REGIONAL COUNCIL MINUTES Wednesday, February 27, 2008

REGIONAL COUNCIL MINUTES

Wednesday, February 27, 2008

The following are the minutes of the Regular Council meeting held at 7:08 p.m. in the Regional Council Chamber, 150 Frederick Street, Kitchener, Ontario, with the following members present: Chair K. Seiling, J. Brewer, D. Craig, K. Denouden, T. Galloway, J. Haalboom, B. Halloran, R. Kelterborn, J. Mitchell, W. Roth, J. Smola, B. Strauss, S. Strickland, J. Wideman, and C. Zehr.

Members Absent: C. Millar

DECLARATIONS OF PECUNIARY INTEREST UNDER THE MUNICIPAL CONFLICT OF INTEREST ACT

None declared.

CLOSED SESSION

MOVED by J. Smola SECONDED by K. Denouden

That a closed meeting of Council be held on February 27, 2008 at 5:30 p.m., in accordance with Section 239 of the Municipal Act, 2001, for the purposes of considering the following subject matters:

a) matters related to Council procedures b) potential litigation related to court proceedings

CARRIED

MOVED by J. Mitchell SECONDED by K. Denouden

The Council reconvene in Open Session.

CARRIED

PRESENTATIONS

Lucille Bish, Director Community Services introduced each of the award recipients and provided background information. She acknowledged representatives from a number of organizations that were also present this evening.

a) Ontario Heritage Trust Young Heritage Leaders Certificate of Achievement was presented to Mr. Phillip Rempel for his 10 years service as a junior interpreter at Joseph Schneider Haus.

b) Ontario Heritage Trust Young Heritage Leaders Certificate of Achievement was presented to Cameron Heights Collegiate Students for their contribution to the Waterloo- Wellington Children’s Groundwater Festival at Doon Heritage Crossroads.

Council Minutes - 2 - 08/02/27

c) Ontario Heritage Trust, Heritage Community Recognition Program Certificate of Achievement was presented to Ms. Elizabeth Heinrichs for her work on the heritage Planning Advisory Committee, specifically related to historic bridges.

d) Heritage Canada Foundation (HCF) National Achievement Award for restoration of the Hartman Bridge in New Hamburg was presented to Chair Seiling by HCF Executive Director, Ms. Natalie Bull. She congratulated the Region on the success of this restoration and other projects that have been undertaken. She introduced John Arndt, President of the North Waterloo Branch of the Architectural Conservancy of Ontario who nominated the Region for this award.

Chair Seiling thanked all of those who have been involved in the Hartman Bridge restoration project and all of the award recipients.

DELEGATIONS

a) Steven Mahoney, Chair, Board of Directors, WSIB (Workplace Safety and Insurance Board) appeared before Council regarding the Workplace Health and Safety Charter. He provided statistics on the number of fatalities and injuries on the job in the Province and the need to raise awareness. A social marketing campaign has been launched in addition to the creation of the charter. He requested the Region to join and become champions to raise awareness in the community. A sample of the print and television ads was shown. S. Mahoney stated these incidents are preventable and are a shared responsibility. Chair Seiling thanked S. Mahoney for his presentation and signed the charter.

b) E-08-018, Approval of Plans for Roadway Improvements on Bleams Road (Regional Road 4) In the Settlement Area of Mannheim (Knechtel Court to Alder Creek), Township of Wilmot

i) Steve Asmussen appeared before Council in opposition to Alternative A for the Bleams Road reconstruction and provided a presentation. He stated he is speaking for 57 affected residents on Bleams Road East and they support Alternative C. He outlined the residents’ need for parking and the reasons they do not want sidewalks. A copy of his presentation is appended to the original minutes.

Councillors requested clarification on the survey results that were distributed from staff. It includes updated information from that provided at Planning and Works Committee last week. S. Asmussen stated this is the first time he has seen these results but advised residents on Bleams Road East did not support either Alternative A or B and some chose not to respond to the survey. Alternative C was developed by the residents in response to the proposals from staff. In response to a question from council, S. Asmussen advised the residents do not want sidewalks but are open to a workable solution. They understand road work is required but would just like the road put back to the way it currently is.

ii) Lorne Shantz appeared before Council on behalf of his son, Kevin Shantz who is disabled and a resident on Bleams Road. He displayed a photograph of the property, noting the width of the road in this area and stated they do not want sidewalks. He noted examples in other settlements where there are

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no sidewalks and the snow plow clears the snow on the shoulder to provide a walking area.

Councillors discussed the recommendation and the additional information provided by staff. In response to a question, Thomas Schmidt, Commissioner, Transportation and Environmental Services advised a survey on speeding was done in November 2007 and the average speed was 51 kmh in the posted 50 kmh zone.

Councillors debated the issue and some concern was expressed that Alternative C has not gone through the public process. The entire community needs to be considered in addition to the directly affected residents and the safety of children is most important. There was discussion about the zoning along this portion of Bleams Road and the potential for commercial businesses and off-street parking that is required. It was noted there are 4 – 6 properties zoned for commercial use but they have sat dormant for a long period of time.

There was further discussion about the requirement for sidewalks in future projects and it was noted that not every project calls for sidewalks to be installed. This recommendation was developed in consultation with the Project Team and the community and is the same process that is followed for other projects.

J. Wideman brought forward Items 1 and 2 from the Summary of Recommendations of the Planning and Works Committee. The motion was discussed and staff was directed to include provisions for paving and not grass in the area of the existing commercial business on Bleams Road.

MOVED by J. Wideman SECONDED by K. Denouden

THAT the Summary of Recommendations of the Planning and Works Committee, dated February 19, 2008, Items 1 and 2, be adopted as follows:

1. THAT with respect to roadway improvements on Bleams Road that semi-mountable curb and gutter be installed in place of the proposed barrier curb and gutter.

2. THAT the Regional Municipality of Waterloo:

a) approve the plans for roadway improvements on Bleams Road (Regional Road 4) from Knechtel Court to Alder Creek described as Alternative ‘A’ in Report E- 08-018;

b) amend the existing parking By-law which states “No parking Anytime on Regional Road 4 (Bleams Road), North side, from 484m West of Regional Road 70 (Trussler Road) to 317m West of Regional Road 70 (Trussler Road) in the Township of Wilmot” to read as follows: “No parking anytime on Regional Road 4 (Bleams Road), North and South side, from 990m West of Regional Road 70 (Trussler Road) to 317m West of Regional Road 70 (Trussler Road) in the Township of Wilmot”; and

c) enact a By-law to designate the 1.25 metre paved lanes on each side of the road adjacent to the curb for the specific use of bicycles

CARRIED

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MINUTES OF PREVIOUS MEETINGS

MOVED by B. Strauss SECONDED by J. Brewer

THAT the following Minutes be approved:

a) Council – February 6, 2008 b) Council Closed – February 6, 2008 c) Special Council – February 12, 2008 d) Special Council Closed – February 12, 2008 e) Special Council – February 15, 2008 f) Special Closed Council - February 15, 2008 g) Planning and Works – February 19, 2008 h) Administration and Finance - February 19, 2008 i) Community Services - February 19, 2008 j) Closed Committee - February 19, 2008 k) Trees By-law Exception - February 19, 2008 l) Special Council – February 20, 2008

CARRIED

COMMUNICATIONS a) Association of Municipalities of Ontario (AMO) regarding Alert No. 08/009, Federal Budget Makes Gas Tax Permanent was received for information. b) Hon. Josée Verner, Minister of Canadian Heritage regarding Cultural Spaces Canada contribution to the “Region of Waterloo History Museum” project was received for information. c) Hon. Monte Solberg, P.C., M.P., Minister of Human Resources and Social Development regarding All Roads Lead to Home: A Homelessness to Housing Stability for Waterloo Region was received for information.

MOVED by J. Brewer SECONDED by J. Wideman

THAT Council go into Committee of the Whole to consider reports.

CARRIED

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FINANCE REPORTS a) F-08-017, T2008-003 Construction and Testing of New Wells at Sites H4, G4 and G5, City of Cambridge

MOVED by J. Wideman SECONDED by R. Kelterborn

THAT the Regional Municipality of Waterloo accept the tender of Davidson Well Drilling Limited for the Construction and Testing of New Wells at Sites H4, G4 and G5, City of Cambridge at a total price of $1,496,887.35 including all applicable taxes;

AND THAT the Regional Municipality of Waterloo approve the advancement of funds in the amount of $1,031,776 from the Capital Forecast Budget to 2008 to cover the total costs of the project.

CARRIED

COMMITTEE REPORTS Planning & Works

The Summary of Recommendations of the Planning and Works Committee was presented by Jim Wideman, Chair of the Committee. Items 1 and 2 were dealt with under Delegations. J. Wideman noted an additional project team needs to be added to Item #12 for the Reconstruction of Regional Roads 5 and 10 in Linwood, Wellesley Township. R. Kelterborn has volunteered to sit on this team.

MOVED by J. Wideman SECONDED by B. Strauss

THAT the Summary of Recommendations of the Planning and Works Committee, dated February 19, 2008, Items 3 to 14, and 2 reports from closed session, Items 15 and 16, be adopted as follows:

3. THAT the Regional Municipality of Waterloo directs staff to:

a) Actively participate in the Canadian Council of Ministers of Environment (CCME) program to develop a National Strategy for Sustainable Packaging; b) Increase local resident awareness on options to reduce packaging and film plastic bag use by giving this topic high priority coverage in “ENVIRONEWS” and other promotion and education material; c) Complete a residential waste audit to quantify the volume and weight of film plastic bags and various other plastics and packaging in the waste stream; and d) Participate through professional and municipal organizations to encourage provincial and federal governments to pass legislation to limit single use packaging. [E-08-021]

4. THAT the Regional Municipality of Waterloo amend Traffic and Parking By-law 06-072, as amended, to reflect a posted speed of 60 km/h on Waterloo Street (Regional Road #1) from 700 m east of Hostetler Road to Nafziger Road (Regional Road #5) in the Township of Wilmot, as outlined in report E-08-012, dated February 19, 2008.

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5. That the Regional Municipality of Waterloo initially award assignments for preliminary design and then extend the assignments to include detailed design and construction administration phases for the following priority projects in order to accelerate project schedules, pursuant to Report E-08-010 dated February 19, 2008:

i) Kitchener WWTP Disinfection Upgrades; ii) Kitchener WWTP Biosolids Dewatering; iii) Kitchener WWTP Process Upgrades; and, iv) Hespeler WWTP Process Upgrades.

6. That the Regional Municipality of Waterloo close and declare part of Homer Watson Boulevard (Regional Road 28) described as Parts 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 and 10, on Reference Plan 58R-16072, in the City of Kitchener surplus to the needs of the Region, as detailed in Report No. CR-RS-08-010 dated February 19, 2008, pursuant to the Region’s property disposition by-law, to the satisfaction of the Regional Solicitor.

7. That the Region al Municipality of Waterloo authorize the Commissioner of Transportation and Environmental Services to enter into agreements with Her Majesty The Queen in Right of Canada Represented herein by the Minister of Transport under the Airport Capital Assistance Program for Capital projects and equipment at the Region of Waterloo International Airport, as outlined in report E-08-022, dated February 19, 2008.

8. That the Regional Municipality of Waterloo declare the lands described as Parts 1, 2, 5, 7 and 10, Reference Plan 58R-16062, in the City of Kitchener surplus to the needs of the Region, as detailed in Report No. CR-RS-08-011 dated February 19, 2008, and provide the standard public notification as required by the Region’s property disposition by-law and to the satisfaction of the Regional Solicitor.

9. That the Regional Municipality of Waterloo take the following actions, in accordance with Report E-08-007 dated February 19, 2008:

a) Endorse the Quality Management System (QMS) Policy; b) Endorse the Quality Management Process as stated in the Commitment and Endorsement Operational Procedure; c) Appoint the Commissioner of Transportation and Environmental Services and Director, Water Services, as Top Management, and the Manager of Operations and Maintenance (Water) as QMS Representative.

10. THAT the Regional Municipality of Waterloo:

a) enter into a Consulting Services Agreement with R.J. Burnside & Associates Limited of Guelph, Ontario, to provide consulting geoscience services for the Region of Waterloo Groundwater Monitoring Program for the period March 1, 2008 to June 30, 2010 at an upset limit of $ 496,564 plus applicable taxes; as presented in Report E-08-017 dated February 19, 2008; and

b) authorize staff to renew this contract for the period from July 1, 2010 through June 30, 2012 at an upset limit of $ 489,223 subject to acceptable performance of the consultant in meeting project outcomes and deliverables.

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11. That the Regional Municipality of Waterloo declare a leasehold interest of greater than twenty-one years in the Lands described as, firstly, Hangars #1, #2 and #3, on Part 1, Plan 58R-3313 and, secondly, Parts 1, 2, 3 and 4, Plan 58R-1816 in the Township of Woolwich in the Regional Municipality of Waterloo and depicted in Appendix A attached to Report CR-RS-08-002/E-08-003 dated February 19, 2008 (the Lands), surplus to its needs, in accordance with the Region’s Property Disposition By-law;

And that the Regional Municipality of Waterloo authorize the Commissioner of Transportation and Environmental Services to enter into a Lease with the Waterloo- Wellington Flying Club (WWFC), a non-profit organization incorporated under the provisions of the Corporations Act, to grant a leasehold interest of up to fifty years in the Lands with the base rent for the first five years at the current commercial lease rates for airport land as described in Report CR-RS-08-002/E-08-003 dated February 19, 2008.

12. THAT the Regional Municipality of Waterloo appoint Regional Councillors to the various projects and study teams as noted in Appendix A to Report E-08-020/P-08-019, dated February 19, 2008;

AND THAT the Regional Municipality of Waterloo forward the request for local Councillor representatives on project and study teams to the Local Municipalities.

13. THAT the Regional Municipality of Waterloo accept P-08-020, Monthly Report of Development Activity for January 2008, dated February 19, 2008.

14. THAT the Regional Municipality of Waterloo take the following action regarding intercity transit between the Greater Toronto Area (GTA) and Waterloo Region as outlined in P- 08-021, dated February 19, 2008:

a) Request the Federal and Provincial Governments to provide additional passenger rail service (VIA/GO) to Waterloo Region and consider the recommendations from the North Mainline Municipal Alliance to provide self propelled passenger units between Kitchener and Georgetown in the peak periods to connect with the existing GO Train service; b) Undertake a feasibility study to further define the opportunity for passenger rail service along the Galt Subdivision; c) Request the Provincial Government to advance implementation of inter-regional bus transit directly connecting Waterloo Region to the Milton GO Transit station in the short term; d) Develop formal policies and strategies through the Regional Transportation Master Plan and in the new Regional Official Plan for the implementation of intercity transit; e) Formally request the Federal and Provincial Governments to consider a station within the Region of Waterloo as a specific element of the Terms of Reference of the Quebec City to Windsor High Speed Rail Feasibility Study; and, f) Forward this report to GO Transit, VIA Rail, Ministry of Transportation Ontario, Transport Canada, Metrolinx and all local Members of Parliament and Member of Provincial Parliament.

15. THAT the Region of Waterloo appoint the following persons to the Laurel Creek Headwaters Environmentally Sensitive Landscape Public Liaison Committee:

a) Kevin Thomason, Deb Swidrovich, Wilhard Barth (ESPO Inc.), and Ed. Ries (ESPO Inc.) for three years terms expiring December 31, 2010;

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b) Brad Cober (Waterloo Federation of Agriculture), Stephen May with Larry Lamb as alternate (Waterloo Stewardship Network), Blair McKay, and Susan Smith for two year terms expiring December 31, 2009; and

c) Greg Michalenko (Ecological and Environmental Advisory Committee), Diane Ensing, Herbert Millard, (ESPO Inc.), and Gerhard Methner (ESPO Inc.) for a one year term expiring December 31, 2008.

16. THAT the Regional Municipality of Waterloo approve, enter into an Agreement for, and execute all documentation related to, the conveyance of the lands described as Parts 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 and 10, on Reference Plan 58R-16072, to The Corporation of the City of Kitchener, for the sum of $1.00 plus all associated costs, pursuant to the Region’s property disposition by-law, to the satisfaction of the Regional Solicitor.

CARRIED

Administration and Finance

The Summary of Recommendations of the Administration and Finance Committee was presented by Tom Galloway, Chair of the Committee. He brought forward a suggested amendment for Item #3 to be titled “Child Found”. This has been discussed with and agreed to by the artist.

MOVED by T. Galloway SECONDED by B. Halloran

THAT the Summary of Recommendations of the Administration and Finance Committee dated February 19, 2008, Items 1 to 3, be adopted as follows:

1. THAT the Regional Municipality of Waterloo approve a one-time grant in the amount of $8000.00 from the budget contingency for Community Renewable Energy Waterloo. [F-08-014]

2. THAT the Provincial-Municipal Fiscal and Service Delivery Review be requested to consider a rebate of Provincial Sales Tax (PST) paid by municipalities when reviewing the funding requirements for infrastructure and the funding relationship between the Province and municipalities. [F-08-015]

3. THAT the Regional Municipality of Waterloo approve the selection of Child Found by Leslie Drysdale as the public art sculpture to be located at the Waterloo Regional Police Services Headquarters building as per report CR-FM-08-004, dated February 19, 2008.

CARRIED

Community Services

The Summary of Recommendations of the Community Services Committee was presented by Sean Strickland, Chair of the Committee. It was agreed to amend Item #1 and also appoint B. Halloran to this Committee.

MOVED by S. Strickland SECONDED by J. Smola 461942 Council Minutes - 9 - 08/02/27

THAT the Summary of Recommendations of the Community Services Committee dated February 19, 2008, Items 1 to 6, and 1 report from closed session, Item 7, be adopted as follows:

1. THAT the Regional Municipality of Waterloo approve the terms of reference for a Homelessness to Housing Stability Strategy Monitoring Committee, as outlined in Report SS-08-004, dated February 19, 2008;

AND THAT the Regional Municipality of Waterloo appoint Jane Brewer and Brenda Halloran as the Regional Council representatives to the Homelessness to Housing Stability Strategy Monitoring Committee.

2. THAT the Regional Municipality of Waterloo approves the submission of the following three business cases to the Waterloo Wellington Local Health Integration Network under the provincial Aging at Home Strategy:

1. Access to Care and Housing for Prematurely Aged Individuals Experiencing or At-risk of Homelessness 2. Shared Community Support Services – Sunnyside Home/St. Joseph’s Health Centre 3. The Seniors’ Supportive Housing, Health and Wellness Collaborative

as outlined in Report SS-08-005, dated February 19, 2008.

3. THAT the Regional Municipality of Waterloo approve the establishment of the Water Filter Fund Program for the period December 2007 to March 31, 2008 to be funded entirely by the Province of Ontario;

AND THAT the 2008 Operating Budget for Social Planning be increased by $11,000 gross and $0 net as outlined in Report SS-08-006, dated February 19, 2008.

4. THAT the Regional Municipality of Waterloo approve up to $72,000 for the YWCA of Kitchener-Waterloo to pilot the Streets to Home program for women between April 1, 2008 and March 31, 2009;

AND THAT the Regional Municipality of Waterloo approve up to $30,000 for the Lutherwood Rent Bank and Eviction Prevention Program loan fund between March 1, 2008 and December 31, 2008 as outlined in Report SS-08-007, dated February 19, 2008.

5. THAT the Regional Municipality of Waterloo request that the Ministers of Children and Youth Services and Community and Social Services continue the Back-to-School and Winter Clothing Allowances (100% Provincially funded) for social assistance recipients (both Ontario Works and Ontario Disability Support Program) until July 2009 to ensure successful implementation of the Ontario Child Benefit consistent with the Province’s goal to reduce the effects of poverty for the most vulnerable members of our community,

AND THAT copies of this report and recommendation be forwarded to all area M.P.P’s, AMO and OMSSA as outlined in report SS-08-008, dated February 19, 2008.

6. THAT the Regional Municipality of Waterloo extend the existing agreement with the Government of Canada on such terms that are agreeable to the Medical Officer of

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Health and the Regional Solicitor for the continuation of the collaborative initiative between Region of Waterloo Public Health and the Public Health Agency of Canada, entitled C-EnterNet. [PH-08-004]

7. THAT the Regional Municipality of Waterloo approve the appointment of David Parker, Jeff Wilker, Pat Scott and Tim Schill to the Kissing Bridge Trailway Advisory Board for a three-year term ending December 31, 2010.

CARRIED

Trees By-law Exception

The Summary of Recommendations of the Trees By-law Exception Committee was presented by Jim Wideman, Chair of the Committee.

MOVED by J. Wideman SECONDED by K. Denouden

THAT the Summary of Recommendations of the Trees By-law Exception Committee dated February 19, 2008, Item 1, be adopted as follows:

1. THAT the Regional Municipality of Waterloo take the following actions, as explained in P-08-010, dated January 29, 2008, with respect to an exception granted to Tampa Hall/Canadian Pacific Railway (now Dumfries Industrial Park Inc.) on May 12, 1999 pursuant to former Tree By-law 56-80 with respect to the removal of approximately 1.6 hectares (3.95 acres) of woodland in order to permit site preparation and further development of the Dumfries Industrial Park Inc. lands in Ayr:

a) inform Dumfries Industrial Park Inc. that the conditions attached to the exception granted on May 12, 1999 cannot now be fulfilled as originally intended, and that the Exception therefore needs to be revised to reflect the present condition of the site; and

b) direct staff to collaborate with Dumfries Industrial Park Inc. to develop a tree- saving and planting plan for the northern portion of the Dumfries Industrial site and the adjoining right-of-way of Northumberland Street which will result in the planting by Dumfries Industrial Park Inc. of a minimum of 150 trees after February 19, 2008, and that such trees be at least one metre tall and of suitable native species, and a further eight trees by the Region pursuant to its two-for-one tree replacement practice, all of which must be planted by November 30, 2008.

CARRIED

OTHER MATTERS UNDER COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE a) E-08-027, Provincial Summons for the Region by the Ministry of Environment – Wells G38 & G39

Received for Information.

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MOVED by K. Denouden SECONDED by B. Strauss

THAT Committee of the Whole rise and Council resume.

CARRIED

MOVED by J. Haalboom SECONDED by B. Halloran

THAT Council adopt the proceeding of the Committee of the Whole.

CARRIED

ENACTMENT OF BY-LAWS – (FIRST, SECOND & THIRD READINGS)

MOVED by J. Wideman SECONDED by C. Zehr a) That a By-law to amend the Traffic and Parking By-law 06-072, as amended, Being the Region’s Traffic and Parking By-law (Rate of Speed – Wilmot) be read a first, second and third time, finally passed and numbered #08-008 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 February 27, 2008 be read a first, second and third time, finally passed and numbered #08-009 signed by the Regional Chair and Regional Clerk and sealed with the Regional Seal

CARRIED

ADJOURN

MOVED by J. Brewer SECONDED by J. Wideman

THAT the meeting adjourn.

CARRIED

REGIONAL CHAIR, K. Seiling

REGIONAL CLERK, K. Fletcher

461942 MEDIA RELEASE: Friday, February 22, 2008, 4:30 P.M.

REGIONAL MUNICIPALITY OF WATERLOO CONSOLIDATED COUNCIL AGENDA

Wednesday, February 27, 2008 Closed Session 5:30 p.m. WATERLOO COUNTY ROOM Regular Meeting 7:00 p.m. REGIONAL COUNCIL CHAMBER 150 Frederick Street, Kitchener, ON

* Denotes Item(s) Not Part of Original Agenda

1. MOMENT OF SILENCE

2. ROLL CALL

3. MOTION TO GO INTO CLOSED SESSION

That a closed meeting of Council be held on Wednesday, February 27, 2008 at 5:30 p.m. in accordance with Section 239 of the Municipal Act, 2001, for the purposes of considering the following subject matters:

a) matters related to Council procedures b) potential litigation related to court proceedings

4. MOTION TO RECONVENE IN OPEN SESSION

5. DECLARATION OF PECUNIARY INTEREST UNDER THE MUNICIPAL CONFLICT OF INTEREST ACT

6. PRESENTATIONS

a) Ontario Heritage Trust Young Heritage Leaders Certificate of Achievement - Mr. Phillip Rempel

b) Ontario Heritage Trust Young Heritage Leaders Certificate of Achievement - Cameron Heights Collegiate Students

c) Ontario Heritage Trust, Heritage Community Recognition Program, Certificate of Achievement - Ms. Elizabeth Heinrichs

* d) Heritage Canada Foundation (HCF) National Achievement Award for restoration of the Hartman Bridge - HCF Executive Director, Ms. Natalie Bull to present

7. PETITIONS

Council Agenda - 2 - 08/02/27

8. DELEGATIONS

a) Steven Mahoney, Chair, Board of Directors, WSIB (Workplace Safety 1 and Insurance Board) re: Workplace Health and Safety Charter (correspondence attached)

* b) E-08-018, Approval of Plans for Roadway Improvements on Bleams Road (Regional Road 4) In the Settlement Area of Mannheim (Knechtel Court to Alder Creek), Township of Wilmot

i) Steve Asmussen ii) Lorne Shantz

9. MINUTES OF PREVIOUS MEETINGS

10. COMMUNICATIONS

* a) Association of Municipalities of Ontario (AMO) re: Alert No. 08/009, 1A Federal Budget Makes Gas Tax Permanent

* b) Hon. Josée Verner, Minister of Canadian Heritage re: Cultural Spaces 1B Canada contribution to the “Region of Waterloo History Museum” project

* c) Hon. Monte Solberg, P.C., M.P., Minister of Human Resources and Social 1C Development re: All Roads Lead to Home: A Homelessness to Housing Stability for Waterloo Region

11. MOTION TO GO INTO COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE TO CONSIDER REPORTS

12. REPORTS Finance Reports

a) F-08-017, T2008-003 Construction and Testing of New Wells at Sites H4, 3 G4 and G5, City of Cambridge

459921 Council Agenda - 3 - 08/02/27

Committee Reports

a) Planning & Works - attached & marked PS-080219 7 * Closed Summary – attached & marked CPS-080219 7A

b) Administration & Finance - attached & marked FS-080219 11

c) Community Services - attached & marked SS-080219 13 * Closed Summary – attached & marked CSS-080219 13A

d) Trees By-law Exception - attached & marked TS-080219 15

Chief Administrative Officer Regional Chair Regional Clerk 13. OTHER MATTERS UNDER COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE

* a) E-08-027, Provincial Summons for the Region by the Ministry of 16 Environment – Wells G38 & G39

14. MOTION FOR COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE TO RISE AND COUNCIL RESUME

15. MOTION TO ADOPT PROCEEDINGS OF COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE

16. MOTIONS

17. NOTICE OF MOTION

18. UNFINISHED BUSINESS

19. OTHER BUSINESS

20. QUESTIONS

21. ENACTMENT OF BY-LAWS – FIRST, SECOND & THIRD READINGS

a) A By-law to amend the Traffic and Parking By-law 06-072, as amended, Being the Region’s Traffic and Parking By-law (Rate of Speed – Wilmot)

b) A By-law to Confirm the Actions of Council – February 27, 2008

22. ADJOURN

459921

REGIONAL COUNCIL MINUTES

Wednesday, February 6, 2008

The following are the minutes of the Regular Council meeting held at 7:05 p.m. in the Regional Council Chamber, 150 Frederick Street, Kitchener, Ontario, with the following members present: Chair K. Seiling, J. Brewer, D. Craig*, K. Denouden, T. Galloway, J. Haalboom, B. Halloran, R. Kelterborn, J. Mitchell, J. Smola, B. Strauss, S. Strickland, J. Wideman, and C. Zehr.

Members Absent: C. Millar and W. Roth

CLOSED SESSION

MOVED by J. Smola SECONDED by B. Strauss

That a closed meeting of Council be held on Wednesday, February 6, 2008 at 6:15 a.m., in accordance with Section 239 of the Municipal Act, 2001, for the purposes of considering the following subject matters:

a) matters related to Council procedures b) labour relations regarding contract negotiations c) proposed or pending acquisition of land in the Cities of Cambridge and Kitchener

CARRIED

MOVED by B. Strauss SECONDED by J. Smola

The Council reconvene in Open Session.

CARRIED

DECLARATIONS OF PECUNIARY INTEREST UNDER THE MUNICIPAL CONFLICT OF INTEREST ACT

J. Smola disclosed a pecuniary interest with respect to Item #2 from the Planning & Works Committee Summary of Recommendations as he is employed by Gateman-Milloy and they are under contract with Smart Centres.

MINUTES OF PREVIOUS MEETINGS

J. Haalboom noted the Planning and Works Committee minutes for the proposed Tree By-law and reference to the delegation of Mark Reusser. She noted his comments about farmers being good stewards and having to bear the cost for forestry expertise.

MOVED by B. Strauss SECONDED by K. Denouden

THAT the following Minutes be approved: Council Minutes - 2 - 08/02/06

a) Budget – January 16, 2008 b) Council – January 16, 2008 c) Planning & Works – January 29, 2008 d) Administration & Finance – January 29, 2008 e) Community Services – January 29, 2008 f) Planning & Works – Public Meeting - January 29, 2008 (Proposed Community Improvement Plan and Regional Reurbanization Facilitation Program) g) Planning & Works – Public Meeting - January 29, 2008 (Proposed New Regional Tree By-law) h) Closed Committee – January 29, 2008

CARRIED

MOVED by K. Denouden SECONDED by J. Brewer

THAT Council go into Committee of the Whole to consider reports.

CARRIED

FINANCE REPORTS a) F-08-011, P2007-56 Microsoft Enterprise Licensing

MOVED by S. Strickland SECONDED by T. Galloway

That the Regional Municipality of Waterloo accept the proposal of Dell ASAP Software for the supply of Microsoft Enterprise Licensing to all Regional computers at a total price of $579,884.05 per year for three years including all applicable taxes.

CARRIED b) F-08-012, T2007-54 Supply, Installation and Servicing of Fully Multifunctional Digital Photocopiers

MOVED by S. Strickland SECONDED by T. Galloway

THAT the Regional Municipality of Waterloo accept the tender of Toshiba of Canada Limited and OE Canada Inc. for the Supply, Installation and Servicing of Fully Multifunctional Digital Photocopiers over a leasing term of sixty (60) months at an approximate cost of $817,909.07 including all applicable taxes.

CARRIED c) F-08-013, T2007-127 Waterloo Landfill South Facility, City of Kitchener

MOVED by S. Strickland SECONDED by T. Galloway

454992 Council Minutes - 3 - 08/02/06

THAT the Regional Municipality of Waterloo accept the tender of Devlan Construction Ltd. for the construction of the Waterloo Landfill South Facility, City of Kitchener in the amount of $5,373,302.00 including all applicable taxes; subject to receipt of a building permit from the City of Kitchener.

CARRIED

COMMITTEE REPORTS

Planning & Works

The Summary of Recommendations of the Planning and Works Committee was presented by Jim Wideman, Chair of the Committee. Item #2 was dealt with separately due to the pecuniary interest of J. Smola.

MOVED by J. Wideman SECONDED by B. Halloran

THAT the Summary of Recommendations of the Planning and Works Committee, dated Tuesday, January 29, 2008, Item 2, be adopted as follows:

MOVED by J. Wideman SECONDED by B. Halloran

2. That the Regional Municipality of Waterloo:

a) Approve an Agreement with King/86 Developments Limited to provide for certain transportation improvements at Highway 85/Regional Road 15 and Farmer’s Market Road in the Township of Woolwich, all as described in Report CR-RS-08-005/E-08- 011/F-08-009;

b) Authorize the Commissioner of Transportation and Environmental Services to call tenders for the transportation improvements at Highway 85/Regional Road 15 and Farmers Market Road in the Township of Woolwich subject to King/86 Developments satisfying their financial obligations to the Region under the Agreement; and

c) Approve the advancement of Capital Project 7103 of the Transportation Capital Program from 2009-2013 to 2008 with funding provided by the Developer and from the Regional Development Charge Reserve Fund to fund the Region’s portion of the Project costs.

CARRIED

THAT the Summary of Recommendations of the Planning and Works Committee, dated Tuesday, January 29, 2008, Items 1, 3 to 7, and 3 reports from closed session, Items 8 to 10, be adopted as follows:

1. THAT the Regional Municipality of Waterloo accept P-08-009, Monthly Report of Development Activity for December 2007, dated January 29, 2008.

3. THAT the Regional Municipality of Waterloo enter into an Agreement for Professional Consulting Services with R.V. Anderson Associates Limited of Toronto,

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Ontario, to provide engineering services for the Detailed Design, Construction, and Post-Construction phases of the Middleton Water Supply System Upgrade, in the City of Cambridge, at an upset fee limit of $1,297,519 plus applicable taxes.

4. THAT the Regional Municipality of Waterloo approve extension of the Rural Water Quality Program for a further five years and allocate an additional $1.5 million for incentives to farmers, as outlined in Report E-08-008 dated January 29, 2008.

5. THAT the Regional Municipality of Waterloo enter into an Engineering Services Agreement with AquaResource Inc., to provide engineering services for the Ministry of Natural Resources-funded Pilot Tier 3 Water Budget and Water Quantity Risk Assessment as outlined in Report E-08-009, dated January 29, 2008, and Addendum dated February 6, 2008, at an upset limit of $1,290,000 plus applicable taxes.

6. THAT the proposed new road to be created by the extension of Regional Road 53 (Fairway Road) from Regional Road 54 (Lackner Boulevard) to Regional Road 17 (Fountain Street) be named Fairway Road to become effective upon the completion of construction of the Fairway Road Extension.

7. THAT the Regional Municipality of Waterloo approve the “Green Bin/Blue Box Receiving and Processing Facilities” project with an estimated construction cost of $7.3 million as the Region’s nominated project for funding under the $300 million Municipal Infrastructure Investment Initiative (MIII) program as recently announced by the Province of Ontario.

8. THAT the Regional Municipality of Waterloo approve the following membership and associated length of terms for the Regional Cycling Advisory Committee:

Don Pavey, term ending December, 2009; Barry Tracey, term ending December, 2011; and Bruce Hawkings, term ending December, 2011

9. a) THAT the Regional Municipality of Waterloo declare its interest in the lands described firstly as Part of Park Lot A, Plan 169 and secondly as Lots 11 to 16, Plan 169 and Part of Lots 73 and 74, Plan 98, being Parts 1, 2 and 3, Reference Plan 58R-7712, in the Township of Woolwich surplus to the needs of the Region, and provide the standard public notification as required by the Region’s property disposition by-law;

b) THAT the Regional Municipality of Waterloo enter into an Agreement for, and execute all documentation related to, the conveyance of the lands described as Part of Park Lot A, Plan 169, Township of Woolwich to The Corporation of the Township of Woolwich, for the sum of $1.00 plus associated costs, pursuant to the Region’s property disposition by-law and the satisfaction of the Regional Solicitor; and

c) THAT the Regional Municipality of Waterloo enter into an Agreement for, and execute all documentation related to, the conveyance of the lands described as Lots 11 to 16, Plan 169 and Part of Lots 73 and 74, Plan 98, being Parts 1, 2, and 3, Reference Plan 58R-7712, Township of Woolwich to The Corporation of the Township of Woolwich, for the appraised fair market value, plus associated costs, upon the completion of a Record of Site Condition being filed with the Ministry of the Environment, pursuant to the Region’s property disposition by-law and the satisfaction of the Regional Solicitor.

