Prevention Council (WRCPC):

Councillor Tom Galloway Councillor Kathryn McGarry Regional Chair Karen Redman (ex-officio)

Active Transportation Advisory Committee (ATAC):

Councillor Karl Kiefer Councillor Geoff Lorentz

Ecological and Environmental Advisory Committee (EEAC):

Councillor Joe Nowak

Jack Young Civic Award Committee (JYCAC):

Councillor Sue Foxton Councillor Tom Galloway Councillor Dave Jaworsky Councillor Berry Vrbanovic Regional Chair Karen Redman (ex-officio)

Heritage Planning Advisory Committee (HPAC):

Councillor Elizabeth Clarke

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Grand River Accessibility Advisory Committee (GRAAC):

Councillor Sue Foxton

Kissing Bridge Trailway Advisory Committee (KBTAC):

Councillor Sandy Shantz

Waterloo Regional Heritage Foundation (WRHF):

Councillor Tom Galloway Regional Chair Karen Redman (ex-officio)

Region of Waterloo Arts Fund (RWAF):

Councillor Helen Jowett Regional Chair Karen Redman (ex-officio)

Grand River Hospital Board of Trustees:

Councillor Jim Erb

St. Mary’s Hospital Board of Trustees:

Councillor Michael Harris

University of Waterloo Board of Governors:

Regional Chair Karen Redman (ex-officio)

Wilfrid Laurier Board of Governors:

Regional Chair Karen Redman (ex-officio)

Carried

Enactment of By-Laws – (First, Second & Third Readings)

Moved by L. Armstrong

Seconded by B. Vrbanovic

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a) That a By-law to Provide for an Acting Chair be read a first, second and third time, finally passed and numbered 19-001 signed by the Regional Chair and Regional Clerk and sealed with the Regional Seal. b) That a By-law to Confirm the Actions of Council of December 5, 2018 be read a first, second and third time, finally passed and numbered 19-002 signed by the Regional Chair and Regional Clerk and sealed with the Regional Seal.

Carried

Regional Chair Redman thanked everyone for coming this evening and invited everyone to partake of refreshments in the main foyer following the adjournment.

Adjourn

Moved by M. Harris

Seconded by K. McGarry

That the meeting adjourn at 7:40 p.m.

Carried

Regional Chair, K. Redman

Regional Clerk, K. Fletcher

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Land Acknowledgement

We would like to begin by acknowledging that the land on which we gather today is the land traditionally used by the Haudenosaunee, Anishinaabe and Neutral People. We also acknowledge the enduring presence and deep traditional knowledge and philosophies of the Indigenous People with whom we share this land today.

The Tobacco grown at the Ken Seiling Waterloo Region Museum

Wild tobacco, sacred tobacco, or Nicotiana rustica is an ancient medicine that has been widely grown by Canada’s first peoples throughout North America for many centuries.

The tobacco grown at the Ken Seiling Waterloo Region Museum was acquired from Owen Bridge of Annapolis Seeds, who named it, "1000 year-old tobacco", because it originated from a few viable seeds found at an archeological site. Owen Bridge said that the original seeds were found in a pottery vessel sealed with pitch, near the Great Lakes.

The Ken Seiling Waterloo Region Museum’s gardener, Bob Wildfong grew plants from these original seeds, and subsequently harvested tobacco and more seeds over several years, under the guidance of Jennifer Parkinson (President of the Grand River Métis Council).

Each year at harvest, the community is invited to attend and take part, and the plants are honored and thanked in a smudging ceremony.

Dave Neufeld - Education Coordinator, Ken Seiling Waterloo Region Museum

Mino Ode Kwewak N’gamowak (Good Hearted Women Singers and Men Supporters)

Burning of Sage The sage leaf is used to help bring us into a space in a good way. When the smoke is passed over our eyes, ears, heart, and mind there is a clearing away of negative thoughts and energies.

Our Song – The Seven Sacred Teachings Love, Respect, Courage, Truth, Honesty, Humility, Wisdom These teachings can remind all of us here today of how to be good human beings with one another. We sing with the spirit of these teachings in our hearts and pray that the New Council will include these in their interactions with Indigenous peoples. Chi Meegwetch for asking us to participate in welcoming the New Council! ~ All Our Relations ~ Regional Chair Karen Redman – Inaugural Address December 5, 2018

Welcome.

This council takes office inheriting a stable and thriving organization, with professional and committed staff. The Region of Waterloo has a legacy of leadership that has demonstrated vision locally, influence provincially and leadership on the national and international stage.

I would like to acknowledge the contributions of previous councils collectively and individually who have contributed to this legacy. Former Cambridge Mayor Doug Craig and former Regional Councillor for Waterloo Jane Mitchell for their hard work on behalf of our community

Much of the success of this Region can be attributed to the leadership of Ken Seiling. For over four decades, Ken has influenced local decisions using his strong and steady style. He is an understated statesman. A person who embodies fundamental decency. Ken was drawn to public life to make this community better for his children and grandchildren.

I wholeheartedly share that motivation.