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10. THAT The Regional Municipality of Waterloo, pursuant to section 40 of the Purchasing By-law, not open and consider bids from Conestoga Rovers & Associates Limited and Inspec-Sol Inc., or otherwise acquire any new goods or services from them, save and except consideration of Conestoga Rovers & Associates Limited for ongoing professional engineering and hydrogeological services in relation to the Waterloo Landfill site, for so long as The Regional Municipality of Waterloo’s third party claim against Conestoga Rovers & Associates Limited and Inspec-Sol Inc. is outstanding in regard to the action of Robert M. Simon Construction Limited v. The Regional Municipality of Waterloo.

CARRIED

The Following items were referred from Committee:

i) P-08- 011.1, City of Cambridge Committee of Adjustment Application B28/07 – Canadian Tire Corporation (Highland Plaza – Dundas Street at Main Street), City of Cambridge was received for information.

J. Brewer requested this motion be circulated to Cambridge councillors.

MOVED by J. Wideman SECONDED by S. Strickland

THAT the Regional Municipality of Waterloo direct staff to request the City of Cambridge Committee of Adjustment to remove the conditions relating to the dedication of a road allowance widening, including the request for a Phase 2 Environmental Assessment for Application B28/07, Canadian Tire Corporation, 75 Dundas Street in the City of Cambridge;

AND THAT the Regional Municipality of Waterloo accept the course of action proposed by the City of Cambridge to secure the same road allowance widening to the satisfaction of the Commissioner of Planning, Housing and Community Services of the Regional Municipality of Waterloo from Canadian Tire Corporation, or to otherwise secure the dedication, as detailed in P-08-011.1, dated February 6, 2008.

CARRIED

ii) Memo re: Fairway Road Extension, Zeller Drive to Fountain Street, Cities of Cambridge and Kitchener – Supplemental Project Information was received for information.

The memo and report were discussed by councillors. The public art policy was reviewed and Mike Murray, Chief Administrative Officer advised an annual contribution is made to the public art fund. It was further noted that large buildings being constructed by the Region have a provision in their budget for public art. Any proposals for public art can be forwarded to the Public Art Advisory Committee for review.

The enhancements and associated costs were discussed by members of Council. Clarification was requested on a number of issues, including the piers, pedestrian outlooks, second sidewalk and separated paths for bicycles. C. Zehr put forward motions on these issues for consideration, for a total savings of approximately $2.7 million. There was discussion about the width of the bridge and the amount required to accommodate a potential light rail transit line. Removing sidewalks and bicycle lanes was also debated.

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MOVED by C. Zehr SECONDED by J. Smola

THAT the curved girder profile and sculptured piers for the proposed bridge over the Grand River (Fairway Road Extension) be removed.

LOST

MOVED by J. Smola SECONDED by D. Craig

THAT Report E-08-004 be referred back to the Planning & Works Committee.

MOTION WITHDRAWN

MOVED by C. Zehr SECONDED by D. Craig

THAT the pedestrian outlook for the proposed bridge over the Grand River (Fairway Road Extension) be removed.

LOST

MOVED by C. Zehr SECONDED by J. Smola

THAT the second sidewalk for the proposed bridge over the Grand River (Fairway Road Extension) be removed.

LOST

MOVED by C. Zehr SECONDED by D. Craig

THAT the width of the on road bicycle lanes be reduced by 0.3 metres on each side for the proposed bridge over the Grand River (Fairway Road Extension).

CARRIED

The actual overall cost of the bridge was reviewed, as noted in Appendix A of the memo. Final estimates will come back to Council prior to the tender being let for this project. Council will also have the final approval of the tender and the costs will be reviewed again at that time.

J. Haalboom stated she cannot support this project and suggested the project should be put on hold until there is a slow down in construction. She questioned the economic benefit, stating the bridge will provide a benefit to traffic only. She advised this project deserves a minimum 1% allocation for public art to provide an outstanding landmark with Regional symbols in this location.

J. Smola requested a recorded vote.

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MOVED by J. Wideman SECONDED by J. Brewer

THAT the Regional Municipality of Waterloo approve the following actions with respect to the proposed Fairway Road Extension, Zeller Drive to Fountain Street, in the Cities of Kitchener and Cambridge:

(a) Approve the refined architectural bridge design concept for the Fairway Road bridge, as described in Report E-08-004, including an estimated $2 million cost premium associated with this refined concept; (b) Approve the expansion of initial construction of the Fairway Road Extension (road and bridge) from two lanes of traffic to four lanes of traffic (two lanes in each direction), plus facilities for cyclists and pedestrians, including an estimated $8.1 million initial cost premium associated with this expansion; (c) Approve the recommended enhancement of the cycling and pedestrian facilities from 1.8 metre on-road cycling lanes and 2.0 metre sidewalks on each side to 1.5 metre on-road cycling lanes, 1.4 metre off-road cycling lanes and 1.8 metre sidewalks on each side, offset in part by narrowing of the centre median on the bridge from 2.0 metres to 1.0 metres, resulting in a net overall increase of 0.8 m to the width of the bridge, including an associated $500,000 net cost premium for this enhancement; (d) Subject to the approval of recommendations (a), (b) and (c) above, approve an amendment to the existing Consulting Services Agreement with McCormick Rankin Corporation (MRC) to increase the upset fee limit for the detailed design phase of the Fairway Road Extension by an amount of $465,000 plus applicable taxes, for additional engineering design services related to the expansion of the project scope; and

(e) Direct staff to work with the Ministry of the Environment (MOE) to expedite review of the outstanding Part II Order Request to avoid delays to the project, all as described in Report E-08-004.

CARRIED

Yeas: K. Seiling, J. Brewer, D. Craig, K. Denouden, T. Galloway, B. Halloran, R. Kelterborn, J. Mitchell, J. Smola, B. Strauss, S. Strickland, J. Wideman, C. Zehr

Nays: J. Haalboom

iii) Addendum to Planning and Works Committee Report E-08-009 regarding Tier 3 Water Budget and Water Quality Risk Assessment was received for information. Councillors agreed to the amended motion.

*D. Craig left the meeting at 8:15 p.m.

Administration and Finance

The Summary of Recommendation of the Administration and Finance Committee was presented by Tom Galloway, Chair of the Committee.

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MOVED by T. Galloway SECONDED by J. Brewer

THAT the Summary of Recommendations of the Administration and Finance Committee dated Tuesday, January 29, 2008, Items 1 to 3, be adopted as follows:

1. THAT the Regional Municipality of Waterloo approve, and enter into, the form of Letter of Agreement (“the Letter of Agreement”) attached to Report F-08-003 setting out the terms and conditions for the use of dedicated gas tax funding for public transportation within the Region of Waterloo for the period from October 1, 2007 to September 30, 2008.

2. THAT the Regional Municipality of Waterloo approve payment of the 2008 membership fees in the amount of $56,518.27 for the Federation of Canadian Municipalities and $8,219.52 for the Association of Municipalities of Ontario. [F-08-004]

3. THAT the Regional Municipality of Waterloo approve $104,241.95 in accounts receivable write-offs for the year ended December 31, 2007, as outlined in Report F- 08-007.

CARRIED

Community Services

The Summary of Recommendations of the Community Services Committee was presented by Sean Strickland, Chair of the Committee.

MOVED by S. Strickland SECONDED by J. Mitchell

THAT the Summary of Recommendations of the Community Services Committee dated Tuesday, January 29, 2008, Items 1 to 4, and 1 report from closed session, Item 5, be adopted as follows:

1. THAT staff be directed to continue working with OpenWorks School of Building to explore potential funding opportunities.

2. THAT the Regional Municipality of Waterloo approve the request to enter into a fee subsidy Purchase of Service Agreement with Centre Educatif Les P’tites Sauterelles located in École Élementaire Catholique St. Noel Chabanel at 640, promenade Trico, Cambridge Ontario, N3H 5P2 effective January 1, 2008 as outlined in Report SS-08- 001, dated January 29, 2008.

Centre Éducatif Les P’tites Sauterelles Toddler 6+ hours $37.00 Pre-School 6+ hours $32.00 Before School < than 2 hours $ 7.00 After School 2-4 hours $ 8.00 Before and After 2-4 hours $15.00 School School Age 2-4 hours $14.00 School Age < than 2 hours $8.00

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3. THAT the Regional Municipality of Waterloo approve the 2008 Accessibility Plan;

AND THAT, the 2008 Accessibility Plan be sent to the Ministry of Community and Social Services for information as outlined in Report SS-08-002 dated January 29, 2008.

4. THAT the Regional Municipality of Waterloo, in its role as the Board of Health, send a formal request to the Provincial Government to continue funding the Ontario Heart Health Program-Taking Action for Healthy Living beyond 2008. [PH-08-002]

5. THAT the Regional Municipality of Waterloo reappoint Tom McEwan as Cambridge Representative, Jane Hafemann as Township Representative, Fred Bishop as Tenant Representative at Large and appoint Cinthya Ayala as Tenant Representative at Large to the Waterloo Region Housing Operations Advisory Committee, for a term ending December 31, 2010.

CARRIED

OTHER MATTERS UNDER COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE

MOVED by J. Brewer SECONDED by J. Wideman

THAT Committee of the Whole rise and Council resume.

CARRIED

MOVED by K. Denouden SECONDED by J. Smola

THAT Council adopt the proceeding of the Committee of the Whole.

CARRIED

OTHER BUSINESS

J. Haalboom raised the correspondence in the Information Package from the Municipality of South Bruce related to the Provincial Ban on Cosmetic Pesticide Use and requested this be referred to the Environmental Committee. Chair Seiling stated Council has already taken a position on pesticides and to have further discussion would require the matter to be reopened. It was noted the by-law will be reviewed after 2 years.

ENACTMENT OF BY-LAWS – (FIRST, SECOND & THIRD READINGS)

MOVED by B. Strauss SECONDED by J. Brewer a) That a By-law to Name the new road created by the extension of Regional Road #53 (Fairway Road) from Regional Road #54 (Lackner Boulevard) to Regional Road #17 (Fountain Street) as Fairway Road (Regional Road #53) be read a first, second and third

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time, finally passed and numbered 08-002 signed by the Regional Chair and Regional Clerk and sealed with the Regional Seal b) That a By-law to Authorize the Submission of an Application to the Ontario Infrastructure Projects Corporation (“OIPC”) for Funding From the Municipal Infrastructure Investment Initiative for a New Eligible Capital Project of The Regional Municipality of Waterloo (The “Municipality”), and to Approve the Expenditure of Funds on Said Eligible Capital Project be read a first, second and third time, finally passed and numbered 08-003 signed by the Regional Chair and Regional Clerk and sealed with the Regional Seal c) That a By-law in respect of the Tile Drainage Debentures - Township of Wellesley be read a first, second and third time, finally passed and numbered 08-004 signed by the Regional Chair and Regional Clerk and sealed with the Regional Seal d) That a By-law to Establish Fees and Charges for The Regional Municipality of Waterloo and Repeal By-law 05-080 be read a first, second and third time, finally passed and numbered 08-005 signed by the Regional Chair and Regional Clerk and sealed with the Regional Seal e) That a By-law to Confirm the Actions of Council of February 6, 2008 be read a first, second and third time, finally passed and numbered 08-006 signed by the Regional Chair and Regional Clerk and sealed with the Regional Seal

CARRIED

ADJOURN

MOVED by J. Brewer SECONDED by B. Halloran

THAT the meeting adjourn.

CARRIED

REGIONAL CHAIR, K. Seiling

REGIONAL CLERK, K. Fletcher

454992

REGIONAL SPECIAL COUNCIL MINUTES

Tuesday, February 12, 2008

The following are the minutes of the Special Council meeting held at 4:30 p.m. in the Waterloo County Room, 150 Frederick Street, Kitchener, Ontario, with the following members present: Chair K. Seiling, J. Brewer, T. Galloway, J. Haalboom, B. Halloran, R. Kelterborn, C. Millar, J. Mitchell, W. Roth, J. Smola, B. Strauss, S. Strickland, and C. Zehr.

Members Absent: D. Craig, K. Denouden, J. Wideman

DECLARATIONS OF PECUNIARY INTEREST UNDER THE MUNICIPAL CONFLICT OF INTEREST ACT

None declared.

CLOSED SESSION

MOVED by B. Strauss SECONDED by W. Roth

THAT a closed Council meeting be held on Tuesday, February 12, 2008, in accordance with Section 239 of the Municipal Act, 2001, for the purposes of considering the following subject matters:

a) labour negotiations regarding contract negotiations

CARRIED

The meeting proceeded to closed session.

REGIONAL CHAIR, K. Seiling

REGIONAL CLERK, K. Fletcher

459952

REGIONAL SPECIAL COUNCIL MINUTES

Friday, February 15, 2008

The following are the minutes of the Special Council meeting held at 3:06 p.m. in the Waterloo County Room, 150 Frederick Street, Kitchener, Ontario, with the following members present: Chair K. Seiling, D. Craig, T. Galloway, R. Kelterborn, C. Millar, J. Mitchell, W. Roth, J. Smola, B. Strauss, S. Strickland and C. Zehr.

Members Absent: J. Brewer, K. Denouden, J. Haalboom, B. Halloran, J. Wideman

MOTION TO GO INTO CLOSED SESSION

MOVED by B. Strauss SECONDED by C. Millar

THAT a special closed Council meeting be held on Friday, February 15, 2008, at 3:00 p.m., in accordance with Section 239 of the Municipal Act, 2001, for the purposes of considering the following subject matters:

a) labour relations regarding contract negotiations

CARRIED

DECLARATIONS OF PECUNIARY INTEREST UNDER THE MUNICIPAL CONFLICT OF INTEREST ACT

ADJOURN

MOVED by B. Strauss SECONDED by T. Galloway

THAT the meeting adjourn.

CARRIED

REGIONAL CHAIR, K. Seiling

DEPUTY REGIONAL CLERK, L. Wetzel

459019

REGIONAL MUNICIPALITY OF WATERLOO PLANNING AND WORKS COMMITTEE MINUTES

Tuesday, February 19, 2008 9:00 a.m. Council Chamber 150 Frederick Street, Kitchener, Ontario

Present were: Chair J. Wideman, J. Brewer, D. Craig, K. Denouden*, T. Galloway, J. Haalboom, R. Kelterborn, C. Millar, J. Mitchell, W. Roth, K. Seiling, J. Smola*, B. Strauss*, S. Strickland, and C. Zehr*

Members absent: B. Halloran

MOTION TO GO INTO CLOSED SESSION

MOVED by B. Strauss SECONDED by R. Kelterborn

THAT a closed Committee meeting be held on Tuesday, February 19, 2008, in accordance with Section 239 of the Municipal Act, 2001, for the purposes of considering the following subject matters: a) litigation before the Ontario Municipal Board b) personal matters about identifiable individuals – Committee appointments c) proposed or pending disposition of land in the City of Kitchener

CARRIED

MOVED by J. Mitchell SECONDED by B. Strauss

The Committee reconvene in Open Session.

CARRIED

DECLARATIONS OF PECUNIARY INTEREST UNDER THE MUNICIPAL CONFLICT OF INTEREST ACT

None declared.

REPORTS – TRANSPORTATION AND ENVIRONMENTAL SERVICES a) E-08-018 Approval of Plans for Roadway Improvements on Bleams Road (Regional Road 4) In the Settlement Area of Mannheim (Knechtel Court to Alder Creek), Township of Wilmot

Mike Henderson, Project Manager, provided a presentation and an overview of the report, highlighting the key project scope issues, public consultation process, main issues, alternatives A and B under consideration, proposed schedule and project costs. A copy of the presentation is appended to the original minutes.

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Chair Wideman noted the correspondence from Jenna Sardella that relates to this issue included with the agenda.

DELGATIONS a) Brant Grozelle, Mannheim, ON appeared before Committee expressing his opposition to the staff recommendation. He stated alternative A would ultimately urbanize their village and limit access to their properties. He felt alternative B was created in response to a petition opposing alternative A but indicated it still had many disadvantages. He put forward suggestions in the form of an alternative C which essentially is alternative B without the sidewalks. A copy of his presentation is appended to the original minutes.

Committee members discussed the report and the Regional policies regarding sidewalks, indicating it would be difficult to find a balance between cars versus pedestrians. They also stressed the need for pedestrian and cycling facilities throughout the community from a long term public health perspective. Committee members suggested there appears to be difference of opinion in the community regarding sidewalks.

Further discussion took place regarding rolled or mountable curbs.

C. Zehr brought forward an additional motion related to the roadway improvements on Bleams Road.

MOVED by C. Zehr SECONDED by J. Haalboom

THAT respect to roadway improvements on Bleams Road that semi-mountable curb and gutter be installed in place of the proposed barrier curb and gutter.

CARRIED

MOVED by T. Galloway SECONDED by W. Roth

THAT the Regional Municipality of Waterloo:

a) approve the plans for roadway improvements on Bleams Road (Regional Road 4) from Knechtel Court to Alder Creek described as Alternative ‘A’ in Report E-08-018;

c) enact a By-law to designate the 1.25 metre paved lanes on each side of the road adjacent to the curb for the specific use of bicycles

CARRIED C. Millar opposed.

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T. Schmidt, Commissioner, Transportation and Environmental Services introduced Donna Serrati, the new Project Director for the Rapid Transit Initiative. b) E-08-021 Strategy to Reduce Packaging and Plastic Bag Use

Cari Howard, Project Manager, Waste Management Division provided an overview of the report, indicating the Region’s strategy is to reduce packaging and plastic bag use. The strategy has four main components and proposes actions to raise awareness and provide education to ensure the municipality presents a strong municipal voice through professional and municipal organizations to advocate for provincial/federal legislation to reduce packaging.

* J. Smola entered the meeting at 10:40 a.m.

Committee members directed staff to look into whether the municipality has any legislative authority with regards to mandating the elimination of plastic bags. Staff indicated a report will be coming back in May 2008.

In response to an inquiry regarding the definition of sustainable packaging, C. Howard indicated the definition of sustainable packing is something that is capable of being produced by the planet indefinitely. Discussions continued on various single-use plastic items and local options to proactively reduce the use of plastic bags.

DELEGATIONS b) Jennifer Clapp, Professor of Environmental Studies at the University of Waterloo and Linda Swanson appeared before Committee stating that Waterloo Region uses over 100 million plastic shopping bags per year. They highlighted the environmental impacts of using plastic bags; issues facing waste management, global trends, and Provincial mandate, and the benefits of reducing the use of plastic bags and recommendations to the Region of Waterloo. A copy of the presentation is appended to the original minutes.

MOVED by J. Mitchell SECONDED by S. Strickland

THAT the Regional Municipality of Waterloo directs staff to:

CARRIED c) Martin Wiens, Cambridge re: Severance Application, 311-319 Shantz Hill Road did not appear as a delegation as his concerns have been addressed. d) Marie Taylor, Waterloo appeared before Committee opposing the proposal to increase the speed limit on Waterloo Street to 60 km/h. She expressed concerns with increased

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speed and the “S” curve in the road, the local school and pool, the new subdivisions and private driveways. She asked the speed be posted at 50 km/h for the entire area. c) E-08-012 Speed Limit on Waterloo Street, Township of Wilmot

MOVED by W. Roth SECONDED by C. Zehr

THAT the Regional Municipality of Waterloo amend Traffic and Parking By-law 06-072, as amended, to reflect a posted speed of 60 km/h on Waterloo Street (Regional Road #1) from 700 m east of Hostetler Road to Nafziger Road (Regional Road #5) in the Township of Wilmot, as outlined in report E-08-012, dated February 19, 2008.

CARRIED

DESIGN AND CONSTRUCTION d) E-08-010 Delivery of Wastewater Capital Program

Thomas Schmidt Commissioner, Transportation and Environmental Services introduced the report indicating the Wastewater Capital Program is a very significant program that is expected to take 15 years to implement. He also stated the time lines are tight and there could be potential time savings related to the consultant selection process.

Phil Bauer, Head, Environmental Engineering provided an overview of the report, indicating the review was completed by Regional staff in consultation with an expert retained by the Region. He highlighted the purpose and scope of the review, project schedules, alternate delivery models, the award of consulting assignments and recommendations. A copy of the presentation is appended to the original minutes.

*B. Strauss left the meeting at 11:00 a.m.

Discussion ensued regarding the risks associated with using the Design-Bid-Build approach. Committee members expressed concerns with not having a competitive selection process and possible risks in changing consultants. Staff indicated changing consultants would result in a time delay of approximately 6 to 12 months for the selection process.

Staff responded to questions regarding the biosolid lagoons at the Kitchener plant. Staff indicated that in order to complete the upgrades at the Kitchener plant, the land space where the lagoons are currently located is needed to expand. The lagoons will have to be decommissioned before any construction can be started. Providing dewatering at the various plants should help reduce the odour issues and by September 2011 lagoons will no longer be required.

MOVED by J. Mitchell SECONDED by J. Smola

That the Regional Municipality of Waterloo initially award assignments for preliminary design and then extend the assignments to include detailed design and construction administration phases for the following priority projects in order to accelerate project schedules, pursuant to Report E-08-010 dated February 19, 2008:

i) Kitchener WWTP Disinfection Upgrades;

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ii) Kitchener WWTP Biosolids Dewatering; iii) Kitchener WWTP Process Upgrades; and, iv) Hespeler WWTP Process Upgrades.

CARRIED

TRANSPORTATION e) CR-RS-08-010 Closing and Surplus Declaration and Conveyance of Part of Homer Watson Boulevard (Regional Road 28), City of Kitchener

MOVED by S. Strickland SECONDED by J. Haalboom

That the Regional Municipality of Waterloo close and declare part of Homer Watson Boulevard (Regional Road 28) described as Parts 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 and 10, on Reference Plan 58R-16072, in the City of Kitchener surplus to the needs of the Region, as detailed in Report No. CR-RS-08- 010 dated February 19, 2008, pursuant to the Region’s property disposition by-law, to the satisfaction of the Regional Solicitor.

CARRIED f) E-08-022 Airport Capital Assistance Program Agreement

MOVED by S. Strickland SECONDED by T. Galloway

That the Regional Municipality of Waterloo authorize the Commissioner of Transportation and Environmental Services to enter into agreements with Her Majesty The Queen in Right of Canada Represented herein by the Minister of Transport under the Airport Capital Assistance Program for Capital projects and equipment at the Region of Waterloo International Airport, as outlined in report E-08-022, dated February 19, 2008.

CARRIED

WASTE MANAGEMENT g) CR-RS-08-011 Surplus Declaration of Land Adjacent to Glasgow Street, City of Kitchener

MOVED by C. Millar SECONDED by J. Haalboom

That the Regional Municipality of Waterloo declare the lands described as Parts 1, 2, 5, 7 and 10, Reference Plan 58R-16062, in the City of Kitchener surplus to the needs of the Region, as detailed in Report No. CR-RS-08-011 dated February 19, 2008, and provide the standard public notification as required by the Region’s property disposition by-law and to the satisfaction of the Regional Solicitor.

CARRIED

WATER SERVICES h) E-08-007 Water Quality Management System

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MOVED by S. Strickland SECONDED by J. Haalboom

That the Regional Municipality of Waterloo take the following actions, in accordance with Report E-08-007 dated February 19, 2008:

1. Endorse the Quality Management System (QMS) Policy; 2. Endorse the Quality Management Process as stated in the Commitment and Endorsement Operational Procedure; 3. Appoint the Commissioner of Transportation and Environmental Services and Director, Water Services, as Top Management, and the Manager of Operations and Maintenance (Water) as QMS Representative.

CARRIED i) E-08-014 CCME Canada-Wide Strategy for the Management of Municipal Wastewater Effluent

Received for Information. j) E-08-015 2007 Annual Water Quality Report for The Region of Waterloo Rural and Integrated Water Systems

Received for Information. k) E-08-017 Region of Waterloo Groundwater Monitoring Program Consultant Selection

MOVED by C. Zehr SECONDED by C. Millar

THAT the Regional Municipality of Waterloo:

CARRIED

INTERDEPARTMENTAL REPORTS l) CR-RS-08-002/E-08-003 Region of Waterloo International Airport – Declaration of Surplus

MOVED by K. Seiling SECONDED by T. Galloway

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That the Regional Municipality of Waterloo declare a leasehold interest of greater than twenty- one years in the Lands described as, firstly, Hangars #1, #2 and #3, on Part 1, Plan 58R-3313 and, secondly, Parts 1, 2, 3 and 4, Plan 58R-1816 in the Township of Woolwich in the Regional Municipality of Waterloo and depicted in Appendix A attached to Report CR-RS-08-002/E-08- 003 dated February 19, 2008 (the Lands), surplus to its needs, in accordance with the Region’s Property Disposition By-law;

And that the Regional Municipality of Waterloo authorize the Commissioner of Transportation and Environmental Services to enter into a Lease with the Waterloo-Wellington Flying Club (WWFC), a non-profit organization incorporated under the provisions of the Corporations Act, to grant a leasehold interest of up to fifty years in the Lands with the base rent for the first five years at the current commercial lease rates for airport land as described in Report CR-RS-08- 002/E-08-003 dated February 19, 2008.

CARRIED m) E-08-020/P-08-019 2008 Planning and Works Project Team Membership

J. Wideman reviewed the various projects and study teams noted in the report and requested representation from Regional Councillors. As per discussion the following Regional Councillors have been added to the following projects:

• Kitchener Southwest Transit Service Review; add J. Haalboom • Weber Street Widening – Victoria Street to Guelph Street; add J. Wideman • Fisher-Hallman Road Widening - Huron Road to Activa Avenue; add T. Galloway • Well W5 Upgrade – Class Environment Assessment; add S. Strickland • Wells W6/W7/W8 Class Environmental Assessment; add J. Mitchell • Grand Reservoir and Pumping Station – Class Environmental Assessment Update; add J. Smola • Maple Grove Area Water Supply Environmental Assessment; add C. Millar • Hespeler Water Treatment Plant Upgrade; add D. Craig

MOVED by C. Zehr SECONDED by J. Haalboom

THAT the Regional Municipality of Waterloo appoint Regional Councillors to the various projects and study teams as noted in Appendix A to Report E-08-020/P-08-019, dated February 19, 2008;

AND THAT the Regional Municipality of Waterloo forward the request for local Councillor representatives on project and study teams to the Local Municipalities.

CARRIED

REPORTS – PLANNING, HOUSING AND COMMUNITY SERVICES

COMMUNITY PLANNING o) P-08-020 Monthly Report of Development Activity for January 2008

MOVED by J. Mitchell SECONDED by W. Roth

P&W - 8 - 08/02/19

THAT the Regional Municipality of Waterloo accept P-08-020, Monthly Report of Development Activity for January 2008, dated February 19, 2008.

CARRIED

TRANSPORTATION PLANNING p) P-08-021 Intercity Transit Between the Greater Toronto Area and Waterloo Region

Rob Horne, Commissioner of Planning, Housing and Community Services provided an overview of the report. He indicated the Corporate Strategic Plan encourages improvements to intercity transportation services to and from Waterloo Region. Staff has also included the potential for highspeed rail between Windsor and Quebec.

Committee members requested the report be circulated to Council Members for the City of Kitchener, the City of Waterloo and the City of Cambridge as well as Economic Development Committees.

Committee members discussed the importance of the issue and stressed the need for this matter to go forward as quickly as possible. Mike Murray, Chief Administrative Officer indicated that the next step is to have a work plan and action plan that will help staff identify some time lines, deadlines, the sequence of events and what the realistic schedules are for each of the recommendations to move forward.

MOVED by J. Brewer SECONDED by C. Zehr

THAT the Regional Municipality of Waterloo take the following action regarding intercity transit between the Greater Toronto Area (GTA) and Waterloo Region as outlined in P-08-021, dated February 19, 2008:

CARRIED q) P-08-022 Regional Transportation Master Plan Update and Upcoming Workshops

P&W - 9 - 08/02/19

R. Horne highlighted the report indicating the Region is undertaking a new Transportation Master Plan for planning transportation infrastructure to the year 2031.

Graham Vincent, Director, Transportation Planning provided an overview of the plan indicating the next steps are to explore aspirations for different components of the Region’s transportation system and to get feedback on the study process. He suggested the key objective of the new plan is to create a sustainable transportation vision for our community that balances the protection of our natural environment, provides opportunity for social cohesion, fosters an economically competitive market, and promotes a healthy lifestyle. A copy of the presentation is appended to the original minutes.

*K. Denouden entered the meeting at 12:35 p.m.

*C. Zehr left the meeting at 12:45 p.m.

Received for Information.

INFORMATION/CORRESPONDENCE a) Letter from Jenna Sardella re: Report E-08-018, Roadway Improvements to Bleams Road was received for information.

OTHER BUSINESS a) Memo re: GRT - Universal Transit Pass (U-Pass) Program Update

Chair Wideman announced that Grand River Transit provided over 1.4 million rides to U-Pass holders and the program is a success. b) Council Enquiries and Requests for Information Tracking List was received for information.

NEXT MEETING – March 4, 2008, 9:00 A.M.

ADJOURN

MOVED by J. Smola SECONDED by J. Mitchell

THAT the meeting adjourn.

CARRIED

COMMITTEE CHAIR, J. Wideman

COMMITTEE CLERK, E. Flewwelling

#459040

REGIONAL MUNICIPALITY OF WATERLOO ADMINISTRATION AND FINANCE COMMITTEE MINUTES

Tuesday, February 19, 2008 12:45 p.m. Regional Council Chamber 150 Frederick Street, Kitchener, Ontario

Present were: Chair T. Galloway, J. Brewer, D. Craig, K. Denouden, J. Haalboom, R. Kelterborn, C. Millar, J. Mitchell, W. Roth, K. Seiling, J. Smola, B. Strauss, S. Strickland*, J. Wideman

Members absent: B. Halloran, C. Zehr

DECLARATIONS OF PECUNIARY INTEREST UNDER THE MUNICIPAL CONFLICT OF INTEREST ACT

None.

DELEGATIONS

Glen Woolner, of Community Renewable Energy Waterloo (CREW), appeared before the Committee and described the organizations goals and activities and presented the CREW website. CREW has undertaken two projects: to promote energy conservation and to distribute Energy Toolkits. CREW is seeking to partner with the cities of Kitchener, Waterloo, Cambridge and the Region, and seeks to link to the environmental and conservation initiatives of each city and the Region through the respective websites. CREW has applied for support to environmental committees where they exist, and is currently seeking funding from the aforementioned cities and the Region in varying amounts. G. Woolner explained that the grant request would assist in getting the CREW website operational and to purchase Energy Toolkits which would be used in community homes to do self-assessments of energy consumption. As well, CREW ideally would like to see Energy Toolkits in places such as libraries to being signed out by people in the community.

*S. Strickland entered the meeting at 12:53 pm.

The Committee asked what the difference was between CREW and the Residential Energy Efficiency Project (REEP). G. Woolner explained that CREW is an offshoot of REEP and that CREW is a volunteer group that extends REEP’s work of studying energy efficiency.

The Committee asked why CREW looks upon its activities as a Regional project given the absence of the townships in the organization’s plans. G. Woolner replied that CREW was focusing upon the major population centres of the Region, and that the organization’s work is not limited to these municipalities, affirming that CREW invites membership from people in the smaller municipalities.

The Committee asked whether the City of Kitchener’s forthcoming funding is in the form of cash or in-kind support, and G. Woolner explained that the support was monetary.

459031 A&F - 2 - 08/02/19

Chair Galloway noted that though the request is outside grant policy, that it may fit within the Region’s Environmental Fund if that fund comes to fruition, or this request may be granted from the budget contingency.

The Committee asked staff whether the Region would be able to provide the Region’s web links to its environmental initiatives for CREW, and Gary Sosnoski, Commissioner of Corporate Resources, affirmed that the Region would require more detail on any potential request and that IT could supply the appropriate links provided that the intermingling technologies are aligned.

REPORTS - Finance a) F-08-014 Community Renewable Energy Waterloo – Request for Financial Assistance

Received for Information.

MOVED by S. Strickland SECONDED by J. Wideman

THAT the Regional Municipality of Waterloo approve a one-time grant in the amount of $8000.00 from the budget contingency for Community Renewable Energy Waterloo.

CARRIED b) F-08-015 Provincial Sales Tax Exemption for Municipalities

Larry Ryan, Chief Financial Officer, explained that this was a resolution forwarded to the Region by the City of Waterloo, and explained the content of that resolution. Staff prepared a report on the issue at the request of the Committee. He noted that the Provincial-Municipal Fiscal and Service Delivery Review is ongoing and intends to bring forward a report in June.

The Committee voiced support for the rebate in question on the grounds of avoiding double taxation.

MOVED by J. Mitchell SECONDED by K. Seiling

THAT the Provincial-Municipal Fiscal and Service Delivery Review be requested to consider a rebate of Provincial Sales Tax (PST) paid by municipalities when reviewing the funding requirements for infrastructure and the funding relationship between the Province and municipalities.

CARRIED c) F-08-016 Quarterly Summary of Tenders/Proposals Approved by the Chief Administrative Officer

Received for Information.

REPORTS – Corporate Resources d) CR-FM-08-004 Public Art for Police Headquarters

A&F - 3 - 08/02/19

G. Sosnoski explained that the amount allocated for expenditure has been approved, that public consultation has occurred and that the Regional Police Board supported the public art at police headquarters.

The Committee expressed concern at confusion in the name of the display and the organization of the same name, which was taken under advisement by the Committee.

MOVED by W. Roth SECONDED by J. Mitchell

THAT the Regional Municipality of Waterloo approve the selection of Child Found by Leslie Drysdale as the public art sculpture to be located at the Waterloo Regional Police Services Headquarters building as per report CR-FM-08-004, dated February 19, 2008.

CARRIED

OTHER BUSINESS a) Council Enquiries and Requests for Information Tracking List

The Committee inquired as to the status of the report reviewing the size of Regional Council. Staff responded that work is ongoing, and that delivery is expected for April/May committee meetings.

MOTION TO GO INTO CLOSED SESSION

MOVED by J. Mitchell SECONDED by K. Denouden

THAT a closed Committee meeting be held on Tuesday February 19, 2008, in accordance with Section 239 of the Municipal Act, 2001, for the purposes of considering the following subject matters: a) Labour relations regarding contract negotiations b) Personal matters about identifiable individuals – committee appointments

CARRIED

NEXT MEETING – Tuesday March 4, 2008

ADJOURN

MOVED by J. Mitchell SECONDED by K. Denouden

THAT the meeting adjourn.

CARRIED

COMMITTEE CHAIR, T. Galloway

COMMITTEE CLERK, M. Grivicic

REGIONAL MUNICIPALITY OF WATERLOO COMMUNITY SERVICES COMMITTEE MINUTES

Tuesday, February 19, 2008 1:44 p.m. Regional Council Chamber 150 Frederick Street, Kitchener, Ontario

Present were: Chair S. Strickland, J. Brewer, K. Denouden, T. Galloway, J. Haalboom, R. Kelterborn, C. Millar, J. Mitchell, W. Roth, K. Seiling, J. Smola, B. Strauss, and J. Wideman

Members absent: D. Craig, B. Halloran, and C. Zehr

MOVED by J. Wideman SECONDED by W. Roth

THAT the meeting reconvene into open session

CARRIED

DECLARATIONS OF PECUNIARY INTEREST UNDER THE MUNICIPAL CONFLICT OF INTEREST ACT

None declared.

DELEGATIONS a) Catherine Fife, Coordinator, Child Care Action Network of Waterloo Region, appeared before Committee expressing her concerns about the potential impact of for-profit multinational companies gaining access to publicly funded childcare centres. She highlighted the benefits of local, non-profit childcare centres. She advocated for a Regional policy that would ensure that wage subsidies and child care subsidies are limited to local, non-profit operators to protect the interests of taxpayers and maintain quality of childcare, and for a moratorium on all future purchase agreements with for-profit childcare operators.

Chair Strickland stated that Social Services staff are reviewing this issue and will prepare a report to come back to Committee in May 2008.

In response to Committee’s questions, Ms. Fife clarified that she is not seeking a moratorium on for-profit centres being established but on the spaces purchased by the Region from for-profit childcare centres. She advised that Sudbury, Toronto and Ottawa have already adopted a similar policy.

b) John Payne, a Communications Officer for the Elementary Teachers Federation and a member of the Child Care Action Network of Waterloo Region appeared before Committee. He is also a member of the Ontario Federation of Labour and the Canadian Labour Congress. He reiterated comments made by C. Fife, expressing his concerns that universal, high quality and affordable childcare could be jeopardized if for-profit centres become prevalent in the Region. He expressed his concerns about the working conditions and wage

CS - 2 - 08/02/19

inequities between childcare workers in for-profit and non-profit centres. He also expressed his concern about the impact of provincial and local poverty reduction strategies, as developed by Opportunities Waterloo, stating that universal childcare is a critical element.

In response to Committee’s questions, C. Fife and J. Payne stated that they are not seeking universal, free childcare; they are seeking quality community-based childcare that is accessible to those with special needs and those in rural areas, which for-profit centres don’t service. Accreditation of teachers would facilitate quality childcare and protect public funding. Concern was also expressed about the past cost-benefit of provincial government conversion of for-profit centres into non-profit centres. The Committee requested that the pending staff report include the history on past provincial funding arrangements with regards to for-profit versus non-profit childcare centres.

Other issues raised by Committee included certification of ECEs, financial accountability of non-profit centres, status of waiting lists and types of subsidies provided to current non-profit childcare centres. These issues will be addressed in the staff report being prepared.

REPORTS – Social Services a) SS-08-004, Homeless to Housing Stability Strategy Implementation Monitoring Committee

J. Brewer volunteered to be a member on this Committee. S. Strickland indicated that B. Halloran had provided an informal interest in being a member as well.

MOVED by B. Strauss SECONDED by J. Brewer

THAT the Regional Municipality of Waterloo approve the terms of reference for a Homelessness to Housing Stability Strategy Monitoring Committee, as outlined in Report SS-08-004, dated February 19, 2008;

AND THAT the Regional Municipality of Waterloo appoint Jane Brewer as the Regional Council representative to the Homelessness to Housing Stability Strategy Monitoring Committee.

CARRIED

b) SS-08-005, Aging at Home Strategy Submissions

In response to Committee’s questions, Gail Carlin, Director, Seniors’ Services gave an overview of the eligibility requirements, the admission process and access to the Seniors’ Supportive Housing, Health and Wellness Collaborative program. Her presentation is appended to the original minutes.

MOVED by J. Wideman SECONDED by J. Brewer

THAT the Regional Municipality of Waterloo approves the submission of the following three business cases to the Waterloo Wellington Local Health Integration Network under the provincial Aging at Home Strategy:

458938 CS - 3 - 08/02/19

CARRIED c) SS-08-006, Water Filter Fund

MOVED by T. Galloway SECONDED by K. Denouden

THAT the Regional Municipality of Waterloo approve the establishment of the Water Filter Fund Program for the period December 2007 to March 31, 2008 to be funded entirely by the Province of Ontario;

AND THAT the 2008 Operating Budget for Social Planning be increased by $11,000 gross and $0 net as outlined in Report SS-08-006, dated February 19, 2008.

CARRIED d) SS-08-007, Streets to Homes Pilot and Rent Bank Loan Fund

MOVED by J. Brewer SECONDED by T. Galloway

THAT the Regional Municipality of Waterloo approve up to $72,000 for the YWCA of Kitchener- Waterloo to pilot the Streets to Home program for women between April 1, 2008 and March 31, 2009;

CARRIED e) SS-08-008, Implementation of Ontario Child Benefit

MOVED by J. Mitchell SECONDED by C. Millar

THAT the Regional Municipality of Waterloo request that the Ministers of Children and Youth Services and Community and Social Services continue the Back-to-School and Winter Clothing Allowances (100% Provincially funded) for social assistance recipients (both Ontario Works and Ontario Disability Support Program) until July 2009 to ensure successful implementation of the Ontario Child Benefit consistent with the Province’s goal to reduce the effects of poverty for the most vulnerable members of our community,

AND THAT copies of this report and recommendation be forwarded to all area M.P.P’s, AMO and OMSSA as outlined in report SS-08-008, dated February 19, 2008.

CARRIED 458938 CS - 4 - 08/02/19

REPORTS – Planning, Housing and Community Services f) P-08-024, Arts, Culture Heritage Master Plan Implementation – 2007 Achievements/2008 Directions

In response to Committee questions regarding the construction completion date for the Regional Museum and the inclusion of cultural planning in the Region’s Official Plan, Rob Horne, Commissioner, Planning, Housing & Community Services indicated that the construction is obligated to be completed by 2010 due to grants that have been received for the project. He stated that cultural planning will be “vested” and given status in the Regional Official Plan.

C. Millar requested a breakdown of the costs associated with the Regional Museum. Lucille Bish, Director of Community Services responded to the inquiry and will forward the information directly.

Received for Information

REPORTS – Public Health

Dr. Liana Nolan, Commissioner/Medical Officer of Health acknowledged the attendance of Barb Marshall from the Public Health Agency of Canada, an important partner of Public Health. g) PH-08-004, C-Enternet Surveillance Initiative – Renewal

MOVED by B. Strauss SECONDED by J. Smola

THAT the Regional Municipality of Waterloo extend the existing agreement with the Government of Canada on such terms that are agreeable to the Medical Officer of Health and the Regional Solicitor for the continuation of the collaborative initiative between Region of Waterloo Public Health and the Public Health Agency of Canada, entitled C-EnterNet.

CARRIED h) PH-08-005, Region of Waterloo Public Health Infant Feeding Study 2006/2007

Eve Nadler, Public Health Planner, responded to Committee questions about ages of mothers and the statistics on breastfeeding mothers in relation to having used midwives. Martha Svacina, Manager, Family Health, FCR Division provided information about the status of the Breastfeeding Buddy peer support program. The staff presentation is appended to the original minutes.

Received for Information

i) PH-08-006, Evaluation of the Tobacco Treatment for New Canadians Program

Received for Information

458938 CS - 5 - 08/02/19 j) PH-08-007, Evaluation of the Neighbourhood-Based Produce Markets

Katherine Pigott, Manager of Healthy Communities and Policy responded to Committee’s questions regarding the sources for the produce and the plans for future implementation and promotion.

Received for Information

k) PH-08-008, Air Quality and Urban Health Impacts in Waterloo Region – A Preliminary Assessment

D. Seskar-Hencic, Manager, Health Determinants, Planning and Evaluation and Popy Dimoulas-Graham, Epidemiologist, Health Determinants, Planning and Evaluation, gave an overview of the report. The staff presentation is appended to the original minutes.

Key highlights of the report included statistics on health care intervention and deaths directly linked to air quality, the sources of air pollution in the Region and the air quality trends. Next steps include continued surveillance and assessment, interdepartmental collaboration to meet objectives and the development of a comprehensive Air Quality Program.

Committee member inquiries included status of future collaboration with other departments and advisory committees, potential to establish an urban forest in new housing developments, funding avenues to address environmental concerns, and the potential to ban drive-thru facilities in the Region.

D. Seskar-Hencic indicated that a joint group involving Public Health, Transportation Planning and Transportation Engineering has been established and a plan is being developed. A report on the cost benefit analysis of an urban forest will be prepared for committee’s review, as requested.

R. Horne stated that there is an abundance of data related to net vegetation gains and that the Region has the opportunity to amend development conditions to include additional tree planting. Partial funding for this initiative could potentially come from the Environmental Fund.

In response to an inquiry about the status of a report on anti-idling, Doug Quibell, Manager, Environmental Health, Environmental Health and Lifestyle Resources stated that the Region has applied for a national grant but the nature of the campaign depends approved funding.

In response to an inquiry about the specifics of local quality of air, P. Dimoulas-Graham reminded Committee that this is a preliminary report containing estimates and that subsequent reports will be more detailed. Dr. L. Nolan added that the Region relies on Ministry of Environment Air Quality Index reporting. Currently, there is only one monitor in the Region but staff are exploring enhanced monitoring tools.

In response to a Committee inquiry about a policy on drive-thru facilities in the Region, Public Health staff will draft a report regarding the health impact. It was also suggested that the Ad Hoc Environmental Committee review this issue.

Received for Information

458938 CS - 6 - 08/02/19

INFORMATION/CORRESPONDENCE a) Memorandum from David Dirks, Director, Employment and Income Support re: 2008 Labour Market Report was received for information.

Committee questions included the issues of preparing youth and others for the changing labour market trends in the Region. David Dirks, Director, Employment and Income Support stated that staff regularly consult with a variety of local organizations, including the Waterloo Training Adjustment Board and both Boards of Education, to determine the trends in the Region and the abilities and needs of those in the workforce.

b) Memorandum from John Prno, Director, Emergency Medical Services re: Improved Ambulance Visibility was received for information. The premier issue of EMS Matters was distributed to Committee members.

OTHER BUSINESS a) Council Enquiries and Requests for Information Tracking List was received for information.

NEXT MEETING – March 4, 2008

ADJOURN

MOVED by B. Strauss SECONDED by J. Mitchell

THAT the meeting adjourn.

CARRIED

The meeting adjourned at 2:59 p.m.

COMMITTEE CHAIR, S. Strickland

COMMITTEE CLERK, S. Natolochny

458938

REGIONAL MUNICIPALITY OF WATERLOO TREES BY-LAW EXCEPTION COMMITTEE MINUTES

Tuesday, February 19, 2008 3:05 P.M. Regional Council Chamber 150 Frederick Street, Kitchener, Ontario

Present were: Chair J. Wideman, K. Denouden, R. Kelterborn, W. Roth, K. Seiling and B. Strauss

ELECTION OF CHAIR AND VICE-CHAIR

A call was made for nominations for Chair. J. Wideman stated he was willing to be Chair.

MOVED by K. Denouden SECONDED by R. Kelterborn

THAT J. Wideman be nominated as the Chair of the Trees By-Law Exception Committee.

CARRIED

A call was made for nominations for Vice-Chair. R. Kelterborn stated he was willing to be Vice- Chair.

MOVED by J. Wideman SECONDED by W. Roth

THAT R. Kelterborn be nominated as Vice-Chair of the Trees By-Law Exception Committee.

CARRIED

DECLARATIONS OF PECUNIARY INTEREST UNDER THE MUNICIPAL CONFLICT OF INTEREST ACT

None.

REPORTS – Planning, Housing and Community Services a) P-08-010 Revision of Conditions of Approval of Tree By-Law Exception Granted to Tampa Hall Limited/Dumfries Industrial Park Inc on May 12, 1999

Chris Gosselin, Manager of Environmental Planning, pointed out that this report is an attempt to redress a problem that emerged when the original tree by-law exemption granted in 1999 was found to be no longer implementable because of tree clearing that has occurred by Dumfries Industrial Park Inc. (DIL) and by the Region as part of Northumberland Road Upgrade. This recommendation comes out of discussions between Regional staff, North Dumfries Township staff and DIL to achieve the goal of the original tree exemption.

Trees - 2 - 08/02/19

The Committee asked whether the size of trees are specified, and C. Gosselin responded that only the number of trees to be planted was specified in the report, though the Committee could specify the height. The Committee asked what would be an appropriately sized tree, and C. Gosselin suggested trees one meter in height would be appropriate, noting that survivability is greater for trees of smaller stock than for larger stock.

DELEGATIONS a) James Richard, a resident of Northumberland Street who lives near the site, appeared as a delegation and noted that first complaints came well after the clearing. He also noted that the original plan for clearing this site as put forward by North Dumfries Council and the Committee was ignored. He stated his opinion that the current plan comes close to the original objective and that he was not opposed to development of these sites but that development must be done in accordance with good planning principles and in adherence to tree cutting bylaws. He noted that the 100 trees to be planted were to be in addition to those retained on the site, and that the number and size of trees to be planted are important. He asked that Committee not accept the planting of the trees on the easterly parcel so as to be credited toward the requirement to plant trees. b) Jordan Rothwell, representing DIL and Tampa Hall Limited (THL), pointed out the difference between the two businesses, stating that THL holds a stake in DIP. He explained his support for the recommendations put forward in the report and agreed that cedar is a suitable species having already planted 65 one-metre-tall ceders. He anticipated 100 trees to be planted on that property. J. Rothwell pointed out that the parcel on the north side of Greenfield is not part and parcel of this bylaw and was not woodland by definition because of its density and tree size.

Committee inquired as to how deforestation occurred on the north property if the bylaw exception applied only to the south property. Staff responded that it was uncertain whether the trees on that parcel would have been considered a woodlot, and that trees were removed prior to 2006 and that there would be no legal way to address the removal because it was not noted by staff until 2007, well after the statute of limitations had made it possible to consider laying charges

J. Rothwell noted that a portion of the north parcel was cleared by Bell Canada prior to THL’s acquisition, and that when THL looked at the densities of remaining trees, they were well below that required for bylaw exception.

The Committee asked why the Region is planting only 8 trees. Greg Proctor, project manager for the Northumberland Road upgrade, responded that in the reconstruction of Northumberland Street, the Region was going to lower the profile of the street and that four trees were felled in March 2007 by Regional staff before the contract to reconstruct began. Eight trees are being replanted as part of the Region’s two-for-one tree replacement practice.

The Committee heard that for the purposes of effecting survivability and growth of new trees, smaller trees are suggested for planting.

MOVED by W. Roth SECONDED by K. Denouden

Trees - 3 - 08/02/19

By-law 56-80 with respect to the removal of approximately 1.6 hectares (3.95 acres) of woodland in order to permit site preparation and further development of the Dumfries Industrial Park Inc. lands in Ayr: a) inform Dumfries Industrial Park Inc. that the conditions attached to the exception granted on May 12, 1999 cannot now be fulfilled as originally intended, and that the Exception therefore needs to be revised to reflect the present condition of the site; and b) direct staff to collaborate with Dumfries Industrial Park Inc. to develop a tree-saving and planting plan for the northern portion of the Dumfries Industrial site and the adjoining right- of-way of Northumberland Street which will result in the planting by Dumfries Industrial Park Inc. of a minimum of 150 trees after February 19, 2008, and that such trees be at least one metre tall and of suitable native species, and a further eight trees by the Region pursuant to its two-for-one tree replacement practice, all of which must be planted by November 30, 2008.

CARRIED

ADJOURN

MOVED by B. Strauss SECONDED by K. Denouden

THAT the meeting adjourn.

CARRIED

COMMITTEE CHAIR, J. Wideman

COMMITTEE CLERK, M. Grivicic

REGIONAL SPECIAL COUNCIL MINUTES

Tuesday, February 20, 2008

The following are the minutes of the Special Council meeting held at 8:26 a.m. in the Council Chamber, 150 Frederick Street, Kitchener, Ontario, with the following members present: Chair K. Seiling, J. Brewer, D. Craig, T. Galloway, J. Haalboom, R. Kelterborn, C. Millar, J. Mitchell, W. Roth, J. Smola, B. Strauss, S. Strickland, J. Wideman and C. Zehr.

Members Absent: K. Denouden and B. Halloran

DECLARATIONS OF PECUNIARY INTEREST UNDER THE MUNICIPAL CONFLICT OF INTEREST ACT

None declared.

RECOMMENDATION

J. Smola requested a recorded vote.

MOVED by J. Wideman SECONDED by B. Strauss

THAT THE Regional Municipality of Waterloo approve the Memorandum of Settlement with the Canadian Auto Workers, on behalf of members of Local 4304, for the period from January 1, 2008 to December 31, 2008.

CARRIED

Yeas: J. Brewer, J. Haalboom, R. Kelterborn, J. Mitchell, W. Roth, K. Seiling, J. Smola, B. Strauss, S. Strickland, J. Wideman C. Zehr

Nays: D. Craig, T. Galloway, C. Millar

Chair Seiling read a statement regarding the settlement.

ENACTMENT OF BY-LAWS – (FIRST, SECOND & THIRD READINGS)

MOVED by J. Smola SECONDED by C. Millar a) That a By-law to Confirm the Actions of Council of February 20, 2008 be read a first, second and third time, finally passed and numbered 08-007 signed by the Regional Chair and Regional Clerk and sealed with the Regional Seal

CARRIED

459699 Council Minutes - 2 - 08/02/20

ADJOURN

MOVED by J. Brewer SECONDED by J. Wideman

THAT the meeting adjourn.

CARRIED

REGIONAL CHAIR, K. Seiling

DEPUTY REGIONAL CLERK, L. Wetzel

459699

200 University Ave, Suite 801 Toronto, ON M5H 3C6 Tel.: (416) 971-9856 | Fax: (416) 971-6191 E-mail: [email protected]

MEMBER COMMUNICATION ALERT Nº: 08/009

To the attention of the Clerk and Council FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT: Craig Reid, AMO Senior Policy Advisor February 26, 2008 (416) 971-9856 ext 334

Federal Budget Makes Gas Tax Permanent

Issue: The 2008 Federal Budget, tabled in the House of Commons today by the Honourable Jim Flaherty, includes a commitment to make the federal gas tax permanent.

Background: The 2008 Federal Budget, tabled in the House of Commons today by Finance Minister Jim Flaherty, would make the federal gas tax revenue sharing of approximately $750 million a year a permanent source of infrastructure funding for Ontario’s municipal governments. This amount reflects the equivalent of 5 cents a litre. No escalator mechanism was included in today’s announcement.

The Federal Gas Tax matures at approximately $750 million a year for Ontario’s municipalities in 2009. In last year’s federal budget, the Government committed to extending the federal gas tax for an additional four years to 2014.

The federal gas tax is allocated to municipalities in Ontario on an entitlement basis providing significant flexibility for municipalities to invest in infrastructure priorities including roads and bridges, water and waste water systems, community energy, solid waste management, transit and capacity building.

AMO has consistently advocated on behalf of municipal governments to secure the Federal Gas Tax as a permanent source of infrastructure investment revenue for municipalities in Ontario.

This permanent funding is in addition to the Building Canada Fund commitment made in last year’s Federal Budget that would result in approximately $3.2 billion for municipal infrastructure projects in Ontario over the next seven years.

The Budget also sets aside up to $500 million in support of capital investments to improve public transit across Canada for construction ready projects. The Budget also sets aside $400 million for a police officer recruitment fund to encourage the hiring of 2,500 new police officers nationwide. The federal government will enhance the ability for municipalities to assume responsibility for small craft harbours owned by the federal government by providing $10 million for the rehabilitation of harbour facilities and the environment. The Budget will also help to make renewable energy more attractive for investors and communities by extending the GST exemption to property leases for wind or solar power developments and expanding the capital cost allowance for clean energy projects such as geothermal or biogas generation.

Action: For your information.

This information is available in the Policy Issues section of the AMO website at www.amo.on.ca.

Association of 1-1 Municipalities of Ontario

Report: F-08-017 REGION OF WATERLOO

FINANCE DEPARTMENT Purchasing Division

TO: Regional Chair Ken Seiling and Members of Regional Council

DATE: February 27, 2008 FILE CODE:

SUBJECT: T2008-003 CONSTRUCTION AND TESTING OF NEW WELLS AT SITES H4, G4 AND G5, CITY OF CAMBRIDGE

RECOMMENDATION:

AND THAT the Regional Municipality of Waterloo approve the advancement of funds in the amount of $1,031,776 from the Capital Forecast Budget to 2008 to cover the total costs of the project.

SUMMARY: Nil

REPORT:

Tenders were called for the Construction and Testing of New Wells at Sites H4, G4 and G5, City of Cambridge and were opened in the presence of A. Domaratzki, R. Wootton and L. Wilson.

The following tenders were received:

Davidson Well Drilling Limited Waterloo, ON $1,496,887.35 Durl Hopper Limited St. Mary’s, ON $1,586,752.65

Advertisements for this tender were placed in the Daily Commercial News, The Record, the Region’s web-site and the Ontario Public Buyers Association web-site. Nine (9) vendors picked up bid documents, five (5) of which are sub contractors who would not bid as the general contractor. Of the four (4) remaining vendors, one vendor stated they were not interested in bidding on the project, and the other had staff on vacation and could not put a bid together.

Staff from Water Services has reviewed the bids received and feel the prices submitted are fair and reasonable as the bids are within 6% of each other.

Contract Description

Work to be completed under this contract includes the construction and testing of new multi-level monitoring well nests and potentially new deep bedrock municipal production wells, at the Region of Waterloo H4, G4 and G5 well sites in the City of Cambridge. Construction of the production wells will only proceed if suitable conditions, in terms of sufficient quantity and suitable quality of water, are identified at the respective sites.

459509 Page 1 of 3

February 27, 2008 Report: F-08-017

This construction contract includes:

• Installation and testing of multi-level monitoring wells nests and depending on the information obtained, installation and testing of up to three (3) large diameter test production wells at the sites of Region wells G4, G5 and H4 in the City of Cambridge; • Completion of step pumping tests and a 7-day pumping test in each of the three (3) newly drilled test production wells.

A temporary permit to take water (PTTW) will be required for the step-pumping tests and 7-day pumping tests. An application for these permits cannot be submitted until the drilling work is completed. The pumping tests will not be performed until the PTTW has been obtained.

Subject to Council approval, it is anticipated that the contractor will commence construction in March 2008 with completion in October 2008.

CORPORATE STRATEGIC PLAN:

The project meets the Corporate Strategic Plan Objective to “protect the quantity and quality of our water sources” under Strategic Focus Area 1: Environmental Sustainability; “protect and enhance the environment.”

FINANCIAL IMPLICATIONS:

T2008-003 $1,496,887.35 Engineering – Consultant 314,227.20 Engineering – Regional 5,000.00 Advertising and Printing 2,000.00 Sub-Total $1,818,114.55 Less Municipal Rebate of 5% GST (86,338.79) Total $1,731,775.76

The Region’s approved 2008 Budget and Ten-Year Water Capital Forecast provides for a total budget of $700,000 and an additional $7,200,000 between 2009 and 2017 for the well replacement project, funded from the Water Reserve Fund. The estimated total project cost exceeds the current budget allocated in 2008 for this work. Therefore, advancement of funds from the Capital Forecast Budget to 2008, in the amount of $1,031,776 is proposed to cover the entire project cost.

The requirement for increasing the project funding for 2008 is due to the following reasons:

1) Region staff decided to advance the work program by grouping planned projects together, with the objective of being more efficient and cost effective in the long term;

2) The work required under this contract is of a specialized nature and there are a limited number of qualified contractors available to undertake the work. As these contractors are quite busy, costs have been increasing as they are currently in high demand; and

3) The costs for constructing the new production wells are higher than originally estimated as it is planned to construct these wells to deeper depths than the original production wells, to increase the security of the water supplied from these locations.

The final date of acceptance for this tender is April 12, 2008.

459509 Page 2 of 3

February 27, 2008 Report: F-08-017

OTHER DEPARTMENT CONSULTATIONS/CONCURRENCE: Nil

ATTACHMENTS: Nil

PREPARED BY: C. Whitlock, Chief Purchasing Officer

APPROVED BY: L. Ryan, Chief Financial Officer

459509 Page 3 of 3 PS-080219

THE REGIONAL MUNICIPALITY OF WATERLOO PLANNING AND WORKS COMMITTEE

Summary of Recommendations to Council

The Planning and Works Committee recommends as follows:

1. THAT respect to roadway improvements on Bleams Road that semi-mountable curb and gutter be installed in place of the proposed barrier curb and gutter.

2. THAT the Regional Municipality of Waterloo:

a) approve the plans for roadway improvements on Bleams Road (Regional Road 4) from Knechtel Court to Alder Creek described as Alternative ‘A’ in Report E-08-018;

c) enact a By-law to designate the 1.25 metre paved lanes on each side of the road adjacent to the curb for the specific use of bicycles

3. THAT the Regional Municipality of Waterloo directs staff to:

i) Kitchener WWTP Disinfection Upgrades; ii) Kitchener WWTP Biosolids Dewatering; iii) Kitchener WWTP Process Upgrades; and, iv) Hespeler WWTP Process Upgrades. #459045 PS-080219

7. That the Regional Municipality of Waterloo authorize the Commissioner of Transportation and Environmental Services to enter into agreements with Her Majesty The Queen in Right of Canada Represented herein by the Minister of Transport under the Airport Capital Assistance Program for Capital projects and equipment at the Region of Waterloo International Airport, as outlined in report E-08-022, dated February 19, 2008.

9. That the Regional Municipality of Waterloo take the following actions, in accordance with Report E-08-007 dated February 19, 2008:

10. THAT the Regional Municipality of Waterloo:

And that the Regional Municipality of Waterloo authorize the Commissioner of Transportation and Environmental Services to enter into a Lease with the Waterloo-

#459045 PS-080219

Wellington Flying Club (WWFC), a non-profit organization incorporated under the provisions of the Corporations Act, to grant a leasehold interest of up to fifty years in the Lands with the base rent for the first five years at the current commercial lease rates for airport land as described in Report CR-RS-08-002/E-08-003 dated February 19, 2008.

12. THAT the Regional Municipality of Waterloo appoint Regional Councillors to the various projects and study teams as noted in Appendix A to Report E-08-020/P-08-019, dated February 19, 2008;

AND THAT the Regional Municipality of Waterloo forward the request for local Councillor representatives on project and study teams to the Local Municipalities.

13. THAT the Regional Municipality of Waterloo accept P-08-020, Monthly Report of Development Activity for January 2008, dated February 19, 2008.

February 19, 2008

#459045 CPS-080219

THE REGIONAL MUNICIPALITY OF WATERLOO PLANNING AND WORKS COMMITTEE

Summary of Closed Recommendations to Council

The Planning and Works Committee recommends as follows:

1. THAT the Region of Waterloo appoint the following persons to the Laurel Creek Headwaters Environmentally Sensitive Landscape Public Liaison Committee:

a) Kevin Thomason, Deb Swidrovich, Wilhard Barth (ESPO Inc.), and Ed. Ries (ESPO Inc.) for three years terms expiring December 31, 2010;

c) Greg Michalenko (Ecological and Environmental Advisory Committee), Diane Ensing, Herbert Millard, (ESPO Inc.), and Gerhard Methner (ESPO Inc.) for a one year term expiring December 31, 2008.

2. THAT the Regional Municipality of Waterloo approve, enter into an Agreement for, and execute all documentation related to, the conveyance of the lands described as Parts 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 and 10, on Reference Plan 58R-16072, to The Corporation of the City of Kitchener, for the sum of $1.00 plus all associated costs, pursuant to the Region’s property disposition by-law, to the satisfaction of the Regional Solicitor.

February 19, 2008

460339 FS-080219

THE REGIONAL MUNICIPALITY OF WATERLOO ADMINISTRATION AND FINANCE COMMITTEE

Summary of Recommendations to Council

The Administration and Finance Committee recommends as follows:

1. THAT the Regional Municipality of Waterloo approve a one-time grant in the amount of $8000.00 from the budget contingency for Community Renewable Energy Waterloo. [F-08-014]

February 19, 2008

459038 SS-080219

THE REGIONAL MUNICIPALITY OF WATERLOO COMMUNITY SERVICES COMMITTEE

Summary of Recommendations to Council

The Community Services Committee recommends as follows:

AND THAT the Regional Municipality of Waterloo appoint Jane Brewer as the Regional Council representative to the Homelessness to Housing Stability Strategy Monitoring Committee.

as outlined in Report SS-08-005, dated February 19, 2008.

AND THAT the 2008 Operating Budget for Social Planning be increased by $11,000 gross and $0 net as outlined in Report SS-08-006, dated February 19, 2008.

4. THAT the Regional Municipality of Waterloo approve up to $72,000 for the YWCA of Kitchener-Waterloo to pilot the Streets to Home program for women between April 1, 2008 and March 31, 2009;

458937 SS-080219

AND THAT copies of this report and recommendation be forwarded to all area M.P.P’s, AMO and OMSSA as outlined in report SS-08-008, dated February 19, 2008.

6. THAT the Regional Municipality of Waterloo extend the existing agreement with the Government of Canada on such terms that are agreeable to the Medical Officer of Health and the Regional Solicitor for the continuation of the collaborative initiative between Region of Waterloo Public Health and the Public Health Agency of Canada, entitled C-EnterNet. [PH-08-004]

February 19, 2008

458937 CSS-080219

THE REGIONAL MUNICIPALITY OF WATERLOO COMMUNITY SERVICES COMMITTEE

Summary of Closed Recommendations to Council

The Community Services Committee recommends as follows:

1. THAT the Regional Municipality of Waterloo approve the appointment of David Parker, Jeff Wilker, Pat Scott and Tim Schill to the Kissing Bridge Trailway Advisory Board for a three-year term ending December 31, 2010.

February 19, 2008

460349 TS-080219

THE REGIONAL MUNICIPALITY OF WATERLOO TREES BY-LAW EXCEPTION COMMITTEE

Summary of Recommendations to Council

The Trees By-law Exception Committee recommends as follows:

b) direct staff to collaborate with Dumfries Industrial Park Inc. to develop a tree-saving and planting plan for the northern portion of the Dumfries Industrial site and the adjoining right-of-way of Northumberland Street which will result in the planting by Dumfries Industrial Park Inc. of a minimum of 150 trees after February 19, 2008, and that such trees be at least one metre tall and of suitable native species, and a further eight trees by the Region pursuant to its two-for-one tree replacement practice, all of which must be planted by November 30, 2008.

February 19, 2008

459929 Report: E-08-027

REGION OF WATERLOO

TRANSPORTATION & ENVIRONMENTAL SERVICES Water Services

TO: Chair Ken Seiling and Members of Regional Council

DATE: February 27, 2008 FILE CODE: E04-80/MOE; C04-30

SUBJECT: PROVINCIAL SUMMONS FOR THE REGION BY THE MINISTRY OF ENVIRONMENT – WELLS G38 & G39

RECOMMENDATION:

For Information only

SUMMARY:

NIL

REPORT:

The Region has received a provincial summons to appear in court on March 10,,2008 on a matter related to the interpretation of legislation regarding a Certificate of Approval requirement for the Shades Mill Water Treatment System. The provincial summons identifies four charges related to this interpretation of which two are related to the timeline for reporting and two are related to interpreting and meeting the requirements in the Certificate of Approval.

Background

Well G38 and G39 are regional production wells that are located near Clyde Road in the City of Cambridge. These wells pump to the Shades Mill Water Treatment System where treatment for iron removal (filtration) and disinfection is provided.

The Ministry of Environment (MOE), through the Integrated Urban Certificate of Approval, required that the Region take a number of actions over the period from 2002 to 2005 related to the Shades Mill Water Treatment System . The Integrated Urban Certificate of Approval required the submittal of a number of reports and that appropriate treatment be installed by September 20, 2005 for Shades Mill Water Treatment System wells G38 and G39. The Region’s responses to these certificate of approval requirements are summarized below.

On October 30 and November 29, 2002, the Region submitted hydrogeological reports that concluded the wells G38 and G39 obtained water under the direct influence of surface water and these wells also had effective filtration to meet the requirements of the guideline for chlorination B13-3 “Chlorination of Potable Water Supplies in Ontario”. (MOE deadline of November 30, 2002 achieved)

On June 25, 2003 the Region submitted a letter fulfilling the requirement to have a well head protection delineation completed for well G38 and G39 and stating that the requirement of the

Page 1 of 3 February 27, 2008 Report: E-08-027

Procedure for Disinfection of Drinking Water in Ontario 2003 was being met and the Region would not provide chemically assisted filtration at these wells. (MOE requirement achieved.)

On September 29, 2005 the Region submitted a Microbial Contamination Wellhead Protection Plan in accordance with the MOE requirements in the certificate of approval. (MOE deadline of September 30, 2005 achieved).

The Region submitted an amendment to the certificate approval related to upgrade to the disinfection system (chlorination system) at the Shades Mill Water Treatment System. (MOE September 30, 2005 deadline achieved.)

During this period, the Region was also appealing its Integrated Urban System Certificate of Approval with the Environmental Review Tribunal and subsequently the MOE repeatedly reissued this certificate of approval with a number of amendments. However, as noted above, the Region submitted the required reports within the required timelines and met the requirement in the certificate of approval to provide appropriate treatment.

MOE Inspection -Compliance

After an annual MOE inspection completed in July 2006, the MOE inspector contacted the Region in December 2006 related to their July inspection and expressed their concerns with the Region’s compliance to the Integrated Urban Certificate of Approval for wells G38 and G39. The Region immediately initiated an investigation to determine if the Region was in compliance which included consulting with various technical experts. As a precaution during this investigation, the Region turned off the wells G38 and G39 and issued a precautionary adverse report to the MOE. (This was done to ensure the Region met the MOE’s reporting requirements.) After a thorough review of the data, the technical experts confirmed to the Region that the requirements of the Integrated Urban Certificate of Approval were being met. Based on this expert advice and the Region’s own review, this investigation and conclusions were discussed with MOE officials. However, the MOE did not support the Region’s findings or that of their technical experts.