During the recent election, while door knocking I met an eleven year old girl in a ballet tutu and her mother. I explained that I was running for election as Chair of Waterloo Region and asked the girl if she knew what the Region did for her and her family. She replied ‘no”. I explained that the Region does a lot of important things that impact the kind of community we all live in. I ran through a list of services. The mother added “don’t forget garbage collection and recycling. They talk about the environment all the time at school”. The daughter shared her enthusiasm for the three r’s and being good stewards of the environment. I told her the best way to ensure that her values helped shape this community was to actively support things that matter to her. Who knows, maybe she will be the next Tova Davidson who will head of Sustainable Waterloo Region or Mary Jane Patterson and run Residential Energy Efficiency Program or…maybe she will run for office when she was old enough. I hope she takes me up on it… it is incumbent on each of us to pave the way for those who follow us. The leaders of tomorrow.

I truly believe that public office is a gift – not to be taken lightly nor for granted. I value the gift that has been bestowed upon me – as a gift of trust.

2881685 To my friends and neighbours who supported me. To the residents who attended local debates, shared their ideas and stories, recognized the importance of local government and found time to vote – Thank-you.

To my family:

My amazing husband Warren. My sister Jane Longo. Bev Middlemass and Merv Redman and Mary Kuntz Our children and their partners: Laura Redman Henning and her husband Rich Henning. Abby Redman Campbell and husband Doug Campbell. Joseph Redman and Becky Theiss. James Redman and his wife Melany. And for the first time, the next generation…our grandchildren Oliver, Spencer, Rudy, Harper and Molly.

Many of my friends have been supporters throughout this journey: Kim Huson, who is a longtime friend, colleague from Parliamentary days, Tim Rickert Brenden Sherratt and Tim Mollison The ever present Warren and Martha Stauch, and Leslie and Mike Dyon.

In my years of service to the public I have learned many things. The most important lesson I’ve learned is that no one person or level of government can succeed alone.

Let's be clear - Waterloo Region is one of the engines driving this province and this country forward. Investment in our communities yields dividends well beyond our borders. We depend on funding tools from senior levels of government to invest in infrastructure renewal and growth-related expansion. The long-term financial stability of the region depends upon these investments.

It irks me when I hear the Provincial Finance Minister refer to municipal partners as ‘transfer payment agencies,’ and use terms like ‘driving greater efficiencies’. We are partners at the table seeking opportunities for continued growth, diversity and prosperity. Investing in Waterloo Region makes good economic sense and there are key areas where investment from the provincial and federal levels is critical.

Our community needs a transportation solution that serves the entire region. Our federal and provincial funding partners need to recognize these priorities and

2881685 fund them as a key element in the ongoing success of story of Waterloo region, Ontario and Canada.

We must come together to complete our ambitious public transit agenda, implement our Active Transportation Plan for all forms of transportation; move forward with Stage 2 LRT to Cambridge.

We must come together to establish a fast, reliable rail connection to – all-day, two-way GO service is essential as a tool to grow our local tech sector.

We must come together to nurture and protect our vibrant arts sector, our unique rural heritage, our cultural diversity, and our innovative agricultural industry.

We must to come together to help our friends, family members and neighbours whose lives have been devastated by opioids and addiction. We will continue to move forward with a ‘made in Waterloo Region’ solution that brings the best of who we are as a community to respond to this crisis.

We must come together to help our most vulnerable citizens find safe and affordable housing, food and a secure income. I am proud of the commitment we have made to end chronic homelessness and support wellness across our communities. With innovation, technology and determination, we can ensure Waterloo Region is a place that everyone is proud to call home.

Our strength is in our diversity, inclusive of new Canadians, our indigenous population and LGBTQ2.

We must come together to make this community the best place in Canada for children and youth.

Last June, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau announced that Waterloo Region was 1 of 5 finalists in the big city category (the only one in Ontario) selected to compete in the next level of the Smart Cities Challenge.

The prize: $50 million grant to implement that initiative. The challenge: leveraging technology and data to overcome a community challenge. The goal: becoming the best community in Canada for child and youth well being.

Our Region and area municipalities recognize that our youth experience challenges relating to early childhood development, sense of belonging and

2881685 mental health more so than other communities of comparable sizes across the country.

Our Smart Cities challenge proposal seeks to address this important community need: In partnership with UNICEF, our community is bringing youth and children together with our tech, social service and educational sectors moving towards our goal of becoming the best community in Canada for the well being of children and youth. We are forging new relationships between the tech sector and social services. Providing a common language for them to collaborate Involving youth in a significant way for planning Reaching to all corners of the Region; urban/rural There exists a unique scalability of small town, mid-size urban setting or large city within our Region.

As we move forward, every initiative and decision at this table - whether it be amalgamation, service delivery, or long range infrastructure plans, we need to address some very simple questions: Does it provide better service? Does it attract talent and investment? Does it position the Region to withstand economic shocks? Does it honour this community of communities?

The notion of barn raising was made famous by our former Governor General David Johnston. In his recent book, he provides a fitting way to sum up my wishes for Waterloo Region for this term of Council:

“Neighbours who help each other with no expectation of immediate return build more trusting communities.”

I recognize that we have each received a gift of trust from the people of Waterloo Region: the gift of public office. Along with all of Council, I accept this gift of trust with humility and a promise to use it with wisdom over the next four years. We must come together to provide leadership as a council and as neighbours - and we must continue to raise more barns.

I look forward to working closely with all of you over the next four years and I have every confidence that we are equal to the task before us.

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