At all times during this period, the treated water from the Shades Mill Water Treatment Plant met the requirements of the Drinking Water Standards (O. Reg 169/03). Public Health was also consulted and reviewed the water quality from this water supply system and expressed no public health concerns.

Provincial Summons

As noted above, the MOE has been aware of this issue through their annual MOE inspections in June 2005 and July 2006 and have issued a provincial summons on February 19, 2008 to the Region related to this incident. The issues of concern are related to the MOE requirements in the Integrated Urban Certificate of Approval to provide appropriate treatment by September 30, 2005 for wells G38 and G39 as follows:

Two of the charges appear to be related to the timeline and content of the Region’s report to the MOE regarding an observation that a drinking water system that provides or is required to provide disinfection is directing water to users of water from the system that has not been disinfected in accordance with the Ministry's Procedure for Disinfection of Drinking Water in Ontario,

Two of the charges are related to the Region’s interpretation of the Integrated Urban Certificate of Approval and associated legislation to provide appropriate treatment by September 30, 2005.

460555 Page 2 of 3 February 27, 2008 Report: E-08-027

The Region will appear in court to respond to the provincial summons and an update on the status of these events will be provided as necessary regarding this situation.

CORPORATE STRATEGIC PLAN:

Provision of safe drinking water supports Focus Area 5: “Ensure Operational Effectiveness and Efficiency.”

FINANCIAL IMPLICATIONS:

NIL

OTHER DEPARTMENT CONSULTATIONS/CONCURRENCE:

Water Services staff have conferred with Legal Services and Public Health staff with regard to this matter.

ATTACHMENTS:

NIL

PREPARED BY: Nancy Kodousek, Director, Water Services

APPROVED BY: Thomas Schmidt, Commissioner, Transportation and Environmental Services

460555 Page 3 of 3 MEDIA RELEASE: Friday, February 15, 2008, 4:30 p.m.

REGIONAL MUNICIPALITY OF WATERLOO PLANNING AND WORKS COMMITTEE AGENDA

Tuesday, February 19, 2008 9:00 A.M. Council Chamber 2nd Floor, Regional Administration Building 150 Frederick Street, Kitchener, Ontario

1. MOTION TO GO INTO CLOSED SESSION

THAT a closed Committee meeting be held on Tuesday, February 19, 2008, in accordance with Section 239 of the Municipal Act, 2001, for the purposes of considering the following subject matters:

a) litigation before the Ontario Municipal Board b) personal matters about identifiable individuals – Committee appointments c) proposed or pending disposition of land in the City of Kitchener

2. MOTION TO RECONVENE IN OPEN SESSION

3. DECLARATIONS OF PECUNIARY INTEREST UNDER THE MUNICIPAL CONFLICT OF INTEREST ACT

4. DELEGATIONS a) Brant Grozelle, Mannheim re: Report E-08-018, Roadway Improvements to Bleams Road b) Jennifer Clapp, Waterloo re: E-08-021, Strategy to Reduce Packaging and Plastic Bag Use c) Martin Wiens, Cambridge re: Severance Application, 311-319 Shantz Hill Road d) Marie Taylor, Waterloo re: E-08-012, Speed Limit on Waterloo Street, Township of Wilmot

5. REPORTS – TRANSPORTATION AND ENVIRONMENTAL SERVICES

DESIGN AND CONSTRUCTION a) E-08-010, Delivery of Wastewater Capital Program 1 b) E-08-018, Approval of Plans for Roadway Improvements on Bleams Road 18 (Regional Road 4) In the Settlement Area of Mannheim (Knechtel Court to Alder Creek), Township of Wilmot

PW Agenda - 2 - February 19, 2008

TRANSPORTATION

c) CR-RS-08-010, Closing and Surplus Declaration and Conveyance of Part of 53 Homer Watson Boulevard (Regional Road 28), City of Kitchener

d) E-08-012, Speed Limit on Waterloo Street, Township of Wilmot 56

e) E-08-022, Airport Capital Assistance Program Agreement 59

WASTE MANAGEMENT

f) CR-RS-08-011, Surplus Declaration of Land Adjacent to Glasgow Street, City of 61 Kitchener

g) E-08-021, Strategy to Reduce Packaging and Plastic Bag Use 65

WATER SERVICES

h) E-08-007, Water Quality Management System 68

i) E-08-014, CCME Canada-Wide Strategy for the Management of Municipal 75 Wastewater Effluent

j) E-08-015, 2007 Annual Water Quality Report for The Region of Waterloo Rural 84 and Integrated Water Systems

k) E-08-017, Region of Waterloo Groundwater Monitoring Program Consultant 87 Selection

INTERDEPARTMENTAL REPORTS

l) CR-RS-08-002/E-08-003, Region of Waterloo International Airport – Declaration of 93 Surplus

m) E-08-020/P-08-019, 2008 Planning and Works Project Team Membership 97

REPORTS – PLANNING, HOUSING AND COMMUNITY SERVICES

COMMUNITY PLANNING n) P-08-020, Monthly Report of Development Activity for January 2008 114

TRANSPORTATION PLANNING o) P-08-021, Intercity Transit Between the Greater Toronto Area and Waterloo 117 Region p) P-08-022, Regional Transportation Master Plan Update and Upcoming Workshops 124

Document Number: 445493 Document Name: P&W AGENDA – FEBRUARY 19, 2008 PW Agenda - 3 - February 19, 2008

6. INFORMATION/CORRESPONDENCE

a) Letter from Jenna Sardella re: Report E-08-018, Roadway Improvements to 131 Bleams Road

7. OTHER BUSINESS a) Memo re: GRT - Universal Transit Pass (U-Pass) Program Update 132 b) Council Enquiries and Requests for Information Tracking List 135

8. NEXT MEETING – March 4, 2008, 9:00 A.M.

9. ADJOURN

Document Number: 445493 Document Name: P&W AGENDA – FEBRUARY 19, 2008 PW Agenda - 4 - February 19, 2008

NEXT MEETINGS

Date Time Description Location

Planning and Works Committee Tues., March 4, 2008 9:00 A.M. Planning and Works Council Chamber Committee 2nd Floor, Regional Administration Building 150 Frederick Street Kitchener, Ontario

Tues., April 1, 2008 9:00 A.M. Planning and Works Council Chamber Committee 2nd Floor, Regional Administration Building 150 Frederick Street Kitchener, Ontario

Planning, Housing and Community Services Wed., Feb. 20, 2008 6:00 P.M. – Regional Transportation First United Church 9:00 P.M. Master Plan Workshop 16 William Street Waterloo, Ontario

Thurs., Feb. 21, 2008 6:00 P.M. – Regional Transportation Regional Administrative 9:00 P.M. Master Plan Workshop Headquarters 150 Frederick Street Kitchener, Ontario

Thurs., Feb. 28, 2008 6:00 P.M. – Regional Transportation United Kingdom Club 9:00 P.M. Master Plan Workshop 35 International Village Drive Cambridge, Ontario

Transportation and Environmental Services Wed., March 05, 2008 5:30 p.m. to Huron Street / Waterloo Street Grandview Public 8:00 p.m. Improvements, New Hamburg School - Public Information Centre 341 Huron Road New Hamburg

Document Number: 445493 Document Name: P&W AGENDA – FEBRUARY 19, 2008 Plastic Shopping Bag Use

• Ontarians use 2.6 billion plastic shopping Single-Use Plastic Shopping bags per year Bags in Waterloo Region • Waterloo Region uses over 100 million plastic shopping bags per year

Jennifer Clapp and Linda Swanston Environment and Resource Studies • Is the convenience worth the problems University of Waterloo Presentation to Planning and Works Committee, Region of Waterloo, associated with them? February 19, 2008

1 2

Waste Management Issues in Plastic Bags and the Environment Region of Waterloo • Resource consumption Blue box collection of plastic bags, but: • Long-term persistence • Small percentage collected (most • Litter in public spaces goes to landfill or litter)

Plastic bag waste at Erb Street landfill • Lack of local recyclers willing to • Danger to wildlife take them, and low revenue for the Region • Difficult to manage in the waste stream • Bags from the region have been shipped to China for recycling 3 4

Global Trends Provincial Mandate

• Cities, states, and countries around the • In 2007, Ontario pledged to cut plastic bag world have chosen to use by half by 2012 end free distribution • Voluntary agreement with retailers and of single-use plastic industry shopping bags • Province will consider more stringent legislation if progress not made • China and Australia two of the latest countries to take this • How can we make progress at the local step level? 5 6 Community Benefits of Reducing 3 Main Options for Reducing Use Plastic Shopping Bag Use • Voluntary measures – easy to implement, but • Reduces waste and litter only partially effective • Reduces problems associated with recycling • Taxes – can be cumbersome to implement, will • Reduces risk for wildlife reduce (but not eliminate) use

• Fosters environmental citizenship • End free distribution – easy to implement, inexpensive, and eliminates the problem • Demonstrates environmental leadership

7 8

Recommendation for Region of Waterloo

• Encourage use of reusable bags

• Consider ending free distribution of single-use plastic shopping bags

REGION OF WATERLOO Report: E-08-010

TRANSPORTATION AND ENVIRONMENTAL SERVICES Water Services / Design and Construction

TO: Chair Jim Wideman and Members of the Planning and Works Committee

DATE: February 19, 2008 FILE CODE: C-04-30, 8779

SUBJECT: DELIVERY OF THE WASTEWATER CAPITAL PROGRAM

RECOMMENDATION:

i) Kitchener WWTP Disinfection Upgrades; ii) Kitchener WWTP Biosolids Dewatering; iii) Kitchener WWTP Process Upgrades; and, iv) Hespeler WWTP Process Upgrades.

SUMMARY:

The Region’s 2008 Ten-Year Wastewater Capital Program has been developed to implement the Wastewater Treatment Master Plan Update approved by Council in July 2007 and provides a total budget of $446 million over the next ten years for wastewater treatment plant upgrades and expansions. Given the scope, complexity and cost of the Region’s Ten-Year Wastewater Capital Program, staff carefully reviewed the wastewater capital program to assess potential opportunities for accelerating project schedules. Staff also retained a consulting engineer (Malcolm Pirnie Inc.) to conduct an independent evaluation of the Region’s Ten-Year Wastewater Capital Program from the perspective of overall feasibility, to evaluate alternative delivery models and to identify potential opportunities for cost and time savings.

In general, Malcolm Pirnie Inc. noted that the major projects in the Region’s Ten-Year Wastewater Capital Program were properly prioritized, sequenced and scheduled. Many factors affect project schedules, including the receipt of approvals from regulatory agencies such as (for example) the Ministry of the Environment (MOE). Based on previous experience for similar projects, Malcolm Pirnie Inc. advised that the Region’s 2008 Ten-Year Wastewater Capital Program reflected the minimum time frames necessary to implement the individual projects and overall program. Malcolm Pirnie Inc. also identified an opportunity for the Region to accelerate its project schedules by extending the consulting assignments for key projects to include preliminary design, detailed design and construction administration. This opportunity has already been reflected in the Region’s Ten-Year Wastewater Capital Program. Accordingly, and subject to the assumed timelines included for receipt of regulatory approvals and other factors, upgrades at the Waterloo WWTP are scheduled for completion in 2011, 2012 and 2013. Likewise, the Kitchener WWTP upgrades are scheduled for completion in 2011, 2015, 2019 and 2021 while upgrades and expansions at the Hespeler WWTP are scheduled for completion in 2011, 2012 and 2016. The sequencing of individual contracts at each plant will be optimized as part of the preliminary and detailed design phases.

Document #: 442058 Page 1 of 18 February 19, 2008 Report: E-08-010

Estimated Project Consulting Fee Range

1) Waterloo WWTP $8.0-$9.0 Million 2) Kitchener WWTP UV Disinfection* $1.8–$2.0 Million 3) Kitchener WWTP Biosolids Dewatering* $3.2-$3.5 Million 4) Hespeler WWTP Process Upgrades* $0.6-$0.8 Million 5) Kitchener WWTP Process Upgrades* $26-$30 Million

The four projects denoted in bold with an asterisk (*) are recommended for a preliminary design and “extended” detailed design and construction administration engineering assignment. The estimated fees shown are for the entire assignment; however, for these four assignments, upset fees would initially be obtained only for the preliminary design phase. Subject to Council authorization, staff propose (for these four assignments) to negotiate the upset fee for the detailed design and construction administration phases upon the satisfactory completion of the preliminary design and then present the negotiated upset fee for Council authorization at that later time. The preliminary design assignment for the Kitchener WWTP Biosolids Dewatering project was previously awarded by Council in September 2007. For the Waterloo WWTP project, the preliminary design assignment has been completed and the selection process for the detailed design and construction administration assignment is nearly completed.

Based on Malcolm Pirnie Inc.’s review of the 2008 Ten-Year Wastewater Capital Program, staff concluded that the Region should continue to deliver its wastewater capital projects utilizing the current Design-Bid-Build model. Staff also concluded that the Region could achieve potential benefits of improved constructability and lesser impact on ongoing operations by retaining a subconsultant with construction contracting expertise to participate on the project team and conduct constructability reviews during the detailed design phase of a Design-Bid-Build project. Staff has included this requirement in the Terms of Reference for the Waterloo WWTP consulting assignment (currently progressing through the selection process) and propose to include this requirement for key wastewater projects in the future. In addition, a value engineering exercise was conducted for the Waterloo WWTP upgrades, and will be included for the other major projects.

Staff will provide periodic update reports to Council at key milestones during the ongoing delivery of the Ten-Year Wastewater Capital Program.

REPORT:

1. Background

Document #: 442058 Page 2 of 18 February 19, 2008 Report: E-08-010 wastewater treatment plants (together representing about 80 percent of the expenditures in the

Document #: 442058 Page 3 of 18 February 19, 2008 Report: E-08-010

Ten Year Wastewater Capital Program) are summarized for reference in Appendix A. Overall cost estimates, as well as the specific work tasks and costs to be included in individual contracts at each plant, will be refined as preliminary and detailed design progresses.

The capital program includes construction projects at all of the Region’s larger wastewater treatment plants, and also includes particularly large and complex construction projects at the Kitchener and Waterloo wastewater treatment plants. These construction projects will affect the operations of individual plants and some of the work, particularly the biosolids upgrades, will affect the overall operation and management of the Region’s wastewater treatment system.

Given the scope, complexity and cost of the Region’s Ten-Year Wastewater Capital Program, staff carefully reviewed the wastewater capital program to confirm objectives, identify priorities, evaluate factors affecting program delivery, and assess potential opportunities for accelerating project schedules. Staff also retained a consulting engineer (Malcolm Pirnie Inc.) to conduct an independent evaluation of the Region’s Ten-Year Wastewater Capital Program.

Further information pertaining to the objectives, priorities, and factors affecting the Ten-Year Wastewater Capital Program is provided for reference in Appendix B. Staff make allowances for these factors when preparing project budgets and schedules in the Ten-Year Wastewater Capital Program. As an example, receipt of regulatory approvals is a crucial factor affecting project cost and schedules that is dependent, in part, upon the priorities, actions and interpretations of external agencies, such as the Ministry of the Environment (MOE). Staff consult regularly with regulatory agencies as projects progress through preliminary and detailed design. When developing project schedules, staff allow for typical regulatory approval timeframes based on previous experience for similar projects; however, external agencies may be reluctant to confirm their requirements early in the design phase and may not interpret applicable legislation or act as predicted. In some cases, regulatory agencies may request modifications late in the design phase and, in most cases, construction work cannot commence until regulatory approvals have been received. These circumstances, if they arise, may delay a project and increase its cost.

The following sections summarize the findings of the wastewater capital program review by staff and Malcolm Pirnie Inc., and present conclusions and recommendations for the cost effective and timely delivery of the wastewater capital program.

2. Program Cost and Schedule Evaluation by Malcolm Pirnie Inc.

Malcolm Pirnie Inc. is a consulting engineering firm with expertise in the delivery of large, complex municipal infrastructure projects utilizing a variety of conventional and alternative delivery models. Malcolm Pirnie Inc. was retained to review the Region’s Ten-Year Wastewater Capital Program from the perspective of overall feasibility, sequencing, and scheduling. Malcolm Pirnie Inc. was also instructed to evaluate alternative delivery models and to identify potential opportunities for cost and time savings. A copy of the consultant’s report has been placed for reference in the Councillors’ library.

Malcolm Pirnie Inc. independently developed an implementation schedule for the Region’s Ten-Year Wastewater Capital Program based on the priorities and constraints identified by the Region (summarized for reference in Appendix B), as well as their own assessment of constraints, with the overall goal of implementing the wastewater capital program in the shortest practicable time frame. The overall schedule developed by Malcolm Pirnie Inc. focused on four wastewater treatment plants, together comprising approximately 80% of the expenditures in the Region’s Ten-Year Wastewater Capital Program.

Document #: 442058 Page 4 of 18 February 19, 2008 Report: E-08-010

In general, the implementation schedule developed by Malcolm Pirnie Inc. was consistent with and closely matched the Region’s Ten-Year Wastewater Capital Program and the individual project schedules developed by staff. Malcolm Pirnie Inc. noted that the major projects in the Ten-Year Wastewater Capital Program were properly prioritized, sequenced and scheduled.

Malcolm Pirnie Inc. identified an opportunity and assumed for the purposes of compressing their schedule that the Region would combine the consulting assignments for key projects to include preliminary design, detailed design and construction administration. This opportunity has already been reflected in the Region’s Ten-Year Wastewater Capital Program and is discussed further in Section 3.

Malcolm Pirnie Inc. advised that both their own implementation schedule and the Region’s Ten-Year Wastewater Capital Program reflected the minimum time frames deemed necessary to implement the individual projects and concluded that the Region’s Ten-Year Wastewater Capital Program was feasible and properly sequenced. The projected completion dates for the major wastewater capital projects are summarized for reference in Appendix C, subject to the allowances included for receipt of regulatory approvals and other factors.

Based on the priorities and constraints summarized in Appendix B and the schedule presented in Appendix C, upgrades at the Waterloo WWTP are scheduled for completion in 2011, 2012 and 2013. The Kitchener WWTP upgrades are scheduled for completion in 2011, 2015, 2019 and 2021. Upgrades and expansions at the Hespeler WWTP are scheduled for completion in 2011, 2012 and 2016. The sequencing of individual contracts within the overall construction period at each plant will be optimized as part of the preliminary and detailed design phases.

3. Award of Consulting Assignments

The Region’s most common practice for larger, complex projects is to first obtain work plans and upset fees and award consulting assignments for the environmental assessment and/or preliminary design phases of a project. At that time, the preferred solution is not known, and the methods of implementing the preferred solution have not been defined. For these reasons, it is not feasible (prior to completion of the preliminary design phase) to obtain a realistic upset fee for the detailed design and construction administration phases of a large, complex project.

Once the methods of implementing the preferred solution have been defined as part of the preliminary design assignment, the Region would typically advertise a request for letters of interest followed by a request for work plans and upset fees from short-listed consultants for the detailed design and construction administration phases of larger, complex projects. At that time, the scope of work has generally been defined sufficiently to enable prospective consultants to estimate a realistic and reasonably accurate upset fee.

The process of advertising for letters of interest, short-listing, requesting work plans, obtaining upset fees and obtaining Council approval between the preliminary and detailed design phases typically requires between 3 to 6 months of time, depending on the scope, complexity and size of the assignment. If a new consultant is retained (other than the preliminary design consultant) an additional 3 to 6 months may be required to become familiar with the project. For the largest projects, this interim step may add between 6 to 12 months to a project schedule.

One approach that would assist in achieving the shortest practicable schedule for priority projects would be to eliminate the interim step in awarding consulting assignments. The overall implementation

Document #: 442058 Page 5 of 18 February 19, 2008 Report: E-08-010 schedule for the following priority projects could be reduced by up to one year by eliminating the interim consultant selection step:

Document #: 442058 Page 6 of 18 February 19, 2008 Report: E-08-010

Estimated Project Consulting Fee Range

1) Kitchener WWTP UV Disinfection $1.8-$2.0 Million 2) Kitchener WWTP Biosolids Dewatering $3.2-$3.5 Million 3) Hespeler WWTP Process Upgrades $0.6-$0.8 Million 4) Kitchener WWTP Process Upgrades $26-$30 Million

To accelerate project schedules, staff recommend that the Region initially award assignments for preliminary design and then extend the assignments to include detailed design and construction administration phases for these priority projects. Staff would ensure that this “extended” consultant selection process is conducted in accordance with the Region’s Purchasing By-law and is based on demonstrated qualifications in all three phases of the project (preliminary design, detailed design and construction administration); however, an upset fee would initially be requested for the preliminary design phase only. Council would be requested to initially authorize award of the preliminary design assignment in accordance with Part VI of the Purchasing By-law (Consultant Proposals). Upon the consultant’s satisfactory completion of the preliminary design staff would then negotiate the upset fee for the later award of the detailed design and construction administration phases. The negotiated upset fee for the detailed design and construction administration phases would then be submitted for Council authorization in accordance with Part VII of the Purchasing By-law (Purchase by Negotiation). A summary of Purchasing By-law requirements and methods for evaluating upset fees are provided for reference in Appendix D.

4. Alternate Delivery Models

Malcolm Pirnie Inc. evaluated three construction delivery models to assess their potential applicability to the Region’s Wastewater Capital Program, particularly in the areas of constructability, quality, cost and schedule benefits. The three delivery models evaluated were:

1) Design-Bid-Build (DBB) – currently the primary model utilized by the Region; 2) Design-Build (DB); and 3) Construction Manager at Risk (CM@Risk).

Descriptions of each delivery model are provided for reference in Appendix D.

Malcolm Pirnie Inc. observed that alternate delivery models (as compared to Design-Bid-Build) are most attractive to owners who do not have adequate or effective management systems in place to administer Design-Bid-Build projects and, as a result, have had serious negative experiences with this model (e.g. frequent litigation, large cost overruns, major schedule delays, and incomplete projects).

Malcolm Pirnie Inc. concluded, in general terms, that there would be no likely benefits, and there would be potential negative consequences, in implementing the Design-Build delivery model for any of the Region’s high-priority wastewater capital projects.

Malcolm Pirnie Inc. concluded that the CM@Risk delivery model could provide potential benefits to the Region in the areas of improved constructability and lesser impact on ongoing operations; however, significant additional time would be required to develop new consulting agreement documents and construction contract documents and for the project planning phase. Experience with other owners has demonstrated that up to 2 years of additional time could be required to effectively implement this model. In addition, Malcolm Pirnie Inc. recommended that a firm with expertise in implementing the CM@Risk model would need to be retained to oversee the project, and noted that

Document #: 442058 Page 7 of 18 February 19, 2008 Report: E-08-010 cost savings should not be the motivator in selecting this model and should not necessarily be expected.

The Region has well-established, effective management systems and experienced staff in place to effectively administer Design-Bid-Build projects, and has experienced few serious problems with this approach. Given the additional time required to plan for alternative delivery models, as well as the uncertainty and risk associated with implementing an unfamiliar model for the first time, staff has concluded that the Region should continue to deliver its wastewater capital projects utilizing the current Design-Bid-Build model.

Malcolm Pirnie Inc. identified, and staff are satisfied, that the Region could achieve the potential “CM@Risk” benefits of improved constructability and lesser impact on ongoing operations by retaining a subconsultant with construction contracting expertise to participate on the project team and conduct constructability reviews early during the detailed design phase of a Design-Bid-Build project.

It is noted that a requirement to include a subconsultant with construction contracting expertise has been included in the Terms of Reference for the Waterloo WWTP consulting assignment (currently progressing through the selection process) and is also being planned for use on the Hespeler Road Grade Separation and Fairway Road Extension projects being managed by Design and Construction. Staff proposes to include this requirement for key wastewater projects in the future. In addition, a value engineering exercise was conducted for the Waterloo WWTP upgrades, and will be included for the other major projects.

5. Next Steps

Staff has initiated the consultant selection process in accordance with the Region’s Purchasing By- law for several key projects included in the approved 2008 Ten-Year Wastewater Capital Program. Reports recommending award of consulting assignments are currently scheduled to be presented to Council in the coming months as follows:

Estimated Project Consulting Fee Range

1) Waterloo WWTP $8.0-$9.0 Million 2) Kitchener WWTP UV Disinfection* $1.8-$2.0 Million 3) Kitchener WWTP Biosolids Dewatering* $3.2-$3.5 Million 4) Hespeler WWTP Process Upgrades* $0.6-$0.8 Million 5) Kitchener WWTP Process Upgrades* $26-$30 Million

Projects denoted in bold with an asterisk (*) are recommended for a preliminary design and “extended” detailed design and construction administration engineering assignment. The estimated fees shown are for the entire assignment; however, for these four assignments, upset fees would initially be obtained only for the preliminary design phase. Subject to Council authorization, staff propose (for these four assignments) to negotiate the upset fee for the detailed design and construction administration phases upon the satisfactory completion of the preliminary design and present the negotiated upset fee for Council authorization at that later time. The preliminary design assignment for the Kitchener WWTP Biosolids Dewatering project was previously awarded by Council in September 2007. For the Waterloo WWTP project, the preliminary design assignment has been completed and the selection process for the detailed design and construction administration assignment is nearly completed.

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Staff will provide periodic update reports to Council at key milestones during the ongoing delivery of the Ten-Year Wastewater Capital Program.

CORPORATE STRATEGIC PLAN:

The Ten-Year Wastewater Capital Program meets the Corporate Strategic Plan Objectives to “protect the quality and the quantity of our water sources” under Strategic Focus Area 1 to “Protect and Enhance the Environment” and to “provide infrastructure needed to accommodate planned growth” under Strategic Focus Area 5 to “provide high quality infrastructure and asset management to meet current needs and future growth”.

FINANCIAL IMPLICATIONS:

The costs of implementing the wastewater capital projects described in this report, and the timing of the expenditures, are reflected in the 2008 Ten-Year Wastewater Capital Program.

OTHER DEPARTMENT CONSULTATIONS/CONCURRENCE:

The Purchasing Division of the Finance Department was consulted in the preparation of this report.

ATTACHMENTS

Appendix A – Summary of Total Budgets and Estimated Engineering Costs for Major Wastewater Capital Projects

Appendix B – Objectives, Priorities, and Factors Affecting Wastewater Capital Program Delivery

Appendix C – Summary of Estimated Completion Dates for Major Wastewater Capital Contracts

Appendix D – Purchasing By-law Requirements and Negotiation of Upset Fees

Appendix E – Descriptions of Capital Construction Delivery Models

PREPARED BY: Phil Bauer, Head, Environmental Engineering Jorge Cavalcante, Manager, Engineering and Planning

APPROVED BY: Thomas Schmidt, Commissioner of Transportation and Environmental Services

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Appendix A

Summary of Total Budgets and Estimated Engineering Costs for Major Wastewater Capital Projects

Estimated Total Engineering Major Wastewater Capital Project Budget (1) Cost Range (1)

1) Galt WWTP Biosolids Dewatering $22.8 Million $1.0 Million (2) (under construction)

2) Waterloo WWTP Process and Biosolids Upgrades $95 Million $8.0-$9.0 Million (2) (includes 4 separate construction contracts)

a) Waterloo WWTP Biosolids Upgrades

b) Waterloo WWTP Process Upgrades i) Headworks and Disinfection Upgrades ii) Treatment Train Upgrades iii) Centrate Pretreatment Upgrades

3) Kitchener WWTP Upgrades and Expansion

a) Kitchener WWTP Biosolids Dewatering $26 Million $3.2-$3.5 Million (2)

b) Kitchener WWTP UV Disinfection $16 Million $1.8-$2.0 Million (3)

c) Kitchener WWTP Process Upgrades $229 Million $26-$30 Million (3) (includes 3 separate construction contracts) i) New Treatment Train No. 3 ii) Upgrade Treatment Train No. 2 iii) Decommission Treatment Train No. 1

4) Hespeler WWTP Upgrades and Expansion

a) Hespeler WWTP Process Upgrades $4.5 Million $0.6-$0.8 Million (3)

b) Hespeler WWTP Biosolids Upgrades $10.7 Million $1.4-$1.7 Million (3)

c) Hespeler WWTP Process Expansion $15 Million $2.0-$2.5 Million (3)

Estimated Total $419 Million $44-$50.5 Million

Notes (1) Overall cost estimates, as well as the specific work tasks and costs to be included in individual contracts at each plant, will be refined as preliminary and detailed design progresses. (2) Includes detailed design and construction administration only. (3) Includes preliminary design, detailed design and construction administration.

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Appendix B

Objectives, Priorities, and Factors Affecting Wastewater Capital Program Delivery

B-1. Program Objectives

The Ten-Year Wastewater Capital Program is intended to achieve a number of objectives in the shortest practicable time frame. The most important objectives include:

1) ensure continued compliance with increasingly stringent regulatory requirements;

2) improve water quality in the Grand and Speed Rivers by improving effluent quality at the plants, particularly by reducing ammonia loading;

3) mitigate odour complaints;

4) eliminate residual chlorine from plant effluent;

5) improve the reliability of the biosolids management system by producing dry cake biosolids, which will allow for management/disposal options other than agricultural land application; and,

6) accommodate planned growth.

B-2. Program Priorities

Of all the Region’s wastewater treatment plants, the Kitchener Wastewater Treatment Plant (WWTP) represents the largest proportion of flow and loading to the Grand River and, therefore, the Kitchener process upgrades are considered the highest priority in the Ten-Year Wastewater Capital Program. The Kitchener WWTP upgrades represent about 50 percent of the expenditures in the Ten-Year Wastewater Capital Program.

It is noted that the ability to produce dry-cake biosolids from various wastewater plants is a pre- requisite for decommissioning the Kitchener WWTP biosolids lagoons, which is itself a pre-requisite for the Kitchener WWTP upgrade work. In addition, the Region’s current biosolids management system is facing significant challenges, and the ability to begin producing dry-cake biosolids was also identified as an equally high priority in the Ten-Year Wastewater Capital Program.

The scope of the Kitchener WWTP process upgrades was dependent, in part, upon its future service area, as defined in the Wastewater Treatment Master Plan Update (completed in 2007). For the Waterloo WWTP, which is the second largest WWTP operated by the Region, the future service area was better defined prior to completion of the Wastewater Treatment Master Plan Update, and the existing Ministry of the Environment (MOE) Sewage Works Certificate of Approval already provided for the ultimate capacity at the plant. Recognizing these opportunities, the Region commenced preliminary design for the Waterloo WWTP upgrades while awaiting completion of the Wastewater Master Plan. Subject to receipt of regulatory approvals, it is projected that the Waterloo WWTP upgrades can be completed in advance of the Kitchener WWTP upgrades.

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Appendix B-2

B-3. Factors Affecting Program Delivery

Many factors affect the cost and/or schedule for delivery of the wastewater capital program. Some of the more important factors identified (not necessarily in order of importance) include:

1) coordination with and approvals from Regulatory Authorities such as the Ministry of the Environment (MOE), Grand River Conservation Authority (GRCA), and Local Municipalities (e.g. Site Plan Approvals and Building Permits);

2) the need to avoid concurrent commissioning at different plants;

3) the desire to maintain reasonable user rates and debenture amounts;

4) adherence to Region processes and procedures such as the Purchasing By-law and established consultant selection procedures;

5) staff workload/availability; and,

6) consultant and contractor workload/availability.

Staff make allowances for these factors when preparing project budgets and schedules in the Ten-Year Wastewater Capital Program. Receipt of regulatory approvals is a crucial factor affecting project cost and schedules that is dependent, in part, upon the priorities, actions and interpretations of external agencies. Staff consult regularly with regulatory agencies as projects progress through preliminary and detailed design in order to obtain general concurrence with the proposed project approach, confirm submission requirements early in the project, respond as quickly as possible to agency questions and determine estimated processing times for applications. When developing project schedules, staff allow for typical regulatory approval timeframes based on previous experience for similar projects as well as any project-specific agency consultation conducted to date; however, particularly for large and complex projects, external agencies may be reluctant to confirm their requirements early in the design phase and may not interpret applicable legislation or act as predicted. In some cases, regulatory agencies may request modifications late in the design phase and, in most cases, construction work cannot commence until regulatory approvals have been received. These circumstances, if they arise, may delay a project.

Region processes and procedures for retaining consultants and contractors are discussed further in the main report. Staffing needs are under ongoing review and additional staffing will be addressed in future budget cycles, if required. For example, as work intensifies on the Kitchener WWTP in 2010 to 2020, it is forecast that additional staff will be required. In the event of a staff vacancy, it has generally been observed that a minimum of 6 to 12 months is required to recruit and train new staff to fill the vacancy and assume the workload.

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Appendix C

Summary of Estimated Completion Dates for Major Wastewater Capital Contracts

Estimated Project Completion Date (1)

1) Galt WWTP Biosolids Dewatering August 2008 (currently under construction)

2) Waterloo WWTP Upgrades and Expansion

a) Waterloo WWTP Biosolids Dewatering April 2011 (2)

b) Waterloo WWTP Process Upgrades

i) Headworks and Disinfection Upgrades December 2011

ii) Treatment Train Upgrades December 2012

iii) Centrate Pretreatment Upgrades December 2013

3) Kitchener WWTP Upgrades and Expansion

a) Kitchener WWTP Biosolids Dewatering and Biosolids Lagoon Decommissioning September 2011 (2)

b) Kitchener WWTP UV Disinfection October 2011

c) Kitchener WWTP Process Upgrades

i) New Treatment Train No. 3 May 2015

ii) Upgrade Treatment Train No. 2 February 2019

iii) Decommission Treatment Train No. 1 February 2021

4) Hespeler WWTP Upgrades and Expansion

a) Hespeler WWTP Process Upgrades July 2011

b) Hespeler WWTP Biosolids Upgrades May 2012

c) Hespeler WWTP Process Expansion December 2016

Notes: 1) The estimated completion dates are subject to the allowances provided for regulatory approvals and other factors. The sequencing of individual contracts within the overall construction period at each plant will be optimized as part of the preliminary and detailed design phases.

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2) The operation of the biosolids dewatering facilities may be dependent upon the completion of centrate treatment facilities at either the Kitchener or Waterloo WWTPs.

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Appendix D

Purchasing By-law Requirements and Negotiation of Upset Fees

D-1. Purchasing By-law Requirements Related to Extended Consulting Assignments

Staff will ensure that consulting assignments are awarded in accordance with the Region’s Purchasing By-law. Relevant requirements of the Purchasing By-law are summarized for reference in this section.

To accelerate project schedules, staff recommend that the Region initially award assignments for preliminary design, and then extend the assignments to include detailed design and construction administration phases for selected priority projects. For “extended” consulting assignments, the award of the preliminary design phase will be in accordance with Part VI – Consultant Proposals, of the Purchasing By-Law. Pursuant to section 19 of Part VI-Consultant Proposals, of the Purchasing By-Law, for all consultant services having an estimated value in excess of $100,000 staff will: 1) establish the terms and conditions for the request for the consultant proposals along with the criteria that will be utilized for the evaluation of the proposals; 2) advertise the request for consultant proposals; and 3) evaluate the consultant proposals and tabulate the results in accordance with the established criteria.

Further, pursuant to subsection 20(1) of Part VI-Consultant Proposals, of the Purchasing By-Law, staff will ensure that the acquisition of consultant services includes a work plan from the consultant that is in accordance with the terms of reference for the project and a maximum fee for the consultant in regard to all services and disbursements.

For “extended” consulting assignments, qualifications would be assessed for all phases of the project (preliminary design, detailed design, and contract administration) and upset fees would be obtained only for the preliminary design phase. Council, after considering any recommendation from a committee of Council, has the authority to accept a consultant proposal under section 19 of the Purchasing By-Law provided that the proposal is compliant. Initially, only the preliminary design phase of the assignment would be recommended for award.

Once the preliminary design has sufficiently defined the required scope of work for the subsequent phases of the “extended” consulting assignment, staff will prepare detailed terms of reference for the detailed design and contract administration phases of the project. If the preliminary design consultant has performed well and is not in litigation or pending litigation with the Region, staff will request submission of a detailed work plan and upset fee from the preliminary design consultant. Staff will evaluate the detailed work plan and negotiate the upset fee as described in section D-2 of this appendix. If appropriate, staff will recommend Council approval of the assignment and negotiated upset fee for detailed design and contract administration. This approach will save the time and costs required for a second selection process and for a new consultant to become familiar with the project (if other than the preliminary design consultant).

Pursuant to Section 21(1)(g) of Part VII – Purchase by Negotiation, of the Purchasing By-Law, the Chief Purchasing Officer may acquire any goods or services through negotiation where the extension of an existing or previous contract would prove cost effective or beneficial for the Region. Also, pursuant to Section 21(2), the Chief Purchasing officer shall submit any negotiated acquisition to Council for approval if the value of the acquisition exceeds $100,000.

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Appendix D-2

In summary, the award of negotiated design and construction administration phase assignments for the selected priority projects will be conditional upon the following:

(a) completion of the preliminary design phase to the satisfaction of the Region; (b) the Region not being in litigation or pending litigation with the consultant; and (c) authorization of the upset fees by Regional Council.

D-2. Negotiation of Upset Fees

As noted in the preceding section, once the preliminary design has sufficiently defined the required scope of work for the subsequent phases, staff will prepare detailed terms of reference for the detailed design and contract administration phases of the project. If the preliminary design consultant has performed well during the preliminary design, staff will request submission of a detailed work plan and upset fee from the preliminary design consultant. Staff will evaluate the detailed work plan and negotiate the upset fee for these second-phase consulting services by requiring submission of: a) a detailed work plan broken down by tasks; b) a detailed project implementation schedule: b) hourly time estimates for each task and all project personnel; and c) hourly rates for all proposed project personnel.

Staff would ensure that appropriate personnel were proposed for the project based on the required qualifications and hourly rates. Time estimates for each task would be compared with the project implementation schedule and with other consultants working on similar projects. Hourly rates would be compared with the rates established for the preliminary design phases as well as similarly-qualified personnel working with other consultants on similar projects. In addition, the engineering cost as a percentage of construction would also be compared to benchmarks established from recent similar projects within the Region and at other Ontario municipalities. Based on this review, the Region may request changes to the personnel assigned, the hourly rates and/or the hours allocated.

If Region staff are satisfied with the consultant’s performance, and that the negotiated upset fee fairly reflects current market rates, staff would present a recommendation to Council to award the detailed design and contract administration assignment at the negotiated upset fee.

Establishing the upset fee is the first step in managing project budgets. The upset fee is intended to make reasonable provision for all work that may be required to complete a project, and consultants invoice for actual time spent up to a maximum of the upset fee limit. For some tasks, less time is required than estimated and the actual cost for that task may be reduced. For other tasks, more time is required than estimated and the actual cost for that task may be increased. For all consulting assignments, staff carefully review monthly invoicing, including personnel hours and costs by task, and monitor progress and costs against the schedule and upset fee breakdown established at the time of award. This allows staff to identify and address deviations from schedules and/or budgets in a timely and proactive manner.

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Appendix E

Descriptions of Capital Construction Delivery Models

Three capital construction project delivery approaches were reviewed by Malcolm Pirnie Inc. and Region staff: design-bid-build, design-build and construction manager at risk. The following sections provide a brief description of each approach and summarize the major advantages and disadvantages of each approach.

E-1. Design-Bid-Build (DBB)

Design-Bid-Build (DBB) is the most prevalent delivery approach in the public sector and water/wastewater industries in North America. This approach is currently the primary model utilized by the Region, and typically involves three entities: the owner (the Region) for whom the project is being constructed (and who ultimately pays the other entities for their work); the engineer who designs the project; and a general contractor who constructs the project. This approach also typically involves two primary contracts: the owner and the engineer are bound by an engineering agreement; and the owner and the general contractor are bound by a construction contract (the engineer typically administers the construction contract).

As practiced by the Region, the engineer is typically selected based on a combination of qualifications and cost factors. The general construction contract is typically awarded to the lowest-cost compliant bidder.

Advantages of the DBB approach include: a) this approach is well known and understood by owners, engineers, and contractors; b) the owner can maintain a high degree of control over and input into the design; c) at the time of tendering the general construction contract, the project is typically well-defined and lower risk premiums or contingencies (relative to other approaches) are typically included in the tender price; and d) the owner can obtain low prices through direct cost competition during the tender.

Disadvantages of the DBB approach include: a) the general contractor has a limited time period available (typically 3 to 4 weeks) in which to understand the project, correctly assess potential risks and properly price the work; b) responsibility for successful project completion is split contractually between two separate entities (the engineer and the general contractor); c) costs are uncertain until the bids are received; and d) the construction contract is not necessarily awarded to the most qualified general contractor.

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Appendix E-2

E-2. Design-Build (DB)

The most common application for Design-Build (DB) and its many variants is for the construction of new multi-unit residential, commercial, institutional and industrial buildings on “green-field” sites, although DB has been used as an alternative delivery mechanism in the North America water and wastewater industry for over a decade. In the DB approach, the owner retains one delivery team that includes engineers and construction contractors and enters into a single contract with this team for the design and construction of the project. The selection of the team is typically based on a combination of qualifications, cost and other criteria (such as the team’s ability to accelerate schedules). Because the contract is awarded prior to initiation of the detailed design, the single most critical component in the success of a DB project is planning. The required scope and quality of the finished project must be well defined before the contract is awarded.

A major advantage of the DB approach is that responsibility for successful project completion is assigned contractually to a single entity (the delivery team that includes the engineer and the general contractor). This may require less owner expertise and effort for contract administration.

Other advantages of the DB approach include: a) the general contractor, as a member of the delivery team, has input into the design; b) the time required to move from design completion to construction start may be reduced on some projects if there are opportunities for the two processes to proceed in parallel; c) budgets can be confirmed with greater certainty early in the process (before detailed design commences).

A major disadvantage of the DB approach is that the owner has less control over or input into the design. The DB contractor will typically focus its attention on providing a completed facility at a low cost that meets only the absolute minimum requirements of the terms-of-reference prepared by the owner. For example, if long-term operation and maintenance costs are not properly addressed in the terms-of-reference, the owner may receive inferior or lower quality equipment than desired. For this reason, DB without some life cycle costing mechanism is not the preferred delivery model for most municipal owners of wastewater treatment plants.

Other disadvantages of the DB approach include: a) the general contractor has input into the design while the owner may have little input; b) significant additional time is required prior to awarding the DB contract and initiating detailed design in order to plan the project, define the desired scope and quality of the project, and prepare sufficiently thorough and comprehensive terms-of-reference; c) if the desired scope and quality have not been defined with sufficiently thorough and comprehensive terms-of-reference, the quality of the completed facility may not meet the owner’s expectations;

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Appendix E-3 d) lack of owner control after contract award may result in significant disruptions to existing operations, and cost and schedule overruns; e) the number of potential bidders may be restricted, thereby increasing the potential for higher construction costs; and f) because the price is established prior to design, the owner may pay a premium for risks associated with unknowns or uncertainties.

E-3. Construction Manager at Risk (CM@Risk)

Construction Manager at Risk (CM@Risk) is a relatively new delivery approach in the water/wastewater industry aimed at overcoming some of the drawbacks in DBB without forfeiting certain elements of owner control as is typically done under design-build. In CM@Risk, the owner maintains separate contracts during the design and construction phases with the design engineer and the CM@Risk, who is the construction phase general contractor of the project. In this approach, however, the owner retains the CM@Risk early in the design process (typically at around 30 percent design completion). Both the engineer and the CM@Risk are selected using qualifications-based criteria, and the CM@Risk’s prices are negotiated as design work progresses. Construction pricing, known as a “Guaranteed Maximum Price (GMP)” (which includes applicable contingencies) is typically “locked-in” somewhere between 60 percent and 90 percent design completion. As the design progresses, the value of included contingencies will typically decrease. The CM@Risk then tenders for the various components of the project.

A major advantage of retaining the CM@Risk during the design phase is that the owner can obtain the input of the prospective contractor during the design phase on issues pertaining to maintenance of plant operations, constructability and bidability of the engineer’s design, and risk management/risk transfer issues typically encountered in any project.

Other advantages of the CM@Risk approach include: a) the owner can maintain a high degree of control over and input into the design; b) because the CM@Risk has participated during design, they can be expected to have a good understanding of the project, potential risks and proper pricing for the work; c) the time required to move from design completion to construction start may be reduced if the Guaranteed Maximum Price is established at 60 to 90 percent design completion; and d) budgets can be confirmed with greater certainty earlier in the process because the Guaranteed Maximum Price can be “locked-in” at 60 to 90 percent design completion.

A major disadvantage of the CM@Risk approach is that it incorporates a much higher degree of non-contractual trust between the parties than other delivery approaches. As such, mechanisms to transfer design phase decisions into the construction contract, as well as implementation of those mechanisms by the owner, engineer and CM@Risk, are critical. For this reason, it is not recommended that an owner pursue this approach without expert professional help to facilitate the development and implementation of these mechanisms.

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Appendix E-4

Other disadvantages of the CM@Risk approach include: a) this approach is relatively new and may not be well known, understood or accepted by owners, engineers, and contractors; therefore, significant additional time and effort are required to plan, develop the approach and prepare the accompanying documents for contractual agreements; b) responsibility for successful project completion remains split contractually between two separate entities (the engineer and the CM@Risk); c) there are additional costs for the CM@Risk’s time spent during the design phase as well as the CM@Risk’s management and administration costs during the construction phase (typically the CM@Risk will subcontract all of the work); d) there is no direct cost-competition when the Guaranteed Maximum Price is established; and e) the earlier the Guaranteed Maximum Price is “locked in”, the higher the price , because risks related to uncertainties/contingencies have to be included in the price.

Document #: 442058 Page 20 of 18 Outline

Review • Background of the • Purpose and Scope of Review Wastewater Capital Program • Project Schedules • Alternate Delivery Models • Award of Consulting Assignments Planning and Works Committee February 19, 2008 • Conclusions and Recommendations

Background Purpose of Program Review

• 10-Year Wastewater Capital Program: • Wastewater Treatment Master Plan Update – (July 2007) – Feasible ?

• 2008 Ten-Year Wastewater Capital Program – Correct Priorities ?

– $446 Million – Properly Sequenced ? – Process Upgrades and Expansions – Shortest Practicable Delivery Schedule ? – Biosolids Upgrades – Alternate Delivery Models ?

Scope of Program Review Schedules for Major Projects

Estimated • Focus on 4 Major Plants (80% of Budget) Project Completion Date

1) Waterloo WWTP 2013 – Galt WWT ~ $ 32 Million – Kitchener WWT ~ $271 Million 2) Hespeler WWTP 2016 – Waterloo WWT ~ $ 95 Million 3) Galt WWTP 2018

– Hespeler WWT ~ $ 30 Million 4) Kitchener WWTP 2019

• Expert Review – Malcolm Pirnie Inc. • Many factors affect project schedules – Not all are under the Region’s control (e.g. External Approvals)

1 Awarding Alternate Delivery Models Consulting Assignments

• 3 Delivery Models Evaluated • Design-Bid Build (DBB) • Most Common Approach • Design-Build (DB) • Construction Manager at Risk (CM@Risk) – Selection Process 1 (3 to 6 Months) for: • Each Model has Advantages and Disadvantages • How much control does the Region retain? • Environmental Assessment / Preliminary Design • Can we provide a better finished project? • Can time be saved? • Can costs be reduced? – Selection Process 2 (6 to 12 Months) for: • Design-Bid Build (DBB) is Best • Detailed Design / Construction Administration • For the Region’s Wastewater Projects

Awarding Extending Consulting Assignments Consulting Assignments

– Preliminary Design – Assess Qualifications for Entire Project • Save Time - Eliminate Selection Process 2 – Obtain Upset Fee for Preliminary Design Only – Recommend Award to Council (Preliminary Design Only)

• Extend the Preliminary Assignment – Satisfactory Work on Preliminary Design? – Staff Negotiate Upset Fee – Detailed Design and Construction Administration

– Submit Negotiated Fee for Council Approval

Conclusions Recommendation

• Extend Preliminary Consulting Assignments for: • Wastewater Capital Program is Feasible • Correctly Prioritized Estimated Total • Properly Sequenced Project Consulting Fee

• Delivery Schedule is Realistic 1) Kitchener UV Disinfection $1.8 - $2.0 Million

2) Kitchener Biosolids Dewatering $3.2 - $3.5 Million • Design-Bid-Build (DBB) is Best • for the Region’s Wastewater Projects 3) Hespeler Process Upgrades $0.6 - $0.8 Million

• Save Time – Extend Consultant Assignments 4) Kitchener Process Upgrades $26 - $30 Million • 6-12 months per project

2 Reports – Coming Soon

Estimated Total Project Consulting Fee 1) Waterloo WWTP $8.0 - $9.0 Million Thank You! 2) Kitchener UV Disinfection $1.8 - $2.0 Million 3) Kitchener Biosolids Dewatering $3.2 - $3.5 Million Questions? 4) Hespeler Process Upgrades $0.6 - $0.8 Million

5) Kitchener Process Upgrades $26 - $30 Million

• Update Reports at Key Milestones

3 Report: E-08-018 REGION OF WATERLOO

TRANSPORTATION AND ENVIRONMENTAL SERVICES Design and Construction

TO: Chair Jim Wideman and Members of the Planning and Works Committee

DATE: February 19, 2008 FILE CODE: C04-30, 5283

SUBJECT: APPROVAL OF PLANS FOR ROADWAY IMPROVEMENTS ON BLEAMS ROAD (REGIONAL ROAD 4) IN THE SETTLEMENT AREA OF MANNHEIM (KNECHTEL COURT TO ALDER CREEK), TOWNSHIP OF WILMOT

RECOMMENDATION:

THAT the Regional Municipality of Waterloo:

a) approve the plans for roadway improvements on Bleams Road (Regional Road 4) from Knechtel Court to Alder Creek described as Alternative ‘A’ in Report E-08-018;

c)enact a By-law to designate the 1.25 metre paved lanes on each side of the road adjacent to the curb for the specific use of bicycles

SUMMARY:

Bleams Road (Regional Road 4) through the settlement area of Mannheim has been identified in the Region’s Transportation 10 Year Capital Program for a number of years as a road requiring reconstruction of the deteriorated asphalt and also in need of storm drainage improvements. The project consists of approximately 700 metres of Regional roadway on Bleams Road from approximately 40 metres east of Knechtel Court to the west project limit at Alder Creek. The key plan in Appendix ‘A’ identifies the limits of the project.

A "Project Team" was developed to direct this road reconstruction project and includes staff and Councillors from the Region of Waterloo and the Township of Wilmot. Public consultation for the project has included a Public Information Centre (PIC) held October 25th, 2007 and a mailed community survey (January 2008) which was circulated to the entire settlement area of Mannheim. This January 2008 survey provided the entire Mannheim community with an opportunity for input into two possible design alternatives for the proposed improvements along Bleams Road. Based on the overall Mannheim community responses to the PIC and the community survey, the majority of community residents (74% of respondents) favour the proposed Bleams Road Improvement Alternative ‘A’ which includes road reconstruction with non-mountable curbs and with

DOCS # 452648 Page 1 of 35 February 19, 2008 Report: E-08-018 sodded and treed boulevard areas. It is noted however that most of the fronting property owners along Bleams Road (71% of Bleams Road respondents) who are directly affected by the improvements oppose Alternative ‘A’ and instead favour Alternative ‘B’ which includes road reconstruction with semi-mountable curbs and paved boulevard areas.

Based on the public comments received from the comprehensive community survey and the PIC for this project as well as the technical considerations of the Project Team, it is recommended that Alternative ‘A’ – “Reconstruct with non-mountable curbs and with sodded and treed boulevard areas” be approved for the proposed improvements on Bleams Road. Based on the detailed technical evaluation, Alternative ‘A’ is considered superior because it better facilitates pedestrians and cyclists, functions better operationally, will require less long-term maintenance, is more aesthetically appealing and is less costly when compared to Alternative ‘B’. Alternative ‘A’ includes: reconstructing the roadway with 3.35m traffic lanes and 1.25m on-road cycling lanes; the elimination of on-street parking and the installation of concrete “barrier” curb; sodded and treed boulevard; and new sidewalk on both sides of Bleams Road. In order to implement Alternative ‘A’, it is further recommended that Regional Council approve a proposed amendment to the existing By-law to restrict parking and enact a new By- law to designate dedicated bicycle lanes through the project limits.

Construction is tentatively scheduled to commence in early July 2008 and it is expected to take three and a half months to complete.

REPORT:

1.0 Background

Bleams Road (Regional Road 4) through the settlement area of Mannheim has been identified in the Region’s Transportation Ten Year Capital Program for a number of years as a road requiring reconstruction of the existing deteriorated asphalt surface and needing improvements to the existing storm drainage system.

The project consists of approximately 700 metres of Regional roadway on Bleams Road from approximately 40 metres east of Knechtel Court to the west project limit at Alder Creek. The key plan in Appendix ‘A’ identifies the limits of the project.

Bleams Road is currently a two lane rural cross section road without curbs but with paved and/or gravel shoulders. Through the settlement area of Mannheim, the right-of-way is between 20 and 26 metres wide and the predominantly residential buildings have substantial setbacks, with the exception of a number of properties immediately adjacent to Mannheim Road and Sparling Drive where the buildings are located close to the road allowance limit. The posted speed through the settlement area of Mannheim is 50 km/hr.

A Public Information Centre (PIC) was held on January 20th, 2005 to initially present this project to the public and to receive input from the residents and users of the roadway. Subsequent to this first PIC, a number of other issues arose which were required to be considered as part of this project.

These included:

· Canada Post’s proposed conversion from rural mail box delivery to community mailbox delivery which could affect mailbox access requirements; · possible upgrades to the existing transmission and distribution watermains along this section of Bleams Road;

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· review of the adjacent intersection performance at Trussler Road and Bleams Road; · inclusion of the Alder Creek bridge rehabilitation west of the original project limits; · sidewalk installation (new Regional responsibility in 2008) along both sides of Bleams Road through the settlement area; · consideration for expanding the project limits along Bleams Road to the west limit of the settlement area at Alder Creek; and · consideration of storm water quality treatment prior to the storm sewer discharge outlet at Cloverdale Crescent.

There is a Project Team directing this study consisting of Region and Township staff, Regional Councillor Tom Galloway and Township of Wilmot Councillor Elliot Fung. In the summer of 2007, the Project Team reconvened after the aforementioned technical considerations were further developed and the project is now scheduled for 2008 construction.

2.0 Design Considerations

Road Condition

Pavement conditions on this section of road indicate pavement distress in various areas and general deterioration due to age and drainage problems. This section of Bleams Road through Mannheim has partially paved/granular shoulders of sub-standard condition and varying widths. Under this project, it is proposed that the road platform be completely replaced to provide an improved riding surface.

Curb and Gutter

Bleams Road currently has a rural cross-section (ie. with shoulders). With the proposed improvements, the new cross-section would be “urbanized” and include new concrete curb and gutter on both sides of the road. The introduction of curb and gutter is needed to more adequately convey surface drainage, would provide a higher level of comfort for pedestrians and provides an element of traffic calming compared to the more “open” feel of a rural cross-section.

Drainage Issues

Surface drainage along the existing roadway is currently handled by a system of ditch inlet catchbasins, private catchbasin connections, asphalt swales, open ditches and small diameter driveway culverts. This system creates maintenance problems and has safety related issues caused by the open ditches in close proximity to the road. When heavy rains exceed the system’s capacity, the result is ponding or washouts.

A new storm sewer system comprised of strategically located catchbasins and adequately sized pipes is required to accommodate the drainage and resolve the existing problems. Opportunities for water quality treatment and improved water quality at the outlet will be reviewed along with the storm sewer design for Bleams Road.

Watermain Upgrades

Bleams Road currently has two watermains along its corridor. The first is a 600mm diameter Regional transmission watermain which is primarily intended to transport water from the well supplies west and south of the settlement area to the Mannheim Water Treatment Plant on Ottawa Street east of the village. The second existing watermain is a 250mm diameter distribution main which is interconnected with the transmission main and provides most of the water service connections to the

DOCS # 452648 Page 3 of 35 February 19, 2008 Report: E-08-018 adjacent properties. This second main is currently located along the southerly edge of pavement on Bleams Road. Under the proposed improvements, the existing 600mm transmission main is to be extended and isolated from the separate distribution main. The distribution main requires replacement and all services to the adjacent properties will also be replaced to the road right-of-way limit.

Pedestrian Facility Upgrades

Bleams Road has been determined to require sidewalks for pedestrian use on both the north and south sides. This will provide pedestrian connectivity between the adjacent residential and commercial properties along Bleams Road as well as improved safety for pedestrians using this corridor.

Alder Creek Bridge Improvements

Bleams Road currently has a rigid frame bridge structure which crosses Alder Creek at the project’s westerly limit. Annual inspections have revealed a current need for upgrades to the structure which will include the following improvements: deck re-surfacing; drainage improvements, barrier wall replacement and guiderail installations.

Cycling Needs

Bleams Road is designated as a cycling route in the current Regional Cycling Master Plan and the existing road cross section does not adequately accommodate cyclists. The addition of on-street cycling lanes will improve safety for cyclists as well as reduce potential conflicts with motorists. Adding designated cycling lanes on Bleams Road would require the elimination of on-street parking which currently occurs in the shoulder area.

3.0 Alternatives Considered for Improvements

The Project Team considered various cross-section alternatives for Bleams Road through the settlement area of Mannheim. These alternatives included different combinations of: traffic lanes, cycling lanes, sidewalks, paved boulevards, sodded boulevards and utility locations within the corridor. Based on the Project Team’s comprehensive technical evaluation, a Preferred Alternative was developed and presented to the public in October, 2007. The Preferred Alternative included reconstructing the roadway with 3.35m traffic lanes and 1.25m on-road cycling lanes, the elimination of on-street parking and the installation of concrete “barrier” curb, sodded boulevard and new sidewalk on both sides of Bleams Road.

4.0 Public Consultation

4.1 Public Information Centre – October 25, 2007

This second Public Information Centre (PIC) for this project was held at the Mannheim Water Treatment Plant administration building on Thursday, October 25, 2007. Plans showing the proposed improvements were on display and Project Team representatives were present to answer questions and receive feedback.

A copy of the complete Information Package that was provided to the public at the October 2007 PIC is contained in Appendix “B”. 52 members of the public attended the PIC.

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4.2 Public Feedback from the October 2007 PIC

27 written Comment Sheets were received from the public as a result of the October 25, 2007 PIC. Of these 27 comment sheets, 5 (18%) supported the Team’s preferred alternative for Bleams Road while 4 (15%) opposed the preferred alternative. The remaining 18 comment sheets expressed other concerns (discussed below in Section 4.3) or general questions pertaining to the construction activities.

At the same time as the PIC notifications and information packages were hand-delivered in October 2007, a parking survey was also delivered to those residents fronting directly onto this section of Bleams Road as well as to the first few properties on each intersecting sidestreet. The intent was to canvass the directly affected residents on their opinions related to the removal of existing on-street parking. A total of 81 parking surveys were hand-delivered and 21 of the 81 surveys were returned with the following results:

· 29% of respondents supported the removal of on-street parking; and · 71% of respondents were opposed to the removal of street parking

In addition, subsequent to the PIC a petition was received from Bleams Road residents in November of 2007 which indicated opposition to the Project Team’s preferred design concept as proposed at the October PIC. (A copy of the petition is contained in Appendix ‘C’). The petition advocated that an alternative design concept be considered which included semi-mountable curbs in lieu of barrier curbs, paved boulevards for parking instead of grassed boulevards and the elimination of any proposed sidewalk construction. This petition was signed by 31 of 41 or 76% of the fronting property owners who reside within the project limits.

4.3 Project Team Response to Public Feedback

Based on the comments received at and following the PIC, the following main issues and concerns were raised by the public:

a) Concerns with Speeding

Public Comments:

Several respondents from the PIC had concerns with speeding along this section of Bleams Road and asked that the speeding issue be addressed as part of this project.

Project Team Response:

In response to the perceived speeding issue through the village, a speed study was completed by the Region’s Transportation Engineering group in November 2007. The results of the 24 hour survey indicated that speeds through the village were within acceptable operational standards. The 24 hour speed survey results are summarized below:

Total Vehicles Surveyed 3,719 Posted Speed Limit 50 km/hr Average travel Speed 51 km/hr

DOCS # 452648 Page 5 of 35 February 19, 2008 Report: E-08-018 b) Concerns with Loss of Parking and Loss of Paved Boulevard

Public Comments:

The parking survey results combined with the petition results indicated an overwhelming public response in opposition to the removal of on-street parking on this section of Bleams Road. A number of concerns were expressed but the two most prevalent concerns were that resident and visitor parking would be eliminated and that backing in or out of driveways would be dangerous without a paved shoulder to use for maneouvering in or out of single-width driveways.

Project Team Response:

In response to this public response, the Project Team developed an alternative design concept for consideration which includes “mountable” curbs and paved boulevards on both sides of Bleams Road. This concept would permit parking use but only on the south side where sufficient width exists between the proposed new curb and sidewalk. It was determined by Regional staff however that the formal use of these boulevard areas for backing in or out of a driveway cannot be encouraged since Regional By-Law 06-072 prohibits driving or backing up a vehicle on Regional Road boulevards.

The Project Team developed a comprehensive set of evaluation criteria to assess the relative merits of both the original Preferred Alternative and this second alternative.

In order to receive complete community feedback on both design alternatives, a community survey form was developed and provided by mail-out to the entire settlement area of Mannheim. The community survey package included; a letter outlining the intent of the survey, a comparative evaluation chart and typical cross section drawings which depicted both of the alternatives. (Please see Appendix ‘D’ for a copy of the letter, the evaluation chart and the alternative cross-sections.) The comparative evaluation chart provided to the community indicated some key benefits and challenges with each of the two proposed alternatives to assist the community in providing input. The evaluation considered the following key criteria: on-street parking; pedestrian use; cyclists’ use; operational issues; environmental impacts; long-term maintenance; aesthetics and opportunities for landscaping; how both alternatives align with the Region’s Growth Management Strategy; and overall cost impacts of each alternative.

The two alternative design concepts that were presented to the community for input are described as follows: Bleams Road Alternative ‘A’ – Reconstruct with non-mountable curbs and with sodded and treed boulevard areas

This alternative would include reconstructing the roadway with non-mountable (“barrier”) curbs and providing a sodded and treed boulevard. Existing on-street parking would be eliminated. This option was presented by the Project Team as the Preferred Alternative at the Public Information Centre on October 25, 2007.

Bleams Road Alternative ‘B’ – Reconstruct with semi-mountable curbs and paved boulevard areas

This alternative would include reconstructing the roadway with semi-mountable curbs and providing boulevard areas with an asphalt surface in lieu of sod and trees. Parking would be possible along the southside however existing parking on the north side of Bleams Road would still have to be eliminated to allow for the new sidewalk.

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5.0 Community Survey Response

Survey letters were distributed to all the residents of the village of Mannheim. Of the total 340 survey letters distributed, 84 surveys were returned and the results are as follows:

Alternative # of Responses in Support

Alternative ‘A’ - Reconstruct with non-mountable curbs 62 of 84 (74%) and with sodded and treed boulevard areas

Alternative ‘B’ – Reconstruct with semi-mountable 22 of 84 (26%) curbs and paved boulevard areas

Based on the 84 community survey responses received, the respondents are 74% in support of Alternative ‘A’ - “Reconstruct with non-mountable curbs and with sodded and treed boulevard areas”. Of those respondents who live on Bleams Road, 17 responses out of 41 were received. Of these 17 responses, 12 of 17 (71%) are in support of Alternative ‘B’. A complete list of the survey form responses received is contained in Appendix E.

6.0 Recommended Alternative

Based on the public comments received from the comprehensive community survey and the PIC for this project as well as the technical considerations of the Project Team, it is recommended that Alternative ‘A’ – “Reconstruct with non-mountable curbs and with sodded and treed boulevard areas” be approved for the proposed improvements on Bleams Road. Alternative ‘A’ includes: reconstructing the roadway with 3.35m traffic lanes and 1.25m on-road cycling lanes, the elimination of on-street parking and the installation of concrete “barrier” curb, sodded and treed boulevard and new sidewalk on both sides of Bleams Road. In order to implement this Alternative ‘A’, it is further recommended that Regional Council approve the proposed amendment to the existing By-law to restrict parking and enact a new By-law to designate dedicated bicycle lanes through the project limits.

These improvements will correct the identified deficiencies on Bleams Road and will provide enhancements for all road users.

The Project Team has circulated a letter to the community advising of the results of the community survey and of staff’s recommendation to Regional Council to approve Alternative ‘A’ as the preferred design concept for the Bleams Road Improvements. (Please refer to Appendix ‘F’ for a copy of the letter.)

7.0 Project Cost Estimate

The total estimated Region of Waterloo cost for the recommended Bleams Road improvements is $2,465,000. These costs are included in the 2008 Transportation and Water 10 Year Capital Programs. The City of Kitchener is owner/operator of the section of local watermain within these Township of Wilmot project limits and the City’s share of costs to upgrade the local distribution watermain is $101,000.

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8.0 Schedule

Subject to Regional Council approval of the Bleams Road Improvements project on February 27, 2008, the proposed project schedule is as follows:

Tender Period April / May 2008 Start of Construction July 2008 Construction Completion October 2008

CORPORATE STRATEGIC PLAN:

Construction of the proposed Bleams Road improvements is in harmony with Strategic Focus Area 5: “Infrastructure” of the Corporate Strategic Plan and Strategic Objective 5.1 which is to optimize the use of existing infrastructure and ensure it is adequately maintained.

FINANCIAL IMPLICATIONS:

The 2008 Transportation and Water Services Capital Ten Year Programs include $2,465,000 of funding in 2008 to complete the detailed design and construction of the proposed Bleams Road Improvements. The Transportation component will be funded from the Roads Rehabilitation Reserve Fund and the Water Services component will be funded from the Water Distribution Reserve Fund.

OTHER DEPARTMENT CONSULTATIONS/CONCURRENCE:

The Council and Administrative Services Division will be required to prepare the By-laws for the recommended parking restrictions and designated lane use.

ATTACHMENTS

Appendix A - Key Plan identifying Bleams Road project limits Appendix B - Information Package for October 25, 2007 Public Information Centre Appendix C - Residents Petition November 2007 Appendix D - Community Survey Package Appendix E - Residents Response to the Community Survey Package Appendix F - Letter Advising Residents of Planning and Works Committee Meeting for Project Approval

PREPARED BY: Mike Henderson, Project Manager

APPROVED BY: Thomas Schmidt, Commissioner of Transportation and Environmental Services

DOCS # 452648 Page 8 of 35 Report: E-08-018 APPENDIX A Key Plan identifying Bleams Road Project Limits

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APPENDIX B-1

Information Package for October 25 2007 Public Information Centre

REGIONAL MUNICIPALITY OF WATERLOO

BLEAMS ROAD RECONSTRUCTION Knechtel Court to Alder Creek

Settlement Area of Mannheim Wilmot Township

INFORMATION PACKAGE

Public Information Centre Thursday, October 25, 2007 5:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.

Mannheim Water Treatment Plant Ottawa Street Kitchener

There is a Comment Sheet at the back of this package. If you wish, please fill it out and deposit it in the designated box provided at this Information Centre.

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APPENDIX B-2

1. WHAT IS THE PURPOSE OF THIS PUBLIC INFORMATION CENTRE?

In 2008, the Region of Waterloo has scheduled construction of roadway improvements on Bleams Road between Knechtel Court and Alder Creek, a distance of approximately 700 metres through the settlement area of Mannheim. Please refer to Figure 1 for a plan view of the Project Area.

In 2004, a Public Information Centre was held for the Project. The original project did not proceed to construction as there were outstanding unresolved issues related to watermain work requirements, Canada Post community mailbox locations and traffic studies underway in the vicinity of this project. Since 2004 the scope of the project has expanded and the project limits have been extended to include the entire Bleams Road frontage through the settlement area of Mannheim. Because of the lapse of time and change in scope a new Public Information Centre is being held for this project.

Bleams Road is under the jurisdiction of the Regional Municipality of Waterloo. The side streets within the project limits are Cedarbrook Court, Cloverdale Crescent, Mannheim Road and Sparling Drive which all intersect with Bleams Road within the project limits and are under the authority of the Township of Wilmot. The local distribution watermain on this section of Bleams is operated and maintained by the City of Kitchener.

Proposed roadway improvements as part of the current project include correction of existing pavement deficiencies, construction of curb and gutter and sidewalk through the settlement area, storm sewer drainage enhancements, watermain upgrades and provision for cycling facilities. As well, there will be some utility relocation or upgrading incorporated into the project.

This Public Information Centre (PIC) is a forum for you to:

1. Review the proposed design; 2. Ask questions of Regional, City of Kitchener and Township of Wilmot staff; and 3. Provide comments on the design under consideration.

We kindly request that you fill out the Comment Sheet attached to the back of this Information Package and place it in the box at this PIC or send it to the address indicated on the Comment Sheet prior to November 9, 2007. Your comments will be considered by the Project Team, in conjunction with all other relevant information, in confirming the proposed design for these improvements.

2. WHO IS DIRECTING THIS PROJECT?

This road improvement project is being directed by a Project Team consisting of staff from the Region of Waterloo, the Township of Wilmot and the City of Kitchener as well as Township Councillor Elliot Fung and Regional Councillor Tom Galloway.

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APPENDIX B-3

Figure 1

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APPENDIX B-4

3. WHY ARE WE CONSIDERING ROAD IMPROVEMENTS?

There are a number of needs driving this project. The following sections describe these needs:

Deteriorated Road Condition

Pavement conditions on this section of road indicate structural fatigue in various areas and general deterioration due to age and drainage problems. The section of Bleams Road through Mannheim has partially paved/granular shoulders of substandard condition and varying widths.

Drainage Deficiencies

Bleams Road and many of the adjacent private properties are currently drained via a substandard system of catchbasins, culverts and asphalt swales. This drainage system is to be upgraded to current standards. In addition, the location and depths of the asphalt swales are directly adjacent to the travelled lane which is undesirable from a safety perspective.

Cycling Needs

Watermain Needs

Existing watermain conditions on Bleams Road will require replacement of the existing local distribution main as well as extension of the existing transmission main. The goal is to separate the two watermains and have each serve its intended purpose more efficiently.

Pedestrian Needs

Bleams Road has been determined to require pedestrian use sidewalks on both the north and south sides. This will provide pedestrian connectivity between the adjacent residential and commercial properties along Bleams Road.

Bridge Needs

Bleams Road has a rigid frame bridge structure which crosses Alder Creek at the project’s westerly limit. Annual inspections have revealed a need for upgrades to the structure which will include the following improvements: deck re-surfacing and drainage improvements; barrier wall replacement; and guiderail installations.

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APPENDIX B-5

4. WHAT DESIGN IS BEING CONSIDERED?

The preliminary design developed by the Project Team for the improvements of Bleams Road within the project limits includes:

· a complete reconstruction of the deteriorated pavement structure with provision for one (1) through vehicle lane and a 1.25 metre wide bicycle lane in each direction. The cycling lanes would be reserved for bicycles; therefore on-road vehicular parking along the curb would not be permissible with implementation of the cycling lanes. Please refer to Appendix A for typical cross-sections.

· minor lowering of the grade of the road where appropriate to better match existing front yard elevations and to improve surface drainage;

· construction of an urban storm sewer system, including catchbasins and manholes to improve drainage;

· an urban cross section, including curb and gutter and sidewalk on each side between Knechtel Court and Alder Creek;

· Alder Creek bridge rehabilitation including bridge deck resurfacing, barrier wall replacement and guide rail installations;

· Watermain upgrades including extension of the existing transmission main and installation of a new local distribution main with services;

· review and possible upgrades to the existing street lighting system; and

· utility relocations as required (hydro poles, underground telephone and gas).

5. WILL PARKING STILL BE PERMITTED ALONG BLEAMS ROAD?

At present, parking is permitted on both sides of Bleams Road between Knechtel Court and Mannheim Road, except on the inside of the curve, on the north side from 1094 Bleams Road easterly. With the addition of dedicated on-road cycling facilities the preferred design would eliminate all parking along Bleams Road. Parking on both sides (with the proposed wider Bleams Road) is not considered feasible as it would require the purchase of portions of private property, extensive grading and additional utility relocations. The Project Team examined the current situation and noted that there appears to be sufficient available parking within the existing private driveways and proximity to side streets for parking. For these reasons, the Project Team is not recommending the construction of a paved boulevard to accommodate parking on Bleams Road. Please indicate your preference and any comments you may have regarding the proposed parking arrangements on the attached comment sheet.

6. ARE SIDEWALKS BEING CONSTRUCTED ALONG BLEAMS ROAD?

Sidewalks are planned to be installed on both sides of Bleams Road as part of this reconstruction project. As of January 2008 sidewalk installation is the responsibility of the Region of Waterloo on Regional roads which require sidewalk installation for pedestrian traffic.

7. ARE SANITARY SEWERS PART OF THE ROAD RECONSTRUCTION PROJECT?

Sanitary sewers are the responsibility of the Township of Wilmot and the Township has no plans for installing sanitary sewers as part of this project.

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APPENDIX B-6

8. WHY ARE UPGRADES BEING MADE TO THE EXISTING WATER SYSTEM?

There are planned improvements to the watermains and the water services as part of this project. At present there are existing 450 mm and 250 mm diameter watermains located along the south side of Bleams Road from Alder Creek to Knechtel Court. Since these watermains are approximately 50 years old, and will be subjected to construction activity loading they will be replaced with a new local distribution watermain and new services to property line. Wilmot Township owns this municipal water distribution system and the City of Kitchener operates and maintains the system for Wilmot Township.

In addition to the new local distribution watermain the Region of Waterloo has a 600mm diameter transmission watermain which runs along Bleams Road’s north side and currently terminates just east of Mannheim Road. This watermain will be extended in 2008 easterly to Knechtel Court and in the future further east up to the Mannheim water treatment plant and storage facility. This will allow several Regional supply wells to the west and south of Mannheim to have their current undersized connections to the plant upgraded to a consistent 600mm dedicated supply line.

9. CAN MY EXISTING WATER SERVICE BE UPGRADED?

As part of the watermain replacement work, all private water services will be replaced to property line. If Property owners wish to increase the size of the water service to their property beyond the standard 25mm size (e.g. to achieve increased flow) they are encouraged to have this work included under this project. Undertaking these improvements in conjunction with the proposed construction typically results in cost savings to the property owner as compared to undertaking the work independently at another time in the future. Subject to a mutual agreement between the Township of Wilmot/City of Kitchener and the property owner, existing water services may be upgraded from the mains under the road to the property line at the property owner’s expense.

If you wish to discuss an increase in the size of your water service to a size greater than the typical new standard of 25 mm diameter, please indicate so on your comment sheet. From this information, staff will contact you at a later date to discuss your plans and to provide a cost estimate for your desired improvements.

10. ARE TRAFFIC SIGNALS GOING TO BE INSTALLED AT THE TRUSSLER ROAD INTERSECTION?

The intersection of Ottawa Street/Bleams Road and Trussler Road is not part of this project’s construction scope in 2008 but will be included in a contract for Trussler Road in 2010. Traffic control signals are not yet warranted at this intersection, and staff is recommending the installation of an all-way stop in the interim. In anticipation that traffic control signals will be warranted within the next few years, a study to compare traffic control signals versus a roundabout at this intersection will be undertaken before the scheduled 2010 improvements on Trussler Road, from Highway 7/8 to New Dundee Road.

11. WHAT ABOUT THE PROPOSED NEW CANADA POST COMMUNITY MAILBOXES?

At the time of the first Public Information Centre for this project in 2004, Canada Post advised the Region that it planned to convert all mailboxes on this section of Bleams Road to centrally located community mailboxes. This plan was part of a national initiative to convert rural mailboxes. In addition, this project will include an urbanized cross section (see attached Appendix “A”) and the subsequent installation of curb and gutters along both the north and south sides of Bleams Road. As a result, the current roadside access and delivery to the existing Rural Mail Boxes or RMB’s will not be possible. Currently Canada Post delivers home mail service from #1076 to #1124 along Bleams north side, and from #1079 to #1117 on Bleams

DOCS # 452648 Page 16 of 35 Report: E-08-018 Road south side receive mail at the Sparling Drive Community mailboxes.

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APPENDIX B-7

Canada Post will switch over the current RMB delivery for all those on Bleams Road located west of Mannheim Road to Alder Creek prior to road construction commencing in 2008. The final community mailbox location is yet to be finalized with Canada Post. All RMB’s will require removal as part of this project and each mailbox will be provided back to the property owner for re-use on private property or disposal.

12. HOW DOES THIS PROJECT ADDRESS THE REGION’S TRANSPORTATION MASTER PLAN AND THE REGIONAL CYCLING MASTER PLAN?

The Region of Waterloo Transportation Master Plan, approved in 1999, incorporates an auto reduction strategy which emphasizes maximizing use of the existing transportation system; and, assuming a more than doubling in transit, pedestrian and cycling trips, targets a 7% reduction in the percentage of future total trips made by autos by the year 2016. This auto reduction target is considered to be aggressive and will be accomplished through Transportation Demand Management (TDM) strategies focusing on public transit enhancements, cycling and pedestrian facilities and TDM supportive land uses.

As part of this project, the Project Team is incorporating improved cycling facilities and sidewalks toward meeting the auto reduction goal and the cycling objectives of the Region’s Transportation and Cycling Master Plans.

13. WHEN WILL CONSTRUCTION OCCUR AND WILL THERE BE DETOURS?

Construction of the Bleams Road improvements is tentatively planned for the spring/summer of 2008 and is expected to take 2 to 3 months to complete.

It is expected that a complete closure of Bleams Road will be required to facilitate the roadway, watermain and storm sewer construction and therefore detours will be required. There will however be “local access” provided during some of the contractor’s operations; total automobile access to driveways will not be possible for all stages of the project, specifically during the underground service installations. In such cases, permitted parking will be provided on adjacent side streets during these times. The intersections at Mannheim Road, Cloverdale Crescent, Knechtel Court and Sparling Drive will remain open to traffic during construction; however it is anticipated that there will be a requirement for a number of short term closures (for a few days) for specific construction activities.

Drivers will be advised of the work and any traffic restrictions via advance signage, the Region’s web site, and radio and newspaper notices. Local residents will also be advised of details concerning temporary facilities, local access, and other construction-related issues prior to and during construction via hand-delivered notices and on-site signage.

14. WILL VEHICLE AND PEDESTRIAN ACCESS BE MAINTAINED DURING CONSTRUCTION?

As noted in Section 13, it will not be possible to maintain traffic on Bleams Road during construction at all times, and therefore local access to all properties will be accommodated during construction as best as possible during the underground service installations and road building. Special attention will be given to maintaining best possible access to residential and commercial properties and for emergency vehicles during and after construction working hours.

15. HOW WILL PRIVATE PROPERTIES, TREES, DRIVEWAYS AND LAWNS BE AFFECTED?

DOCS # 452648 Page 18 of 35 Report: E-08-018 It is not anticipated that any property acquisitions will be required for this project. It is also expected that no trees will be removed during construction.

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APPENDIX B-8

The level of the new roadway will be slightly lowered in some areas so that the top of curb elevation is slightly lower than the existing shoulder area or front lawn level. This will promote drainage toward the street and is intended to eliminate several areas where water currently can pond in the boulevard or in front yards. Some ditch-inlet/catchbasins may be required behind the curb and gutter to accommodate surface drainage. Driveways will be re-graded from the new curb to as far up the driveway as necessary for a safe, gentle grade.

Any grassed areas (fronting residences and businesses) that are disturbed during construction shall be repaired to equal or better condition with topsoil, sod, or seed and mulch. The anticipated grading limits at each private property are shown on the plan view drawings at this evening’s Information Centre.

16. WHAT ABOUT DUST DURING CONSTRUCTION?

The Region will be monitoring the amount of dust generated by construction activities on a daily basis. When necessary, the Region will ensure that the contractor implements proper dust suppression measures (i.e. the application of water and/or calcium chloride) as noted in the contract documents.

17. WHAT ABOUT WORKING HOURS?

Proposed construction working hours will be from 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m., Monday through Friday, for a period of approximately 2 to 3 months. There may be occasions where the contractor chooses or is required to complete a critical work item (such as water service relocation) after normal hours, a special case which must be agreed to by the Region and identified in the contractor’s schedule. A minimum 48 hours notice will be provided to any affected residents or businesses.

18. WILL THE NEW ROAD RESULT IN INCREASED NOISE DUE TO TRAFFIC?

The Project Team expects improvements to the asphalt pavement compared to the existing irregular and cracked surface this will tend to decrease vehicular noise levels after reconstruction.

19. WILL THE POSTED SPEED LIMIT BE INCREASED?

The Region will retain the posted speed limit of 50 km/hr on this section of Bleams Road following construction.

20. WHAT IS THE ESTIMATED COST OF THIS PROJECT AND HOW WILL IT BE FUNDED?

The estimated preliminary cost of the project is broken down as follows:

Region of Waterloo (Road, bridge, watermain and storm sewer improvements) $ 2,170,000 Township of Wilmot (Storm Sewers) $ 40,000 City of Kitchener (Local Distribution Watermain) $ 100,000

Total Estimated Project Cost $ 2,310,000

There is no direct cost to the residents on Bleams Road, the exception being that water service upgrades if requested, will be funded by the requesting property owner as detailed in Section 9.

DOCS # 452648 Page 20 of 35 Report: E-08-018

DOCS # 452648 Page 21 of 35

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APPENDIX B-9

21. WHAT IS THE NEXT STEP BEFORE FINALIZING THE DESIGN?

Prior to finalizing the design concept for this project, the Project Team is asking for the public’s input. This Public Information Centre is your opportunity to ask questions, provide suggestions, and make comments.

Once your input is received, it will be used by the Project Team, in conjunction with all other relevant information, to finalize the recommended design for this project.

22. WHEN WILL A FINAL DECISION BE MADE FOR THIS PROJECT?

The Project Team intends to review the public comments received from this evening’s Information Centre and use them as input for confirming the Final Design for this project. This Final Recommended Design will be presented to Regional Planning and Works Committee and Council in February or March, 2008 for ultimate approval. In advance of these meetings, the Final Recommended Design will be communicated to all adjacent property owners and tenants (as well as members of the public specifically registering at this Public Information Centre).

23. HOW CAN I VOICE MY COMMENTS AT THIS STAGE?

In order to assist us in addressing any comments or concerns you might have regarding this project, we ask that you please fill out the attached Comment Sheet and leave it in the box provided at the registration table. Alternatively, you can mail, fax or e-mail your comments to the Region of Waterloo not later than November 9th, 2007.

We thank you for your involvement and should you have any questions or concerns, please contact:

Mr. Mike Henderson C.E.T. Project Manager Regional Municipality of Waterloo Phone: 575-4754 150 Frederick Street, 6th Floor Fax: 575-4430 Kitchener, ON N2G 4J3 Email: [email protected]

DOCS # 452648 Page 22 of 35 Report: E-08-018

APPENDIX B-10

APPENDIX A

DOCS # 452648 Page 23 of 35 Report: E-08-018

APPENDIX B-11

COMMENT SHEET REGIONAL MUNICIPALITY OF WATERLOO

BLEAMS ROAD RECONSTRUCTION KNECHTEL COURT TO ALDER CREEK

PUBLIC INFORMATION CENTRE – OCTOBER 25, 2007

Please complete and hand in this sheet so that your views can be considered for this project. If you cannot complete your comments today, please take this home and mail, fax or e-mail your comments by November 9, 2007 to:

Mr. Mike Henderson, C.E.T. 6th Floor, 150 Frederick Street Project Manager, Kitchener, ON N2J 4G3 Design and Construction Division email: [email protected] Regional Municipality of Waterloo Facsimile: 575-4430

Comments or concerns regarding this project:

Would you like have your water service upgraded (partial cost to homeowner) as part of this project? Yes ? No ?

Other Comments:

Name: Address: Postal Code:

COLLECTION NOTICE

Personal information requested on this form is collected under the authority of the Municipal Act and will be used to assist Regional staff and the Regional Planning and Works Committee in making a decision on this project. All names and comments will be included in material made available to the general public. Questions regarding this collection should be forwarded to the staff member indicated above.

DOCS # 452648 Page 24 of 35 Report: E-08-018

APPENDIX C-1

Residents Petition November 2007

DOCS # 452648 Page 25 of 35 Report: E-08-018

APPENDIX C-2

Residents, Owners and Tenants directly affected by this Construction

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APPENDIX C-3

Residents, Owners and Tenants directly affected by this Construction

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APPENDIX D-1

Community Survey Package

DOCS # 452648 Page 24 of 35 Report: E-08-018

APPENDIX D-2

DOCS # 452648 Page 25 of 35 Report: E-08-018

APPENDIX D-3

DOCS # 452648 Page 26 of 35 Report: 08-018

APPENDIX D-4

DOCS # 452648 Page 27 of 35

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APPENDIX D-5

DOCS # 452648 Page 28 of 35

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DOCS # 452648 Page 29 of 35

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APPENDIX D-6

DOCS # 452648 Page 29 of 35 Report: 08-018 APPENDIX E-1

Residents Response to the Community Survey Package

Bleams Road Construction Knechtel Ct. to Alder Creek

Alternative A - Reconstruction with non-mountable curbs and with sodded & treed boulevard areas

Alternative B - Reconstruction with semi-mountable curbs and paved boulevard areas

Name City/Prov Preference Reasons for Stated Preference

Andrea Krc-Sevcik Mannheim, ON A prefer grass & tress, looks safer, less costly Barbara & David Baer Mannheim, ON A Safety for pedestrian & cyclists, snow removal facilitation, improved environmental & beauty, most cost effective Barbara Soper Mannheim, ON A Traffic calming is most important, like the idea of a 3 way stop @ 19 & Bleams, treed Blvd. nice, parking nice too Bev Spere Petersburg, ON A Safety, aesthetics Bruce Frazer Mannheim, ON A no parking, aesthetically pleasing, safer for pedestrians & children C.M. Dumpleton & J.F. Petersburg, ON A Safer for all road users, more appealing Brasier Charlene Ejsymont Mannheim, ON A safety, aesthetics, & costs Chris & Louise Krmpotic Mannheim, ON A safety issues, speed of the traffic, no to parking

Chuck & Cathie Mannheim, ON A don't need paved parking Moorehead D.R. Patel Mannheim, ON A Dave Kron Mannheim, ON A Blvd would be a little wider with grass & trees, added room f or pedestrians. David McDonald Petersburg, ON A Aesthetically & environmentally better, parking causes visibility problems Deborah Burns - Brodribb Mannheim, ON A sidewalks are a necessity, safer, natural look with trees Dennis Cook Mannheim, ON A "A" has more positive than "B" Don & Betty Egerde Petersburg, ON A parked cars are a hazard Doug & Ann Fyfe Mannheim, ON A maintain a park like setting, safer to walk Doug Burnett Petersburg, ON A trees and grass are much more preferable F. Mosher Mannheim, ON A safety G. Nielsch Mannheim, ON A Gerry Wald Petersburg, ON A H. Federau Mannheim, ON A driveways large enough for additional vehicles, hardly any parking today, keep as green as possible

Harry & Grace Braam Petersburg, ON A

DOCS # 452648 Page 30 of 35 Report: E-08-018 APPENDIX E-2

Herb Fairyrad Mannheim, ON A residential look, provisions for left had turn lane for road 19 Jaiqueline & Jeff Good Mannheim, ON A Physically more appealing, less costly, lower maintenance, better environmentally, safer

Jenna Sardella A safer for her children Jerry Huiskemp Petersburg, ON A Tree lined blvd preferable Jim & Marilyn Henboeffer Petersburg, ON A aesthetically pleasing, no parking at all Jim Gerrard Mannheim, ON A safety for children Joe Potworka & Beth Petersburg, ON A less cost, road calming, less maintenance, Bodkin environmental, eliminates parking John Silverthorn Mannheim, ON A Jores L. Cortes Arch Petersburg, ON A No to "B"

Karen Choonoo Petersburg, ON A aesthetically pleasing Kathy & Bob Hunke Mannheim, ON A aesthetically pleasing, more economical L. Hardy Mannheim, ON A less money & improved aesthetics Larrisa Lawrence Petersburg, ON A why not do a hybrid of A & B

Lee Beuglet Petersburg, ON A no parking M. Moniz Mannheim, ON A safety & aethetically pleasing MacKinnen Mannheim, ON A more appealing Mickey Poulin Petersburg, ON A add beauty to village, increase property values, makes village a destination point N. Cluett Petersburg, ON A better for environment, slow traffic, no parking on road Nancy & Jack Vendenhof Petersburg, ON A

Norma Misuiss Mannheim, ON A safety Randy & Valerie Shippert Mannheim, ON A too much asphalt already, cut down speeding, add beauty to the village Ray & Lynn Biscaro Mannheim, ON A cost effective, safety, aesthetically pleasing Ray & Sue Brown Mannheim, ON A Increased safety for cyclists & pedestrians, aesthetically pleasing, cost saving Richard Dobrowney Petersburg, ON A Richard Gersh Mannheim, ON A Rick Lugg Petersburg, ON A improved snow clearing, improved traffic flow Robert Tong Petersburg, ON A Steve & Barb Smith Petersburg, ON A environmentally friendly, visibility not restricted by parked cars Steve & Michelle Fluit Petersburg, ON A need of aesthetic improvement, no parking Steve Roberts Mannheim, ON A Scenery and sidewalks are good Steve V. Mannheim, ON A safety, tree lined blvd's Steve Wigmore Mannheim, ON A don’t' need parked cars on blvd, dangerous for children

DOCS # 452648 Page 31 of 35 Report: E-08-018 APPENDIX E-3

Terry and Valerie Heen Petersburg, ON A Safer for children & adults beautification for village

Tom Germann Mannheim, ON A better for pedestrians, trees better for environment, appeal, vehicles should park in driveways

Tom Maxwell Mannheim, ON A less costly, more aesthetically pleasing, more beneficial Vaughn Norris Petersburg, ON A safety reasons, look better

Werner & Edith Krauss Petersburg, ON A Improve look of the village

Werner Kühlenborg Mannheim, ON A would be a lot nicer

A least cost, more green area's no parking

A more attractive, less burden in winter for snow removal Erich Veygel Petersburg, ON A & B A - in front of residential, B - in front of commercial

Kevin Shanty Mannheim, ON A & B Mannheim is a country village, leave it alone, don't want or need sidewalks Alice Trimmel Mannheim, ON B doesn't want sidewalks

Dorcus Koehler Petersburg, ON B doesn't want sidewalks

Felder Mannheim, ON B

Francis Lockhart B

Gerd Verres Petersburg, ON B parking is more important than bikers or pedestrians Glen Shantz Petersburg, ON B prefer paved blvd, paved sidewalk area, current lay out of road, mailboxes should stay where they are

Hannelore Richteomeier Petersburg, ON B do not need sidewalks

Jim Gray & Wendy Owers Mannheim, ON B parking is a prime concern

John & Brenda Needham Petersburg, ON B don't want to loose parking, disappointed with sidewalks, wish to remain rural Leslie Ryan Mannheim, ON B ability to back into driveway seems more appealing

Mark Jolkowski Mannheim, ON B grass will never be able to be maintained

Mike Winterhalt Mannheim, ON B Parking is needed, grass needs mowing, trees need water

DOCS # 452648 Page 32 of 35 Report: E-08-018 APPENDIX E-4

Mitzie Eekut Mannheim, ON B

Monika Haiser Petersburg, ON B no need for trees ample in area, keeping parking open is good, emergency stopping would be safer, provides more room for snow Paul Soltys Mannheim, ON B should be parking, maintenance concerns

Robert W. D. Black Petersburg, ON B against A

Suzy & John Young Petersburg, ON B no place to park, grass has more upkeep

Uwe R. Benzin Mannheim, ON B wants parking, not fancy blvd’s

John Biffs Petersburg, ON combination of both A & B would be better

J. MacDonald Mannheim, ON B Consulted other residents of Bleams road, felt would be most accommodating to their lifestyles, Cycling would be safer

DOCS # 452648 Page 33 of 35 Report: 08-018

APPENDIX F-1

Letter Advising Residents of Planning and Works Committee Meeting for Project Approval

DOCS # 452648 Page 34 of 35 Report: 08-018

APPENDIX F-2

DOCS # 452648 Page 35 of 35 Bleams Road Improvements The Project Area

View east to west

View west to east

Docs# 357531 Docs# 357531

Key Project Scope Issues Public Consultation

z address the pavement deterioration z First Public Information Centre (January 20th, 2005) z provide pedestrian and cycling facilities z address the existing sub-standard storm system z Second Public Information Centre (October 25, 2007) z extend the Region watermain and replace the distribution watermain z Petition from Bleams Road Residents (November, z rehabilitate the Alder Creek bridge structure 2007)

z Mailed Community Survey (January 8th, 2008) re: two proposed design alternatives

Docs# 357531 Docs# 357531

Main Issues Raised by Public and Main Issues Raised by Public and Project Team Response Project Team Response

• Issue#1- Concerns with Speeding Issue# 2- Concerns with Proposed Sidewalk • Project Team Response

• Speed Survey November of 2007 z PIC Comment Sheets z Bleams Road Resident Petition • Total vehicles surveyed 3,719 • Posted Speed Limit 50 km/hr Project Team Response • Average Travel Speed 51 km/hr z safe pedestrian facility summer and winter months z distinct pedestrian facility z connectivity with abutting neighborhoods

Docs# 357531 Docs# 357531 Main Issues Raised by Public and Main Issues Raised by Public and Project Team Response Project Team Response

Issue# 3- Concerns with Loss of Parking Issue# 4- Concerns with Backing In and Out of Driveways • 3 PIC Comment Sheets z 2 PIC Comment Sheets • Parking Survey – 71% wanted to maintain parking z Petition signed by 31 of 41 Bleams Road residents -76% • Petition signed by 31 of 41 Bleams Road residents -76% wanted to maintain paved boulevards wanted to maintain parking Project Team Response Project Team Response • cycling facility safer with parking removal z Region By-law prohibits reversing in boulevards z Second alternative developed to solicit community feedback • sightlines improved with removed parking • adequate existing private parking is available

Docs# 357531 Docs# 357531

Alternative Under Consideration Alternative Under Consideration

Docs# 357531 Docs# 357531

Evaluation Criteria for Assessing Community Survey Results Both Alternatives

• How is road side parking affected? z distributed to all the residents of the village of Mannheim • Which alternative best facilitates pedestrians? z 340 survey letters distributed, 84 surveys were returned • Which alternative best facilitates cyclists? Alternative # of Responses in Support • How will operational issues be affected? Alternative ‘A’ - Reconstruct with 62 of 84 (74%) non-mountable curbs and with • What are the long term maintenance concerns? sodded and treed boulevard areas Alternative ‘B’ – Reconstruct with 22 of 84 (26%) • Which alternative is most aesthetically pleasing and semi-mountable curbs and paved meets objectives of the Region’s Growth boulevard areas management Strategy? Bleams Road residents 12 of 17 (71%) support • Cost Comparison between the alternatives Alternative ‘B’

Docs# 357531 Docs# 357531 Proposed Traffic Project Team Recommendation Detouring Plan

•Detours during z Based on overall community response Construction of 3.5 months z Based on technical evaluation •Full closure necessary Project Team Recommends Alternative ‘A’ •Detour Northbound- Queen-Snyder’s-Trussler

•Detour Southbound z Reconstruct with non-mountable curbs and with Queen-Huron-Trussler sodded and treed boulevard areas

Docs# 357531 Docs# 357531

Proposed Schedule and Project Cost

• Council Approval February 27, 2008 • Tender period April/May 2008 • Start of Construction July, 2008 • Construction Completion October, 2008

Total Estimated Project Cost $2.5 Million (Region Transportation and Water Capital Programs)

Docs# 357531 Report: CR-RS-08-010

REGION OF WATERLOO

CORPORATE RESOURCES DEPARTMENT LEGAL SERVICES

TO: Chair Jim Wideman and Members of the Planning and Works Committee

DATE: February 19, 2008 FILE CODE:

SUBJECT: CLOSING AND SURPLUS DECLARATION OF PART OF HOMER WATSON BOULEVARD (REGIONAL ROAD 28), CITY OF KITCHENER

RECOMMENDATION:

That the Regional Municipality of Waterloo close and declare part of Homer Watson Boulevard (Regional Road 28) described as Parts 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 and 10, on Reference Plan 58R-16072, in the City of Kitchener surplus to the needs of the Region, as detailed in Report No. CR-RS-08-010 dated February 19, 2008, pursuant to the Region’s property disposition by-law, to the satisfaction of the Regional Solicitor.

SUMMARY: NIL

REPORT:

The total area of the subject land is 12,007.32 square feet (0.28 acres) and are designated Arterial Commercial Corridor in the City’s Official Plan. Transportation and Environment Services staff have advised that the subject lands are not required for road purposes and will not be required in the future. When the road has been closed and the requirements of the Region’s property disposition by-law have been met the subject lands will be available for disposition to the abutting land owner, being the Corporation of the City of Kitchener. The subject lands are shown attached as Appendix ‘A’.

The subject lands do not have ‘stand alone’ development potential due to insufficient lot area, narrow configuration, planning and land use designations. As well, the subject parcel is legally landlocked having no access to Homer Watson Boulevard and, as per Transportation Planning Staff, there is little or no possibility of being granted access in the foreseeable future.

CORPORATE STRATEGIC PLAN:

The recommendation does not directly fall under one or more of the objectives of the five focus areas; however, it does support the Region's Vision, Mission and Values in that it provides good citizen service.

FINANCIAL IMPLICATIONS:

The party requesting a conveyance of the subject lands will be responsible for all associated costs of the road closing and conveyance.

Page 1 of 3 February 19, 2008 Report: CR-RS-08-010

OTHER DEPARTMENT CONSULTATIONS/CONCURRENCE:

The Transportation and Environmental Services Department have been consulted in the preparation of this report.

ATTACHMENTS

Appendix “A” – location map of lands.

PREPARED BY: Joan Moore, Property Agent

APPROVED BY: Gary Sosnoski, Commissioner of Corporate Resources

453502v6 Page 2 of 3 February 19, 2008 Report: CR-RS-08-010

Appendix ‘A’

453502v6 Page 3 of 3 Report: E-08-012 4 REGION OF WATERLOO

TRANSPORTATION AND ENVIRONMENTAL SERVICE Transportation

TO: Jim Wideman and Members of the Planning and Works Committee

DATE: February 19, 2008 FILE CODE: C04-30, T02-30/1 WATERLOO

SUBJECT: SPEED LIMIT ON WATERLOO STREET, TOWNSHIP OF WILMOT

RECOMMENDATION:

SUMMARY:

Nil

REPORT:

In response to complaints from the public regarding inconsistent speed limits, Regional staff reviewed the speed limits on Waterloo Street / Snyder's Road in the Township of Wilmot between New Hamburg and Baden. As illustrated in Figure 1, the existing speed limits are:

· 50 km/h from Huron Street to 700 m east of Hostetler Road · 70 km/h from 700 m east of Hostetler Road to 100 m west of Christner Road (125 m stretch) · 50 km/h from 100 m west of Christner Road to Nafziger Road · 70 km/h from Nafziger Road to the Baden Limits (50 m west of Brenneman Drive)

The section of road in question includes the two speed zones from 700 m east of Hostetler Road to Nafziger Road where the speed limit increases to 70 km/h for a short distance and then drops back to 50 km/h. Speed surveys indicate that the average travel speed in both of these sections is 61 to 63 km/hr. Accordingly, staff recommend that speed limit be amended to reflect a posted speed of 60 km/h on Waterloo Street from 700 m east of Hostetler Road to Nafziger Road, as illustrated in Figure 1.

Research has shown that most drivers travel at a speed they consider to be comfortable, regardless of posted speed limits. It is Regional practice to set speed limits at or about the average speed because this is most likely to produce a uniformly moving traffic stream. Traffic moving at a uniform speed results in increased safety and fewer collisions. With uniform speed, drivers are less impatient, pass less often, and are less likely to tailgate, which reduces both head-on and rear-end collisions. The posting of an appropriate speed limit also simplifies the work of enforcement officers because most of the traffic is moving at or near the posted speed. With an appropriate speed limit, blatant speeders are easily spotted, safe drivers are not penalized, and police officers are not asked to enforce and defend unrealistic and arbitrary speed limits.

Page 1 of 3 February 19, 2008 Report: E-08-012

Page 2 of 3 February 19, 2008 Report: E-08-012

Figure 1 - Existing and Proposed Speed Limits on Waterloo Street

Staff placed signs on Waterloo Street in December 2007 indicating that a speed limit change was proposed and requesting comments from the public. The signs generated responses via website and telephone from 13 people, of whom 11 were in favor and 2 were opposed to the proposed change. The people in favor of the proposed change agreed that the change would result in a more consistent and logical transition of speed limits. The 2 people opposed to the change did not want to see an increase in the speed limit, particularly through the S-bends on Waterloo Street approximately 200 m east of Christner Road near Luxemburg, because they believe that the S-bends are already difficult to negotiate with the existing 50 km/h speed limit, and that an increase in the speed limit would result in more collisions through this particular stretch on Waterloo Street.

Staff do not expect any significant change in travel speeds as result of the change in the posted speed limit. The section of road through the S-bends was upgraded back in the mid 1990s. The shoulders were resurfaced, the signing was upgraded to include sharp reverse curve signs (on checkerboard signs), along with chevrons and snow-ploughable reflective markers. Staff have confirmed that the existing warning signs with the proposed speed limit are consistent with current signing practices used throughout the Region. It is important that warning signs accurately convey the severity of specific hazards otherwise traffic engineering practitioners risk losing credibility amongst the motoring public and cause drivers to become complacent.

The Township of Wilmot Council supports the proposed speed limit change as per Township Council

Page 3 of 3 February 19, 2008 Report: E-08-012

Resolution 2007-290, dated October 29, 2007. CORPORATE STRATEGIC PLAN:

This report addresses the Region’s goal to optimize the use of existing infrastructure (Strategic Objective 5.1).

FINANCIAL IMPLICATIONS:

The cost to modify signing is approximately $1000 and is provided for in the sign maintenance budget.

OTHER DEPARTMENT CONSULTATIONS/CONCURRENCE:

NIL

ATTACHMENTS:

NIL

PREPARED BY: Satinderjit Bahia, Engineering Technologist (Traffic)

APPROVED BY: Thomas Schmidt, Commissioner of Transportation and Environmental Services

Page 4 of 3 February 19, 2008 Report: E-08-012

Document Name: E-08-012 Document Number: 451510

Page 5 of 3 Report: E-08-022 REGION OF WATERLOO

TRANSPORTATION AND ENVIRONMENTAL SERVICES Transportation

TO: Chair Jim Wideman and Members of the Planning and Works Committee

DATE: February 19, 2008 FILE CODE: T18-01

SUBJECT: AIRPORT CAPITAL ASSISTANCE PROGRAM AGREEMENT

RECOMMENDATION:

SUMMARY:

NIL

REPORT:

The Region of Waterloo International Airport (RWIA) applied in September 2007 for financing assistance under the Airports Capital Assistance Program (ACAP) for several airport capital projects and one equipment purchase that are identified in the 2008 Airport Capital Program.

ACAP funding can be applied for by airports that are not owned or operated by the Federal Government and meet certain requirements of the Canadian Aviation Regulations. In addition the airport must have had regularly scheduled passenger service of more than 1000 passengers for the most recent three calendar year period. The RWIA airport became eligible to apply in the fall of 2007 for the ACAP.

Transport Canada administers the ACAP and have recently advised staff that if the RWIA does receive funding under this program that the RWIA must enter into a contribution agreement with Transport Canada and that this agreement must be executed prior to the tendering of any eligible projects.

The announcement of ACAP funding is usually done in March or early April by Transport Canada and since the projects the Region has applied for are currently scheduled for tender in March 2008 it would be necessary that the contribution agreement be executed immediately after any announcement of funding. Staff is recommending that Council authorize the Commissioner of Transportation and Environmental Services to enter into any agreements with Transport Canada under the ACAP. Staff have reviewed a copy of the standard ACAP contribution agreement used by Transport Canada and it is similar to other Federal agreements the Region has entered into. Regional Council will still be required to approve any projects receiving ACAP funding when they are submitted for tender award to Council.

Page 1 of 3 February 19, 2008 Report: E-08-022

CORPORATE STRATEGIC PLAN:

The capital projects applied for under the ACAP support the strategic objective of optimizing the use of existing infrastructure and ensure it is adequately maintained.

FINANCIAL IMPLICATIONS:

The 2008 Airport Capital Program includes three projects totaling $4.6 million in ACAP funding. If the ACAP funding is not received an alternative source of funding will be required. This financing change will need to be approved prior to modifying the Airport’s 10 Year Capital Forecast.

OTHER DEPARTMENT CONSULTATIONS/CONCURRENCE:

Finance staff have been consulted in the preparation of this report.

ATTACHMENTS:

NIL

PREPARED BY: John Hammer, Director, Transportation

APPROVED BY: Thomas Schmidt, Commissioner of Transportation and Environmental Services

Page 2 of 3 February 19, 2008 Report: E-08-022

Document Name: E-08-022 Document Number: 456684

Page 3 of 3 Report: CR-RS-08-011

REGION OF WATERLOO

CORPORATE RESOURCES DEPARTMENT Legal Services

TO: Chair Jim Wideman and Members of the Planning and Works Committee

DATE: February 19, 2008 FILE CODE:

SUBJECT: SURPLUS DECLARATION OF LAND ADJACENT TO GLASGOW STREET, CITY OF KITCHENER

RECOMMENDATION:

SUMMARY: Nil

REPORT:

The subject lands total 14,711.52 square feet (0.34 acres). The Region obtained ownership of the lands in 1992 as part of larger parcels of land for the future expansion of the landfill site. Waste Management staff of Transportation and Environmental Services advise that the subject lands are no longer required by the Region.

The subject lands are being declared surplus in anticipation of a land exchange with the City of Kitchener to reconfigure Glasgow Street to permit improvements to an entrance at the south end of the Regional landfill site. The reconfiguration was requested by the Region and is required under a current City of Kitchener site plan approval for a maintenance building. Weigh scales at this secondary entrance to the landfill (as designated in the Individual Environmental Assessment for the site) will ultimately allow trucks to enter the south expansion area via Ira Needles and Glasgow Street. Construction of the weigh scales in the future will be subject to site plan approval from the City of Kitchener. An Agreement to exchange lands is being finalized and is expected to be brought forward to Council shortly. It is anticipated the lands being declared surplus will be exchanged in return for excess lands to be conveyed to the Region by the City subsequent to the reconfiguring of Glasgow Street.

The Region’s property disposition by-law requires advertising of any proposed conveyance of Regional land in a local newspaper.

The subject lands are shown, enlarged and not to scale, on Appendix ‘A’ attached.

CORPORATE STRATEGIC PLAN:

Page 1 of 4 February 19, 2008 Report: CR-RS-08-011

The proposed exchange of lands will help facilitate the development of infrastructure to accommodate planned growth consistent with Focus Area Five – Infrastructure under the Corporate Strategic Plan.

FINANCIAL IMPLICATIONS:

Water Management Division advise there is sufficient funds budgeted for the cost of surplus advertising.

OTHER DEPARTMENT CONSULTATIONS/CONCURRENCE:

Transportation and Environmental Services staff have been consulted in the preparation of this report.

ATTACHMENTS:

Appendix “A” – location map of land

PREPARED BY: Joan Moore, Property Agent

APPROVED BY: Gary Sosnoski, Commissioner of Corporate Resources

456622-v-2 Page 2 of 4 February 19, 2008 Report: CR-RS-08-011

Appendix “A” Page 1 of 2

456622-v-2 Page 3 of 4 February 19, 2008 Report: CR-RS-08-011

Appendix “A” Page 2 of 2

456622-v-2 Page 4 of 4 February 19, 2008 Report: CR-RS-08-011

456622-v-2 Page 5 of 4 Report: E-08-021 REGION OF WATERLOO

TRANSPORTATION AND ENVIRONMENTAL SERVICES Waste Management

TO: Chair Jim Wideman and Members of the Planning and Works Committee

DATE: February 19, 2008 FILE CODE: E20-01

SUBJECT: STRATEGY TO REDUCE PACKAGING AND PLASTIC BAG USE

RECOMMENDATION:

THAT the Regional Municipality of Waterloo directs staff to:

SUMMARY:

This report presents an overview of an interim local strategy to reduce the use of film plastic bags and other packaging and plastic use in the Region of Waterloo. The strategy has four main components as outlined in the recommendation section. Proposed actions will concurrently address local education needs, and the coordination of a strong municipal voice through professional and municipal organizations to advocate for provincial/federal legislation to reduce packaging. As progress is made, staff will periodically report back to Council with updates and further recommendations if required.

REPORT:

Background

In the “3Rs” hierarchy of Reduce, Reuse and Recycle, recycling is the aspect over which Waste Management staff have the greatest influence, although it is the last resort in the “3Rs” hierarchy. It is recognized that while great success has been achieved through our recycling programs, additional opportunities exist to divert even more material from landfill by encouraging reduction and reuse. Energy and resource conservation is best achieved through reduction.

Discussion on the topic of reduction in Waterloo Region invariably leads to discussions on the use of film plastics bags and other single use plastic packaging. As directed by Regional Council, staff has prepared this report which presents a strategy to encourage the reduction of packaging and film plastic bag use in Waterloo Region. Strategy details are provided in the following sections.

Page 1 of 3 February 19, 2008 Report: E-08-021

Proposed Packaging and Plastic Bag Reduction Strategy:

Canadian Council of Ministers of Environment (CCME) In September 2006, the CCME agreed that packaging is a priority environmental issue for Canada. In early 2007, CCME’s Extended Producer Responsibility Task Group was instructed to focus on packaging as its first priority. The Task Group is developing a Canada-wide Strategy on Sustainable Packaging, and has developed some draft guidelines as the first step in this process.

CCME convened a Stakeholder Consultation Group to review the draft guidelines. The Stakeholder Group includes representatives from industry (9 positions), NGOs (3 positions), and municipalities (three positions). Staff from the Region of Waterloo was selected as one of the three municipal reviewers, with City of Toronto and City of Vancouver staff also invited to provide input. This process is still in the review and consultation process but the progress to date is encouraging. Regional Council will be updated once more specifics on this plan are available.

Public Awareness and Education Efforts The second part of the film plastic bag and packaging reduction strategy includes increasing the awareness of Waterloo Region residents on the impacts of their packaging and plastic purchasing decisions, and educating them on options to reduce the environmental impacts of those decisions. The Waste Management Division has a very successful resident promotion and education program. The promotion of reduction and reuse in addition to recycling as strategies for waste diversion have always been part of these programs, but we propose to put renewed emphasis on reduction, targeting single-use containers and plastic film bags, to increase awareness surrounding these materials:

· Articles in Environews addressing options to reduce the use of film plastic bags and other single-use packaging products in the home; · Presenting “3Rs” information to schools and community groups, with renewed emphasis on the importance of packaging and film plastic bag reduction; · An information page for residents on our website including tips for reducing packaging and film plastic bag use, and why it is important; · A new display in our Children’s Education Centre to emphasize the importance of reducing our packaging and film plastic bag use; · Development of packaging and film plastic bag reduction literature to have on hand at special events; · Ensuring that discussion of packaging and film plastic bag use is a key component of tours of waste management facilities.

Residential Waste Audit Past residential waste audits have given the Waste Management Division some idea of what is in the residential waste stream. The most recent local audit was completed in 2005. While the previous audit did determine the amount of plastic in the waste stream, less effort was taken to identify whether the plastic material was packaging waste. It is proposed to undertake another residential waste audit in 2008, with particular emphasis on film plastic bag and packaging waste, to be used as a tool against which we can measure the effectiveness of our increased education and awareness programs. Waste audit data will also be useful in determining whether a Waterloo Region ban on specific types of packaging, such as single-use containers or plastic film bags.

Advocate for Improved Packaging Legislation One of the greatest public concerns heard by Waste Management staff with regard to packaging is

443389v2 Page 2 of 3 February 19, 2008 Report: E-08-021 that residents can only do so much with their purchasing decisions, when corporations make packaging decisions. Through the Packaging Association of Canada (PAC), the packaging industry has a very strong, influential voice with all levels of government. Municipalities need to present an equally strong voice to those same levels of government, and this is the fourth part of the strategy. In addition to working with the CCME, the Waste Management division proposes to use its membership in organizations such as the Association of Municipalities of Ontario (AMO), the Municipal Waste Integration Network (MWIN), and the Association of Municipal Recycling Coordinators (AMRC) to lobby the provincial and federal governments for:

· Improved packaging legislation, with emphasis on: o mandatory participation, rather than voluntary guidelines; o goals for continuous packaging reduction; o reduced plastic use in packaging (all kinds of plastic, not just petroleum-based); and o encouraging cradle-to-cradle sustainable material flows, rather than cradle-to-grave disposal strategies. · Improved enforcement of packaging legislation, including: o ongoing verification that packaging audits are being performed; and o ensuring that packaging reduction workplans are being continually updated and followed.

CORPORATE STRATEGIC PLAN:

This strategy was developed to help achieve the Corporate Strategic Objective 1.4 of “ Reducing the amount of waste requiring landfill”. Reducing plastic bag and packaging use through advocacy and education is a specific action item to meet this Objective.

FINANCIAL IMPLICATIONS:

The actions identified within this strategy will be implemented with existing staff resources.

OTHER DEPARTMENT CONSULTATIONS/CONCURRENCE:

NIL

ATTACHMENTS

NIL

PREPARED BY: Cari Howard, Project Manager, Waste Management

APPROVED BY: Thomas Schmidt, Commissioner, Transportation and Environmental Services

443389v2 Page 3 of 3 Report: E-08-007 REGION OF WATERLOO

TRANSPORTATION AND ENVIRONMENTAL SERVICES Water Services

TO: Chair Jim Wideman and Members of the Planning and Works Committee

DATE: February 19, 2008 FILE CODE: E04-80/MOE-01;C04-30

SUBJECT: WATER QUALITY MANAGEMENT SYSTEM

RECOMMENDATION:

That the Regional Municipality of Waterloo take the following actions, in accordance with Report E-08-007 dated February 19, 2008:

SUMMARY:

Following the Walkerton Inquiry recommendations, the Ministry of the Environment (MOE) is implementing a new Municipal Water Licensing Program, O.Reg. 188/07. For the Region of Waterloo, the prescribed date for the licensing program to be implemented is January 2009. This licensing program creates a new framework for management of water utilities based on the principles of an ISO- type system, promoting a “Plan, Do, Check, Improve” approach. It encompasses all areas of water utility management including operations, finances, engineering and water taking. The main differences between an ISO-type system and the new licensing program is that this new framework is prescribed through provincial regulation.

With multiple water supplies, the Region Water Services will require 18 licences which includes development of an operational plan for each licence and an associated annual audit. The operational plan, which is the key element of the licensing program, must meet and include all the components of the provincial Drinking Water Quality Management Standards. To attain the licence from the MOE, Regional Council must endorse the operational plan and the representatives for the Top Management and Quality Management System.

Over the next months, Water Services will be implementing this program to meet the January 1, 2009 timeline. A working group with established schedule has been developed to support this commitment.

REPORT:

Background

The Ministry of the Environment (MOE) has introduced a Municipal Drinking Water Licensing Program

Page 1 of 7 February 19, 2008 Report: E-08-007

under O.Reg 188/07 with new responsibilities for owners of municipal/residential drinking water systems and which establishes a new framework to obtain a municipal drinking water licence. The objective of this new regulation is to meet the Walkerton Inquiry recommendation for the implementation of a Quality Management System for Municipal Drinking Water. This regulation impacts all owners and operators responsible or involved in the delivery of safe drinking water from a municipal/residential drinking water system. As both owner and operator of Water Supply Systems, the Region of Waterloo must comply with this regulation and has a prescribed date of January 1, 2009 to apply for a licence. The key components of this Municipal Drinking Water Licensing Program are as follows:

1. Operational Plan which meets the provincial Drinking Water Quality Management Standard (approved by MOE Director), 2. Accreditation of operating authority (by Accreditation authority), 3. Financial plans for the water system (approved by Municipal Council), 4. Drinking Water Works Permit for each water supply system (issued by MOE), 5. Permits to Take Water for all water taking (issued by MOE), 6. Issuance of licence by MOE Director.

Drinking Water Quality Management

The operational plan defines key objectives through the Quality Management System Policy and establishes the programs and controls within an organization to achieve these objectives. To assist in the development of this operational plan, the MOE has prescribed a Drinking Water Quality Management Standard (DWQMS) with the framework of 21 key elements (Attachment 2). The MOE believes that the DWQMS will promote a proactive approach, establish defined management procedures, ensure these procedures are implemented, and encourage continuous improvement.

The operational plan is key to obtaining a municipal drinking water licence. With multiple water supply systems in the Region, it is anticipated that 18 operational plans will be prepared and accredited. Some of the key features in the operational plan are:

· A policy statement that will commit the owner and operator of the drinking water systems to provide safe drinking water and to comply with the applicable legislation (Attachment 1) · A process for risk assessment to be reviewed at least once every 36 months · A description of the organizational structure, roles, responsibilities and authorities, competencies and personnel coverage · A procedure for annual review of the adequacy of the infrastructure needed to operate and maintain the drinking water system and a commitment for the operational authority to communicate the findings to the owner · An outline of the responsibilities of the owner and operating authority to the drinking water system during emergency situations, with a recommendation that the Commissioner, Transportation and Environmental Services and Director, Water Services be Top Management, and Manager of Operations and Maintenance (Water) to be QMS Representative · A commitment to continual improvement · A procedure for conducting a management review at least once every 12 months.

The remaining elements of the Operational Plan include financial and licence requirements. Our current budget process meets the intent of the financial requirements prescribed under O.Reg 453/07. The licensing requirements for infrastructure and water taking are to be updated.

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Based on a preliminary workshop, the MOE has not yet defined the licence update and accreditation body.

Implementation of Licensing Program

The implementation of the licensing program follows several basic steps:

· Operating Authority prepares Drinking Water Quality Management System (DWQMS) which forms the framework of the operational plan · Operating Authority submits operational plan to Accreditation Body and to owner for accreditation and endorsement, respectively · Owner submits application for licence to MOE with endorsed financial plan, licences and operational plan · Accreditation Body submits accredited operational plan to MOE · MOE – Director reviews documents and issues licence

O. Reg 188/07, prescribes that January 1, 2009 is the Region’s application date for a licence. The MOE has allowed a phasing option for full or partial accreditation of the operational plan over a two year period. At this time, Water Services is proceeding with implementation based on the phased approach.

Current MOE Inspection Program

This Licensing Program is to be operated separately from the MOE’s current drinking water inspection program. Under this current inspection regime, the MOE’s inspectors review each water supply site and prepare inspection reports which identify Non-Compliance issues and Best Management Practices. For our water supply system, there are twenty-five water supply sites and distribution systems inspected on an annual basis. Under the Safe Drinking Water Act, the MOE has granted authority to the MOE Inspector to make reasonable inquiries and require that any thing be operated. To accommodate this requirement, we have arranged for Regional representatives (certified water operators) to accompany the MOE inspector on each inspection and ensure appropriate response to all MOE Inspector requests. On completion of the inspection, the MOE are prescribed to issue within 45 days a final inspection report to the operating authority and owner. The highlights of the MOE inspections are summarized in the Region’s Annual Summary Report which is presented to Council by March 31 of each year. The MOE’s Chief Drinking Water Inspector also ranks the inspection results annually and issues an Annual Inspection Report.

Next Steps

The Region’s Water Services is developing the prescribed operational plans with a working group consisting of management, technical specialist, operations and maintenance staff. Introductory training of this program with our Water Services operations staff was performed in October 2007. We are currently targeting to meet the phased implementation schedule (Attachment 2).

Once the licence is received there will be an annual audit requirement, with the first and second year audits being surveillance and the third year being a re-accreditation audit. In addition, the results of

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the annual audit will be made available to the public through the accreditation body which will include details of the owner and operating authority and results of the audit.

As initial steps in the implementation of this program, Regional Council is required to endorse the Policy Statement (Attachment 1) and Commitment and Endorsement Procedure (Attachment 3). The regulation requires that Top Management is appointed, based on the definition “a person, persons or a group of people at the highest management level within an operating authority that makes decisions respecting the QMS and recommend to the owner respecting the subject system(s). Also, a QMS Coordinator is to be appointed. The duties of the QMS Coordinator are defined as: “administers the QMS, reports to Top Management on performance and improvement, ensures current documents, ensures coverage when personnel are away, and promotes awareness. Accordingly, staff suggests that the Top Management for the Region be the Commissioner of Transportation and Environmental Services and the Director, Water Services, and the QMS Coordinator be the Manager, Operations and Maintenance (Water). This approach has been adopted for similar-sized water utilities.

CORPORATE STRATEGIC PLAN:

Supports Focus Area 6 Service Excellence: to ensure all Regional programs and services are responsive, efficient, effective and accountable to the public.

FINANCIAL IMPLICATIONS:

The Water Quality Management Program is supported by Water Services staff through the use of Council approved funds.

OTHER DEPARTMENT CONSULTATIONS/CONCURRENCE:

NIL

ATTACHMENTS

A. Policy Statement B. Implementation Schedule C. Commitment and Endorsement Procedure

REPARED BY: Nancy Kodousek, Director, Water Services

APPROVED BY: Thomas Schmidt, Commissioner, Transportation and Environmental Services

DOCS #430450 Page 4 of 7 February 19, 2008 Report: E-08-007 ATTACHMENT 1

Quality Management System Policy

Water Services is mandated to provide safe drinking water to all end users within the Region of Waterloo. This Quality Management System Policy will govern the operations and programs undertaken at all drinking water supply systems and distribution systems that are owned and/or operated by the Region of Waterloo.

Water Services is committed to:

S Manage our activities so as to meet both the letter and intent of legislation and other requirements to which we subscribe; S To continually improve our drinking water quality performance through the establishment and maintenance of a Quality Management System and set measurable objectives and targets to monitor and reduce impacts on drinking water quality; S Conduct regular audits to confirm that practices comply with established policy, procedures, objectives and targets, relevant legislation and principles of sound drinking water quality management; S Communicate openly and in a timely manner with our employees, the community, business, and other stakeholders on our policies and programs for drinking water quality management; and to make these commitments readily available to interested parties; S Regularly review this policy, and revise when appropriate, to ensure that it continues to meet the needs and expectations of this organization, our employees, and the community and businesses we serve.

Approved Date

By: Approved:

Commissioner, Transportation and Environmental Services Approved Date

By: Approved:

Director, Water Services Revised Date

By: Revised:

DOCS #430450 Page 5 of 7 February 19, 2008 Report: E-08-007 ATTACHMENT 1

DOCS #430450 Page 6 of 7 February 19, 2008 Report: E-08-007 ATTACHMENT 2

REGION OF WATERLOO IMPLEMENTATION SCHEDULE

QMS Element Timeline QMS Element Timeline

1 Quality Management System (Overview) Q4 2007 12 Communications Q1 2008

2 Quality Management System Policy Q4 2007 13 Essential Supplies and services Q2 2008

3 Commitment & Endorsement Q4 2007 14 Review & Provision of Infrastructure Q2 2008

4 QMS Representative Q4 2007 15 Infrastructure Maintenance, Rehabilitation & Renewal Q2 2008

5 Document & Records Control Q4 2007 16 Sampling, Testing & Monitoring Q2 2008

6 Drinking Water System Q4 2007 17 Measurement & Recording Equipment Calibration & Q2 2008 Maintenance

7 Risk Assessment Q4 2007 18 Emergency Management Q2 2008

8 Risk Assessment Outcomes Q1 2008 19 Internal Audits Q3 2008

9 Structure, Roles & Responsibilities Q1 2008 20 Management Review Q3 & Q4 2008

10 Competencies Q1 2008 21 Continual Improvement Annual review 11 Personnel Coverage Q1 2008

DOCS #430450 Page 7 of 7 February 19, 2008 Report: E-08-007 ATTACHMENT 3

REGIONAL OPERATIONAL PLAN

3.0 COMMITMENT AND ENDORSEMENT

3.1 PURPOSE To show ROW’s commitment of staff, finance and material resources needed to implement, maintain and continually improve the effectiveness of the QMS.

3.2 SCOPE Top Management is informed of the requirements of the DWQMS in implementing and maintaining the QMS and fulfilling those requirements for which it is responsible.

3.3 RESPONSIBILITY Top Management QMS Representative QMS Team

3.4 COMMITMENT AND ENDORSEMENT A Letter of Endorsement is provided by Top Management to show ROW’s commitment to an effective QMS by: a) ensuring the QMS is in place and meets the requirements of the DWQMS, b) ensuring the Water Operations and Maintenance Group is aware of all applicable legislative and regulatory requirements, c) communicating the QMS according to the procedure for communications in Element 12, and d) determining, obtaining and providing resources needed to maintain and continually improve the QMS. The Letter of Endorsement can be found in: APPENDIX B: LETTER OF ENDORSEMENT The Operational Plans, complete with QMS Policy, referenced procedures, work instructions, forms, templates and records, is reviewed and endorsed by Top Management.

3.5 RELATED DOCUMENTS Related Documents Document Location, Source or URL

Letter of Endorsement § Appendix B

DOCS #430450 Page 8 of 7 Report: E-08-014 REGION OF WATERLOO

TRANSPORTATION AND ENVIRONMENTAL SERVICES Water Services

TO: Chair Jim Wideman and Members of the Planning and Works Committee

DATE: February 19, 2008 FILE CODE: E12-01; C04-30/P&W/WS.08

SUBJECT: CCME CANADA-WIDE STRATEGY FOR THE MANAGEMENT OF MUNICIPAL WASTEWATER EFFLUENT

RECOMMENDATION:

For information only.

SUMMARY:

The Canadian Council of Ministers of the Environment (CCME) has completed a Canada-wide Strategy for the Management of Municipal Wastewater Effluent (Strategy). The Strategy was released for public consultation on October 22, 2007. The public review and comment period ended January 31, 2008.

The Strategy addresses the effluents discharged to surface water from municipal wastewater systems including the treated effluent and overflows from combined sewers which carry both domestic wastewater and storm water. The key features of the Strategy include:

• National Performance Standards (NPS) for treated effluent, • environmental risk management as a tool to establish and enforce effluent discharge objectives (EDOs), • a harmonized regulatory framework with one set of rules and one-window reporting requirements, • implementation methods and timelines, • an economic plan that supports the implementation of the Strategy, and • research priorities established and coordinated through a national committee.

It is expected all municipalities will be in full compliance with the requirements of the Strategy by 2040.

It is expected the Region will meet the CCME requirements well within the timelines established in the Strategy as long as it follows the schedule proposed in the Wastewater Treatment Master Plan for biosolids work and plant upgrades.

However, there is potential within the Strategy for the Regulatory Agency to enforce more stringent effluent criteria than the Region has planned for major upcoming upgrades at the Waterloo and Kitchener WWTPs. More stringent effluent criteria require additional treatment processes to further enhance treatment, which translates to higher capital and operating costs.

Financial impacts related to monitoring requirements are estimated to be in the order of $1,000,000 yearly plus one-time $620,000 for the initial effluent characterization. The Council approved 2008 Wastewater 10-year Capital Program includes a budget of $500,000 for wastewater sampling and

Page 1 of 10 February 19, 2008 Report: E-08-014 analyses. Additional funds would need to be allocated for monitoring requirements once Federal Regulations are in place in two or three years. REPORT: Background

The Strategy addresses issues related to governance, wastewater facility performance, effluent quality and quantity, infrastructure needs, and funding issues. The Strategy focuses on three goals:

• Improvement of environmental and human health protection; • Standardization on the management and regulation of municipal wastewater effluent; • Funding to improve treatment of municipal wastewater is managed in an equitable and sustainable manner.

A schematic overview of the Strategy is shown in Figure 1, which conceptually integrates the various performance elements for wastewater effluent requirements in a sequence of actions for a given wastewater system. Essentially, effluent objectives are established based on Environmental Risk Assessments and initial characterization of wastewater effluents. Effluent discharge requirements will be adjusted depending on risk. Effluent characteristics should meet effluent objectives, NPS (end-of- pipe, periodic averages for Carbonaceous Biological Oxygen Demand, Total Suspended Solids and Total Residual Chlorine), and also pass acute toxicity tests (acute toxicity refers to adverse effects observed within a short time of exposure (48 to 96 hrs) to a substance by aquatic organisms). All wastewater facilities will be required to monitor their effluent discharges on a continuous basis. The submission of Action Plans will be required under the following circumstances: (i) if the effluent characteristics do not meet effluent objectives and NPS; (ii) if the system contains combined sewers; or (iii) if the effluent does not pass an acute toxicity test. Submission of compliance reporting to the Regulatory Agency (to be determined) will be required in any case.

DOCS #441599 Page 2 of 10 February 19, 2008 Report: E-08-014

Figure 1. Overview of the Canada-wide Strategy for managing municipal wastewater effluent (Adapted from the CCME Document (September 2007)

Consultation activities were conducted by federal, provincial, and territorial governments on the Strategy. It is expected that the CCME Strategy’s approach would be implemented through actions by all levels of government. Provincial and territorial governments are expected to amend applicable policies and legislation accordingly with a 20 or 30-year time frame.

Environment Canada has issued a Proposed Regulatory Framework for Wastewater as it relates to implementing the CCME Strategy. Specifically, Environment Canada is proposing to:

• Develop wastewater effluent regulations and administrative mechanisms under the authority of the Fisheries Act;

• Develop additional risk management actions for wastewater systems under federal government operations, or on federal land, or on aboriginal land; and

• Develop risk management actions for sources of pollutants in wastewater.

The CCME Strategy focuses on effluents released to surface water from wastewater treatment systems categorized according to size and the risk posed by overflows from sewer collection systems (Table 1). The categorization results in each WWTP being assigned a timeline for implementation of the CCME requirements. The Region’s thirteen wastewater treatment plants (WWTP) have been categorized according to the Strategy, with a summary of the respective potential impacts and associated risk timelines for implementation.

Table 1. Regional Wastewater Facilities - Size Categories, Impacts and Timelines Facility Plants Impact Timeline Size Very Alt Heidelberg, Current effluent requirements are Implementation by 2040 small Foxboro, lower than NPS and plants meet

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Conestogo requirements consistently Small St. Jacobs, Current effluent requirements are Implementation by 2040 Wellesley lower than NPS and plants meet requirements consistently Medium Ayr, Baden/New Current effluent requirements are Hespeler – Hamburg, Elmira, lower than NPS and plants meet implementation by 2030; Hespeler, Preston requirements consistently, except All other plants – for Hespeler (in terms of Total implementation by 2040 Residual Chlorine, TRC) Large - - - Very Galt, Kitchener, Current effluent requirements are Kitchener and Waterloo – large Waterloo either the same or lower than NPS implementation by 2020; and plants meet requirements Galt – implementation by consistently, except for Kitchener 2030 and Waterloo (in terms of TRC); Kitchener and Waterloo will likely be required to meet more stringent ammonia standards;

Performance requirements and timeline Table 2 summarizes the key performance requirements and timelines for phased implementation of the Strategy assuming the wastewater effluent regulations under the Fisheries Act will be finalized in 2010.

Table 2. Key performance requirements and timelines Year Requirements 2015 All wastewater systems: • Complete Environmental Risk Assessments on effluent impacts • Meet overflow standards and complete long-term overflow plans (collection and treatment) • Develop (if required) an action plan for prioritizing combined sewer overflow (CSO) versus achievement of NPS. (CSO is the discharge of a combination of storm water and domestic wastewater as a result of the sewer capacity being exceeded during heavy storms. The resulting volume of rainwater and sanitary wastewater exceeds the system's capacity and sewage is forced to overflow into area streams and rivers through CSO outfalls.) 2020 High risk existing wastewater treatment systems • Achieve and maintain NPS • Respond to acute toxicity testing failure 2030 Medium risk existing wastewater treatment systems: • Achieve and maintain NPS • Respond to acute toxicity testing failure 2040 Low risk existing wastewater systems • Achieve and maintain NPS • Respond to acute toxicity testing failure

Risk Assessments The environmental risk assessment process requires characterizing the WWTP effluent for one whole year, selecting an environmental quality objective to be met at the edge of an allocated mixing zone

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(portion of the river that provides mixing and dilution of the treated effluent), and using an appropriate model to establish the effluent discharge objectives for each WWTP.

All medium, large and very large wastewater facilities will be required to complete whole effluent and chronic toxicity testing. Acute toxicity is an unacceptable impact within the mixing zone, which means an EDO of non-acutely toxic effluent at end of pipe will be required. If an acute toxicity test fails and it is demonstrated that the cause of acute toxicity is due to ammonia, then receiving environment considerations will determine if reduction of ammonia in the effluent will be required.

An environmental risk assessment may be completed either for a single discharge or at a watershed level for all discharges. Examples of watershed approaches include the following:

• Synchronized permits within a basin for several municipal wastewater effluents; • Synchronized permits within a basin for one or more municipal wastewater effluents and other point-source discharges; • Developing water quality based effluent limits using a multiple-discharge modeling analysis; • Permits and plans that include provisions for reduction in pollutant loadings from non-point sources.

Sewer Overflows The CCME Strategy aims at reducing the impact of combined sewer overflows and sanitary sewer overflows (SSO) on the environment. SSOs occur when the capacity of a separate sanitary sewer is exceeded, normally during storm events. This will impact both the Region and Area Municipalities which own and operate sewage collection systems. The recommended steps to reduce overflows include:

• Recording of CSO and SSO events; • Achieve national overflow standards; • Demonstrate that everything that can be done with existing equipment is being done to limit overflow events; and • Develop a long-term plan to reduce CSO and SSO events and capture substances. The plan should be based on achieving frequency/volume/treatment objectives.

Substance Reduction at the Source Another important aspect of the Strategy is reduction of substances at the source. Municipalities would be required to implement source control activities which include reduction or elimination of specific substances or of problematic waste groups, effective right after Strategy approval. It is expected the Region will easily meet the Strategy’s reduction at source requirements since it already implements an advanced water conservation program and regulates source control activities through a comprehensive Sewer Use By-Law (By-Law 1-90). If additional substance reduction at the source measures are required this could result in additional costs to industries.

Costs and Funding The estimated nation-wide capital costs to meet the NPS and other elements in the CCME Strategy range from $7.5 billion to $9.3 billion over 30 years. The estimated non-capital costs (e.g. environmental risk assessments) range from $2.8 billion to $3.8 billion. The majority of the costs will be incurred within the first 10 to 20 years. The Strategy recommends funding for municipalities should consider the following:

• Size of community; • Flexibility of base rate; • Sustainable asset management;

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• Municipal financial position; • Community growth prospects; • Environmental risk ranking and timelines.

Impact to the Region The recently completed update to the Region’s Wastewater Treatment Master Plan provides an overall strategy for upgrading and expanding the Region’s wastewater treatment facilities to ensure adequate wastewater treatment servicing to protect human health and the natural environment, meeting legislative requirements and future growth, and being fiscally responsible and sustainable. If the Region follows the schedule proposed in the Wastewater Treatment Master Plan for biosolids work and plant upgrades, especially nitrification for ammonia removal and UV disinfection, it is expected the Region will meet the CCME requirements well within the timelines established in the Strategy. In addition, current effluent quality from all the Region’s WWTPs is already within the NPS requirements for cBOD and TSS as shown in Table 1.

The Region is, however, concerned that the required Environmental Risk Assessments, which include determination of environmental quality objectives and effluent objectives, likely using a watershed approach, will result in even more stringent effluent criteria than the Region has planned for major upcoming upgrades at the Waterloo and Kitchener WWTPs. More stringent effluent criteria require additional treatment processes, which translates to higher capital and operating costs. The Region is also concerned that the mixing zone criteria that are proposed (e.g. 100 m maximum length) are not realistic for the Grand River watershed. It is the Region’s view that mixing zones should be established on a site-specific basis, with consideration of stream conditions and flow control structures.

In regard to monitoring requirements, the initial effluent characterization will cost the Region approximately $620,000 based on the number of parameters and frequencies of analysis established in the Strategy.

The proposed compliance monitoring requirements could be addressed through a comprehensive monitoring program that is being implemented initially at the Kitchener and Waterloo WWTPs. The program would be extended to all Regional WWTPs, with the exception of toxicity tests. It is estimated comprehensive monitoring at the Region’s major WWTPs (Waterloo, Kitchener, Hespeler, Preston, and Galt) will cost approximately $600,000 yearly (not including toxicity tests). Extending the program to the remaining WWTPs, would cost the Region an additional $300,000 yearly. Acute and chronic toxicity testing costs will be approximately $170,000 per year based on the frequencies of analysis established in the Strategy.

It is of note that the monitoring program proposed in the Strategy requires more frequent monitoring at larger plants than at smaller plants. However, loadings to smaller plants are usually more variable than larger plants, and upset to treatment processes can be more accentuated at smaller than larger plants. It would therefore make more sense to monitor smaller plants on a more frequent basis than larger plants.

Requirements related to CSO and SSO will have to be addressed jointly by the Area Municipalities and the Region. Note that the Strategy prioritizes CSO remediation before dealing with WWTP effluents, but final timeline for implementation is unclear.

Next Steps The public review and comment period ended January 31, 2008. Comments provided by the Regional Public Works Commissioners of Ontario to the CCME are included for information in Appendix 1. The

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Strategy is due to be finalized and approved by the CCME in the spring of 2008. Key elements for new proposed regulations will be based on the CCME Strategy. It is expected proposed federal effluent regulations be published in December 2008.

CORPORATE STRATEGIC PLAN: Planning for the implementation of the CCME Strategy through federal regulations is a desirable step in supporting the vision, mission, and values of the Corporate Strategic Plan, and is consistent with Focus Area 1: Environmental Sustainability; Strategic Objective 5 - Protect the quality and quantity of our water sources.

FINANCIAL IMPLICATIONS: The Region’s approved 2008 Wastewater Ten Year Capital Program includes $480,000,000 for upgrades and expansion of the Region’s WWTP. It is expected the Region will meet the requirements set in the CCME Strategy before the proposed 2020 deadline, once the planned WWTP upgrades for Kitchener, Waterloo, and Hespeler are completed. Monitoring costs will be in the order of $1,000,000 yearly plus one-time $620,000 for the initial effluent characterization. The Council approved 2008 Wastewater 10-year Capital Program includes a budget of $500,000 for wastewater sampling and analyses. Additional funds would need to be allocated for monitoring requirements once Federal Regulations are in place in two or three years.

OTHER DEPARTMENT CONSULTATIONS/CONCURRENCE: NIL

ATTACHMENTS: Appendix 1: Letter from Regional Public Works Commissioners of Ontario to CCME.

PREPARED BY: José Bicudo, Senior Planning Engineer, Engineering & Planning, Water Services

APPROVED BY: Thomas Schmidt, Commissioner of Transportation and Environmental Services

DOCS #441599 Page 7 of 10 February 19, 2008 Appendix 1 Report: E-08-014

DOCS #441599 Page 8 of 10 February 19, 2008 Appendix 1 Report: E-08-014

DOCS #441599 Page 9 of 10 February 19, 2008 Appendix 1 Report: E-08-014

DOCS #441599 Page 10 of 10 Report: E-08-015 REGION OF WATERLOO

TRANSPORTATION AND ENVIRONMENTAL SERVICES Water Services

TO: Chair Jim Wideman and Members of the Planning and Works Committee

DATE: February 19, 2008 FILE CODE: E04-80; C04-30/PW/WS.08

SUBJECT: 2007 ANNUAL WATER QUALITY REPORT FOR THE REGION OF WATERLOO RURAL AND INTEGRATED WATER SYSTEMS

RECOMMENDATION:

For information only.

SUMMARY:

Ontario Regulation 170/03 requires that owners of drinking water systems prepare an Annual Water Quality Report by February 28 for the previous year. Region staff have prepared such reports, one for each Drinking Water System.

REPORT:

Background

The Regional Municipality of Waterloo (Region) is responsible for bulk delivery of drinking water to the seven local Municipalities. The municipal water supply comes from two sources: groundwater and surface water. About 80% of the total annual water supply currently comes from approximately 126 groundwater wells and the remaining 20% from the Mannheim WTP (Grand River).

Ontario Regulation 170/03 (in effect since June 2003) requires that an Annual Water Quality Report be issued by February 28 and that an Annual Summary Report be issued by March 31.

An Annual Water Quality Report for the period January 1, 2007 to December 31, 2007 is required for each location supplying water to the distribution system and for the distribution systems operated by the Region in the Townships of Wellesley and North Dumfries. A total of 54 Water Quality Reports have been prepared and will be available for Council on February 27 at the Regional Council meeting, after which the complete set of reports will be placed in the Councillors’ Library. The Report is also forwarded to the cities and townships within the Region.

The Annual Summary Report for the year 2007 is similar to the Annual Water Quality Report, but focuses on compliance with legislation, regulations and certificate of approval requirements.

Page 1 of 3 February 19, 2008 Report: E-08-015

Annual Water Quality Report

The Ministry of the Environment (MOE) has established six criteria to be included in the Annual Water Quality Report and the report format template is set and provided by the MOE:

1) a brief description of the drinking water systems including a list of water treatment chemicals used 2) a summary of any reports made to the MOE under the Safe Drinking Water Act (SDWA) (18(1)) Duty to report adverse test results or the O.Reg. 170/03 Section 16 (16-4) Duty to report other observations 3) a summary of the result of tests required under this O.Reg. 170/03 or a Certificate of Approval or a MOE Order; or the most recent results taken 4) a description of any corrective action under the O.Reg. 170/03 Schedule 16 Reporting adverse test results and other problems, Schedule 17 Corrective Action (Large Municipal Residential) and Schedule 18 Corrective Action (Small Municipal Residential) 5) a description of any expenses incurred to install, repair or replace required equipment 6) a statement where the Annual Summary Report required under the O.Reg. 170/03 Schedule 22 will be found (date to be issued March 31).

The purpose of the Annual Water Quality Report as identified in the O.Reg. 170/03 is to provide a comprehensive document with all the water quality data.

Ontario Drinking Water Quality Standards

The MOE has identified the water quality sampling and analytical requirements through their SDWA, Regulation 170/03, 169/03, various regulation amendments, certificate of approvals and MOE orders. There are three types of drinking water quality standards, objectives and guidelines:

1) health-related standards, 2) aesthetic objectives, and 3) operational guidelines.

The main purpose of health-related standards is to protect public health. Water intended for human consumption should not contain disease-causing organisms or unacceptable concentrations of chemicals or radioactive materials. The health-related standards are established for parameters such as pathogens and chemicals which, when present above a certain concentration, are known or suspected to have adverse health effects.

Operational guidelines are established for parameters which need to be controlled to ensure efficient treatment and distribution of the water.

Water Quality Monitoring Programs

Water samples are collected from all Regional water sources using the sampling protocols established by the MOE. Most of these samples are analyzed at the Regional Laboratory. The bacteriological quality of each water source is tested once a week. Testing for chemical and physical analyses are done in accordance with the regulation, acts, certificate of approval and MOE orders. The quality of the water is continuously monitored at many strategic locations throughout the Region using the computerized telecommunication system known as Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition System (SCADA) located at the Mannheim Water Treatment Plant. The MOE also checks the quality of the Region's water every year during their Annual Inspections Program. Wellesley and North Dumfries

Doc. # 453124 Page 2 of 3 February 19, 2008 Report: E-08-015

Water Distribution Systems are included with their respective supplies. The remaining Local Municipalities will be issuing separate Annual Water Quality Reports for their Water Quality Monitoring on the distribution system. The Region has been publishing annual water quality reports since 1994.

Annual Reports for Water Quality

Microbiological, physical and chemical analyses were conducted from January 1 to December 31, 2007. The results of these analyses are presented in the 54 reports titled “Drinking Water Systems Regulation O. Reg. 170/03 Annual Water Quality Report.” The template for the report is provided by the MOE. The Regulation requires that copies of the Annual Water Quality Report be provided to the MOE Director, be available free of charge from Water Services and be posted on the Region's website.

CORPORATE STRATEGIC PLAN:

The Annual Water Quality Report supports Focus Area 6: Service Excellence.

FINANCIAL IMPLICATIONS:

Nil

OTHER DEPARTMENT CONSULTATIONS/CONCURRENCE:

The Public Health Department has reviewed this report and is in agreement with its conclusions.

ATTACHMENTS

Report to be available at Council meeting on February 27, 2008.

PREPARED BY: Olga Vrentzos, Manager, Operations and Maintenance, Water Services

APPROVED BY: Thomas Schmidt, Commissioner, Transportation and Environmental Services

Doc. # 453124 Page 3 of 3 Report: E-08-017 REGION OF WATERLOO

TRANSPORTATION AND ENVIRONMENTAL SERVICES Water Services

TO: Chair Jim Wideman and Members of the Planning and Works Committee

DATE: February 19, 2008 FILE CODE: E06-70/4126/GMP-01; C04-30

SUBJECT: REGION OF WATERLOO GROUNDWATER MONITORING PROGRAM CONSULTANT SELECTION

RECOMMENDATION:

THAT the Regional Municipality of Waterloo:

SUMMARY: The Region performs water level and water quality monitoring in dedicated monitoring wells to ensure sustainable long term water supply and meet monitoring and reporting requirements for the Region’s water-taking permits. The goal of the program is to facilitate the management and protection of the Region’s groundwater supply, and to assess the potential impact of municipal pumping on the groundwater and surface water resources in the Region. The scope of this assignment involves collection and assessment of groundwater level and geochemistry data, geoscience database management, electronic data logger and monitoring well maintenance, public communication, and reporting. Region staff undertook a consultant selection process consistent with the Region’s Consultant Selection Policy and recommend that R.J. Burnside & Associates Limited be retained to undertake this monitoring.

REPORT:

Background

The Groundwater Monitoring Program is an integral component of the Water Resources Protection Strategy (WRPS) , implemented by the Region in 1994. Ongoing monitoring of extraction rates and water levels is fundamental to groundwater resource management. To ensure sustainable long-term production, it is necessary to assess the quantity and quality of groundwater available for pumping and to manage the production accordingly. As part of the process, it is important to assess the potential impact of pumping on groundwater and surface water as well as other private users. Water level monitoring is also a regulatory requirement of the Permit To Take Water (PTTW) for each supply

Page 1 of 6 February 19, 2008 Report: E-08-017 well.

The Region has collected water level data from production wells and monitoring wells dating back to the 1940s. Up to the end of the 1960s the data were collected primarily from production wells, but in the 1970s water level data were collected on a routine basis in some monitoring wells and private wells in Wilmot Township. Following implementation of the WRPS in 1994, Region staff developed a more formal monitoring program which included collection of water levels in all of the municipal production wells and selected monitoring wells. An assessment of water level trends has been completed by Region Hydrogeology and Source Water staff every two years, starting in 1995. This assessment looks at data over the preceding 10-year period while focusing on the previous two years of data.

The Region’s current program consists of measurement of water levels in 283 monitoring wells and water quality sample collection in 108 monitoring wells. This monitoring includes monitoring a core group of monitoring wells to address special conditions in the PTTW for each well field. Water levels are also measured an additional group of monitoring wells to further assess the sustainability of pumping and to develop an increased understanding of the regional aquifers. Water levels are taken using either continuous electronic data loggers or monthly manual measurements.

In addition to the main program above, a more intensive water level and geochemical water quality monitoring component has been established for the Wilmot Centre Well Field in Wilmot Township. This monitoring looks at the potential impacts on groundwater and surface water as a result of increased pumping at this well field over the next 40 years as part of the Water Supply Master Plan for the communities of Baden and New Hamburg. This component of the program involves increased water level and geochemical water quality monitoring at selected wells and stream flow sites in the Hunsburger Creek Subwatershed and Baden area of Wilmot Township.

Similar to water level monitoring, the Region monitored water quality on an ad hoc basis since the implementation of the WRPS. The current Region-wide geochemical water quality monitoring program for monitoring wells was established in 2004. The goals of the geochemical water quality monitoring component are to assess the overall quality of the groundwater in the municipal water supply aquifers in the Region, detect any groundwater contamination before it potentially impacts Region water supply wells, and facilitate management of existing supplies and exploration for new water supplies.

Consultant Selection

The consultant selection process followed a two-stage process conducted in accordance with the Region’s Guidelines for Consultant Selection Process. Six consultants responded to the Region’s request for a Letter of Interest, made available on November 19, 2007. In the first stage, three consultants (MTE Consultants Inc., Golder Associates Ltd. and R.J. Burnside & Associates Limited) were short-listed based on weighted quality and equity factors. In the second stage, the short-listed consultants were asked to submit a detailed work plan, project schedule and upset cost estimate in a sealed envelope based on the scope of work defined in the Terms of Reference. Region staff re- evaluated scores based on the detailed workplans.

Region staff involved in the consultant selection process were:

· Rachel Vaillancourt, Hydrogeologist, Water Services · Tammy Middleton, Senior Hydrogeologist, Water Services · Don Corbett, Senior Hydrogeologist, Water Services

#453526 Page 2 of 6 February 19, 2008 Report: E-08-017

#453526 Page 3 of 6 February 19, 2008 Report: E-08-017

Consultants were evaluated based on the following weighted evaluation factors:

1. Quality Factors (80%) Project Understanding and Approach 25% Project Manager 20% Project Support Staff 15% Firm's Experience on Similar Projects 20%

2. Equity Factors (5%) Current Regional Workload 3% Local Office 2%

3. Price Factor (15%) 15%

Total 100%

Based on the above, the consultant selection team recommends awarding the project to R.J. Burnside & Associates Limited at an upset cost of $985,787 for the period from March 2008 to June 2012. Of the three consultants that submitted proposals, R.J Burnside submitted the lowest cost bid.

Program Scope

The scope of this assignment involves collection and assessment of groundwater level and geochemistry data, geosciences database management, electronic data logger and monitoring well maintenance, public consultation and reporting. A list of assessment reports to be completed by the consultant and their frequency is presented in Attachment A. The consultant will also evaluate the current network of monitoring sites to ensure it meets the Region’s water management objectives and regulatory obligations. In addition, the consultant will update the existing inventory of monitoring wells on or adjacent to production well properties on a semi-annual basis and report on the inventory annually in the Interim Data Report.

Subject to Council’s approval, the consultant’s assignment will be split into two segments: one for the period up to June 30, 2010 and a second for July 1, 2010 to June 30, 2012. A two year period is necessary for the consultant to become familiar with the network and data, develop program efficiencies and complete the biennial reporting requirements. A consulting services agreement would be developed for the first two-year period and extended to cover the second period subject to acceptable performance of the consultant in meeting project outcomes and deliverables. Attachment B contains a summary of the tasks and the respective two-year and total cost for these tasks.

CORPORATE STRATEGIC PLAN:

The Groundwater Monitoring Program helps implement the objective of the Region’s Strategic Plan to protect the quality and quantity of our water resources as outlined in Focus Area 1: Environmental Sustainability: Protect and enhance the environment.

FINANCIAL IMPLICATIONS:

The approved 2008 Capital Program and 10-Year Capital Forecast includes a total of $4.15 M for source protection monitoring in 2008 through 2012, which includes the consultants fees for the

#453526 Page 4 of 6 February 19, 2008 Report: E-08-017 groundwater monitoring program.

OTHER DEPARTMENT CONSULTATIONS/CONCURRENCE:

NIL

ATTACHMENTS:

Attachment A: List of Reports Prepared By Consultant Attachment B: Breakdown of Consultant’s Costs by Task

PREPARED BY: Rachel Vaillancourt, Hydrogeologist, Hydrogeology and Source Water

APPROVED BY: Thomas Schmidt, Commissioner, Transportation and Environmental Services

#453526 Page 5 of 6 February 19, 2008 Report: E-08-017

ATTACHMENT A REGIONAL GROUNDWATER MONITORING PROGRAM

LIST OF REPORTS PREPARED BY CONSULTANT

Report Name Description Frequency

Monitoring Network A detailed evaluation of whether the current Due February 2009 Assessment Report program meets the needs of the program with recommended improvements Biennial Monitoring Comprehensive presentation and assessment of Due 2010, 2012 Report water quality and quantity data focusing on data collected in previous two years.

Interim Data Report Presentation of water level data with emphasis 2009, 2011 of changes since last report. Water Quality Data Presentation of water quality data. Annually Report Permit To Take Summary report showing compliance with water Annually, due March Water Compliance taking permits. 20 of each year Report Wilmot Centre Comprehensive presentation and assessment of Annually Monitoring Program water quality and quantity data for presentation Report to Wilmot Centre Monitoring Program Public Liaison Committee.

Wilmot Centre Assessment of trigger levels established in the As required. Trigger Assessment Wilmot Centre Monitoring program.

#453526 Page 6 of 6 February 19, 2008 Report: E-08-017

ATTACHMENT B REGIONAL GROUNDWATER MONITORING PROGRAM

BREAKDOWN OF CONSULTANT’S COSTS BY TASK

Biannual Costs Total Groundwater Monitoring Program Period Period Cost 1 2

Task 1: Monitoring Network Evaluation 40,171 11,616 51,787

Task 2: Collecting Water Level Data 105,501 115,092 220,593

Task 3: Collecting Water Quality Data 115,018 131,916 246,934

Data Processing and Geoscience Task 4: 54,990 58,904 113,894 Database Management

Equipment Needs and Maintenance, Task 5 & 6: 30,356 26,752 57,108 Well Maintenance at Monitoring Sites

Task 7: Reporting 138,777 134,747 273,524

Task 8: Meetings and Public Consultation 11,751 10,196 21,947

TOTAL: 496,564 489,223 985,787

#453526 Page 7 of 6 Report: CR-RS-08-002/E-08-003 REGION OF WATERLOO

CORPORATE RESOURCES Legal Services TRANSPORTATION AND ENVIRONMENTAL SERVICES Transportation

TO: Chair Jim Wideman and Members of the Planning and Works Committee

DATE: February 19, 2008 FILE CODE: C04-30, T18-01

SUBJECT: REGION OF WATERLOO INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT – DECLARATION OF SURPLUS

RECOMMENDATION:

That the Regional Municipality of Waterloo declare a leasehold interest of greater than twenty-one years in the Lands described as, firstly, Hangars #1, #2 and #3, on Part 1, Plan 58R-3313 and, secondly, Parts 1, 2, 3 and 4, Plan 58R-1816 in the Township of Woolwich in the Regional Municipality of Waterloo and depicted in Appendix A attached to Report CR-RS-08-002/E-08-003 dated February 19, 2008 (the Lands), surplus to its needs, in accordance with the Region’s Property Disposition By-law;

And that the Regional Municipality of Waterloo authorize the Commissioner of Transportation and Environmental Services to enter into a Lease with the Waterloo-Wellington Flying Club (WWFC), a non-profit organization incorporated under the provisions of the Corporations Act, to grant a leasehold interest of up to fifty years in the Lands with the base rent for the first five years at the current commercial lease rates for airport land as described in Report CR-RS-08-002/E-08-003 dated February 19, 2008.

SUMMARY:

NIL

REPORT:

Introduction

The Waterloo-Wellington Flying Club (WWFC) has operated a flight training school at the Region of Waterloo International Airport (the Airport) for many years. In recent years, the business of the WWFC has increased and the WWFC has entered into partnership arrangements with both Conestoga College and the University of Waterloo to provide flight training as part of their respective post-secondary diploma and degree programs.

The premises used by the WWFC at the Airport comprise of a large hangar facility (referred to as Hangar #1), classroom facilities, a maintenance facility and a restaurant (these facilities are located in buildings commonly referred to as Hangars #2 and #3). To accommodate its growth, WWFC has also acquired the property formerly owned and operated by the National Flyers Academy, another flight training business operating at the airport. Additionally, the WWFC has dedicated parking for its employees and students.

Page 1 of 4 February 19, 2008 Report: CR-RS-08-002/E-08-003

The leases for the WWFC facilities and the National Flyers Academy have expired and the WWFC currently occupies these premises on a month-to-month basis. The Airport staff and the WWFC have had ongoing discussions regarding the options for providing continued service ranging from development of a new facility elsewhere on the Airport property to utilizing the existing facility. The WWFC has concluded that utilizing the existing facilities would be most suitable option although some redevelopment of the site will be required to accommodate the growth of the WWFC’s training activities. In order to finance this redevelopment, the WWFC will require a lease with a term of up to fifty years.

Pursuant to the provisions of the Region’s Property Disposition By-law and the Municipal Act, a lease of municipal property for a period of more than twenty-one years is deemed to be a disposition of property and accordingly such a leasehold interest must first be declared surplus to the needs of the Region of Waterloo. The Property Disposition By-law also requires that the disposal of surplus interest in land be advertised in the local newspaper. The Lease with WWFC will be finalized after the requirements of the Region’s Property Disposition By-law have been met.

Grant of Lease

The proposed fifty-year lease with the WWFC pertains to the existing lands that are currently leased on a month-to-month and which have been utilized by WWFC for more than thirty years. The proposed lease would encompass the following areas:

Hangar #1 15,340 square feet or 1,425 square metres Hangar #2, Existing Office, Classroom & 30,147 square feet or Restaurant and Former Hangar #3 2,801 square metres National Flyers Property 13,500 square feet or 1,255 square metres (not including the National Flyers vehicle parking area) Student and Restaurant Parking Area 24,141 square feet or 2,243 square metres

A survey of the leased area is being completed and the parameters of the leased areas will be confirmed during the process of completing the legal survey of the Lands.

The WWFC is currently working on a plan for partially redeveloping the site to accommodate its growing business. Particulars of the requirements of the redevelopment will be finalized in early 2008 and accordingly the above-noted lease parameters may change somewhat although most the redevelopment is planned to take place on the existing site.

The proposed lease area is depicted in Appendix A attached to this Report. It is anticipated that the lease would take effect on or before March 31, 2008. The proposed lease rates would be in accordance with the Region’s Fees and Charges By-law which provides for a commercial lease rate of $0.21 per square foot for land used for buildings and a rate of $0.04 for vacant and parking lands at the Airport. The combined lease revenue per year will total approximately $18,205. These rates will increase annually by a nominal amount taking into consideration changes in the cost of living index and may be adjusted every five years during the fifty year term to reflect the fees and charges then in effect as may be determined by Regional Council.

437988 Page 2 of 4 February 19, 2008 Report: CR-RS-08-002/E-08-003

In addition to the proposed leased area, the WWFC and the National Flyers Academy currently utilize apron areas (depicted in Appendix A) for their operations. The aprons were originally constructed by the Airport for the general use of airport tenants and visitors. Given the increase in the demands of the WWFC’s operation, it has expressed an interest in bringing the aprons into its leased limits for its exclusive use. The Region of Waterloo has leased apron space to one other tenant at the Airport at a rate of $0.35 per square foot. To provide for consistency, it is recommended that the apron area adjacent to the WWFC and National Flyer Academy lands be leased at the same rate. It is proposed that the apron areas be leased to WWFC in a separate lease agreement with a twenty year term. This lease would allow WWFC to utilize these apron areas for exclusively for its operations and require WWFC to maintain these apron areas as well. The Commissioner of Transportation and Environmental Services has standing authority to enter into such a lease in accordance with the Region’s Delegation of Authority By-law.

The amount of space that will be leased for the apron areas is estimated to be approximately 75,000 square feet. The boundaries of the leased areas of the apron areas will be confirmed prior to the signing of a lease as part of the survey work that is underway for the leased area. The lease of the apron areas will result in additional annual revenue of approximately $26,250.

CORPORATE STRATEGIC PLAN:

The Region of Waterloo International Airport is one of the essential infrastructure components needed to create and support a climate that encourages prosperity in the Region. The provision of adequate leasehold facilities to the WWFC will enable it to deliver its flight training programs in partnership with Conestoga College and the University of Waterloo and will enhance business in the Region of Waterloo.

FINANCIAL IMPLICATIONS:

In addition to the lease revenue that is received from these lands, the WWFC is accountable for a significant number of aircraft movements on an annual basis and pays landing fees and fuel surcharges in connection with its operations. The revenues received from this lease and the fees generated from the WWFC’s operations are applied to the Airport’s operating budget.

OTHER DEPARTMENT CONSULTATIONS/CONCURRENCE:

A draft copy was provided to the Board of Directors of the Waterloo-Wellington Flying Club. Regional staff is advised that the WWFC is in agreement with the recommendations.

ATTACHMENTS:

Appendix A - depicting the Lands to be leased to the WWFC

PREPARED BY: Jeff Schelling, Manager, Airport Development/Solicitor (Corporate)

APPROVED BY: Gary Sosnoski, Commissioner of Corporate Resources Thomas Schmidt, Commissioner of Transportation and Environmental Services

437988 Page 3 of 4 APPENDIX A Report: CR-RS-08-002E-08-003

437988 Page 4 of 4 Report: E-08-020/P-08-019 REGION OF WATERLOO

TRANSPORTATION AND ENVIRONMENTAL SERVICES PLANNING, HOUSING AND COMMUNITY SERVICES Commissioner’s Office

TO: Chair Jim Wideman and Members of the Planning and Works Committee

DATE: February 19, 2008 FILE CODE: C04-30/PWC/CORR

SUBJECT: 2008 PLANNING AND WORKS PROJECT TEAM MEMBERSHIP

RECOMMENDATION:

THAT the Regional Municipality of Waterloo appoint Regional Councillors to the various projects and study teams as noted in Appendix A to Report E-08-020/P-08-019, dated February 19, 2008;

AND THAT the Regional Municipality of Waterloo forward the request for local Councillor representatives on project and study teams to the Local Municipalities.

SUMMARY:

NIL

REPORT:

Major Planning and Transportation and Environmental Services projects or studies have been directed, for many years, by multi-disciplinary project teams which have usually included one or more Regional or Local Councillors. The involvement of elected officials has always made a significant, positive impact on the successful completion of these projects. These committees and project teams are distinct from formal sub-committees of Council (e.g. Water Efficiency Advisory Committee), whose Council members have already been appointed.

A list of ongoing Steering Committees and major projects and studies to be undertaken in 2008, including the current political or stakeholder representatives on each group, is provided in Appendix A. Those projects and studies which would most benefit from political representative(s) are noted below. These are typically projects which may have high public interest and/or significant implications for the Region. In addition to the projects listed below, participation by Councillors on any of the project teams noted in Appendix A is welcomed. After appointing appropriate Regional Councillors to these teams, it is recommended that this list be forwarded to the appropriate local municipalities to provide them an opportunity to appoint local Councillors to some of the project teams.

Docs #: 450712 Page 1 of 20 February 19, 2008 Report: E-08-020/P-08-019

Suggested Council No. Description Local Municipality Representative

9. Stanley Park Transit Terminal Kitchener To be assigned – Suggest:

1 Local Councillor

Jake Smola

12. Kitchener Southwest Transit Kitchener To be assigned – Service Review Suggest:

1 Local Councillor 1 Regional Councillor

46. Weber Street Widening – Victoria Kitchener To be assigned – Street to Guelph Street Suggest: -Environmental Assessment and Design in 2008 – 2012 1 Local Councillor -Construction - 2013 1 Regional Councillor

47. Fischer-Hallman Road Widening, Kitchener To be assigned – Huron Road to Activa Avenue Suggest: - Environmental Assessment and Design in 2008 - 2011 1 Local Councillor - Construction in 2012 - 2013 1 Regional Councillor

55. Well W5 Upgrade – Class Waterloo To be assigned – Environmental Assessment Suggest:

1 Local Councillor 1 Regional Councillor

56. Wells W6/W7/W8 Class Waterloo To be assigned – Environmental Assessment Suggest:

1 Regional Councillor

57. Grand Reservoir and Pumping Kitchener To be assigned – Station – Class Environmental Suggest: Assessment Update

Docs #: 450712 Page 2 of 20 February 19, 2008 Report: E-08-020/P-08-019

Suggested Council No. Description Local Municipality Representative 1 Regional Councillor

59. Maple Grove Area Water Supply Cambridge To be assigned – Environmental Assessment Suggest: 1 Local Councillor 1 Regional Councillor

72. Kitchener Wastewater Treatment Kitchener To be assigned – Plant Upgrade Suggest: 1 Local Councillor

Jim Wideman Jean Haalboom

75. Hespeler Wastewater Treatment Cambridge To be assigned – Plant Upgrade Suggest: Study – December 2008 1 Local Councillor 1 Regional Councillor

CORPORATE STRATEGIC PLAN:

The involvement of Regional Councillors on Transportation and Environmental Services and Planning, Housing and Community Services Project Teams is consistent with the Strategic Focus Area Six: Service Excellence which ensures that the Region’s programs and services are responsive, efficient, effective and that they meet the needs and expectations of the community.

FINANCIAL IMPLICATIONS:

The costs for the various projects outlined in Appendix A to Report E-08-020/P-08-019 are included in each Division budget.

OTHER DEPARTMENT CONSULTATIONS/CONCURRENCE:

NIL

ATTACHMENTS:

Appendix A – Planning and Works – Project Teams - 2008

Docs #: 450712 Page 3 of 20 February 19, 2008 Report: E-08-020/P-08-019

PREPARED BY: Thomas Schmidt, Commissioner of Transportation and Environmental Services Rob Horne, Commissioner of Planning, Housing and Community Services

Docs #: 450712 Page 4 of 20 February 19, 2008 APPENDIX A Report: E-08-020/P-08-019

PLANNING AND WORKS – PROJECT TEAMS – 2008

Political/Stakeholder No. Description Local Municipality Representative G E N E R A L Advisory Committees

1. Regional Growth Management Jean Haalboom Strategy/Rapid Transit Public Advisory Claudette Millar Committee Brian Blackmere Sara Blumell Jeff Casello Dianne Ensing Elizabeth Heinrichs John Jackson Matthew Lee Sue Morgan Angele Morrissette Henrik Noesgaard Shannon Pennington Mark Reusser Jose Rivera Linda Terry

2 Ecological and Environmental Advisory Kim Denouden Committee Mark Hartley John Jackson Greg Michalenko Claudette Millar Derek Parks Brett Woodman Deanna Zenger William Trotter Les Kuczynski Charles Mitz Ted Creese Yonus Muhammad Alison Featherstone Jim McGeer Mikko Jyrkama

3. East Side Community Advisory Cambridge/Woolwich Jim Wideman Committee Brian Hiff Thomas Krizsan Brad Marsland Brenda Murphy Douglas Stewart John Vasiga

Docs #: 450712 February 19, 2008 A-2 Report: E-08-020/P-08-019

PLANNING AND WORKS – PROJECT TEAMS – 2008

Political/Stakeholder No. Description Local Municipality Representative Deanna Zenger

4. Heritage Planning Advisory Committee Jean Haalboom Wendy Wright Cascaden Connie Davidson Jody Decker Tom Hardacre Karen Hammond Ron Hacket Harriet Schaefer Patricia Wagner Al Junker Kathryn McGarry Joanna Rickert-Hall

Steering Committees

5. Fire Training Facility Steering Wilmot Tom Galloway Committee (WRESTRC) Bill Strauss

T R A N S I T Advisory Committees

6. Specialized Transit Services Advisory Greg Bechard Committee Brandy Duchesne Sharron Garrah Jean Haalboom Tom Livingstone Joyce Barlow Michael Mullen Russell O’Brien Jay Oswald Amy Ross

Studies

7. GRT and MobilityPLUS Business Plan Jean Haalboom Bill Strauss Jane Mitchell

8. Urban Transportation Showcase Program Cambridge/Kitchener Jim Wideman – iXpress Project /Waterloo

450712 February 19, 2008 A-3 Report: E-08-020/P-08-019

PLANNING AND WORKS – PROJECT TEAMS – 2008

Political/Stakeholder No. Description Local Municipality Representative 9. Stanley Park Transit Terminal Kitchener To be assigned – Suggest: 1 Local Councillor

Jake Smola

10. Ottawa Street South and Fischer- Kitchener Jim Wideman Hallman Road Operation and Safety Wayne Roth Study

11. Waterloo Area Transit Services Review Kitchener/Waterloo Jane Mitchell – Phase 2 Ian McLean Berry Vrbanovic

12. Kitchener Southwest Transit Service Kitchener To be assigned – Review Suggest: 1 Local Councillor 1 Regional Councillor

450712 February 19, 2008 A-4 Report: E-08-020/P-08-019

PLANNING AND WORKS – PROJECT TEAMS – 2008

Political/Stakeholder No. Description Local Municipality Representative T R A N S P O R T A T I O N Advisory Committees

13. Aeronautical Noise Management Barry Aylward Committee Reginald Sim Rick Cowsill Dave Dayment Joan Gross Murray Martin Jason Lane Wilf Park Glenn Priestly Tom Smith Jake Smola Sean Sullivan Mark Stoddard Berry Vrbanovic

14. Cycling Advisory Committee Bart Forwell Jack Mittelholtz Jane Mitchell Don Pavey Scott Piatowski Robert Quick Barry Tracey Dan Unrau Bruce Hawkings

Studies

15. Regional Transportation Master Plan Kim Denouden Jean Haalboom Jim Wideman Mark Whaley Carl Zehr Karl Kiefer Linda Whetham Sean Strickland Doug Craig Claudette Millar

450712 February 19, 2008 A-5 Report: E-08-020/P-08-019

PLANNING AND WORKS – PROJECT TEAMS – 2008

Political/Stakeholder No. Description Local Municipality Representative

16. Region of Waterloo International Airport Jake Smola Master Plan Update Bill Strauss

17. CTC Transit Environmental Assessment Cambridge/Kitchener Tom Galloway /Waterloo

18. Transportation Corridor Design Jean Haalboom Guidelines

450712 February 19, 2008 A-6 Report: E-08-020/P-08-019

PLANNING AND WORKS – PROJECT TEAMS – 2008

Political/Stakeholder No. Description Local Municipality Representative Design and Construction

19. Dundas Street Cambridge Gary Price Reconstruction/Resurfacing – Branchton Road to Franklin Boulevard - Environmental Assessment and Design in 2008 - 2009 - Construction in 2010

20. Concession Street Bridge Widening Cambridge Gary Price - Environmental Assessment and Pamela Wolf Design in 2008 - 2011 Claudette Millar - Construction in 2011

21. Beverly Street, Dundas Street to Rail Cambridge Claudette Millar Overpass and Samuelson Street, Ben Tucci Franklin Boulevard to Elgin Street - Environmental Assessment and Design in 2012 - 2015 - Construction in 2016

22. King Street, Eagle Street to Fountain Cambridge Jane Brewer Street and Fountain Street, King Street Karl Kiefer to Shantz Hill Road - Environmental Assessment and Design in 2008 - 2011 - Construction in 2011

23. South Boundary Road, Water Street to Cambridge Kim Denouden Franklin Boulevard Gary Price - Environmental Assessment and Ted Higgins Design in 2007 - 2010 Doug Craig - Construction in 2013

450712 February 19, 2008 A-7 Report: E-08-020/P-08-019

24. Eagle Street, Industrial Street to Cambridge Jane Brewer Concession Street Karl Kiefer - Environmental Assessment and Design in 2008 - 2010 - Construction in 2010

PLANNING AND WORKS – PROJECT TEAMS – 2008

Political/Stakeholder No. Description Local Municipality Representative

25. Main Street Bridge Rehabilitation and Cambridge Pamela Wolf Queen’s Square Resurfacing, Grand Ben Tucci River to George Street Claudette Millar - Environmental Assessment and Design in 2007 - Construction in 2008

26. Townline Road Reconstruction – Cambridge Claudette Millar Avenue Road to Pinebush Road Linda Whetham - Design in 2007 - 2008 - Construction in 2009

27. Franklin Boulevard Widening – Cambridge Doug Craig Pinebush Road to Dundas Street Ben Tucci - Environmental Assessment and Design in 2007 -2010 - Construction in 2011 - 2013

28. Hespeler Road Grade Separation at CP Cambridge Jane Brewer Rail, North of Dundas Street Pam Wolf - Class Environmental Assessment Ben Tucci 2007 - Design in 2008 - 2009 - Construction in 2009

29. Fairway Road Extension – Zeller Drive Cambridge/Kitchener Pam Wolf to Reg. Rd. 17 Tom Galloway - Class Environmental Assessment in John Smola 2007 Berry Vrbanovic - Design in 2008 - 2009 - Construction in 2009

450712 February 19, 2008 A-8 Report: E-08-020/P-08-019

30. Fairway Road Widening, King Street to Kitchener Tom Galloway Wilson Avenue Carl Zehr - Environmental Assessment and John Gazzola Design in 2010-2013 - Construction in 2014

PLANNING AND WORKS – PROJECT TEAMS – 2008

Political/Stakeholder No. Description Local Municipality Representative

31. Bridgeport Bridge Rehabilitation and Kitchener Jean Haalboom Bridge Street Improvements, Jim Wideman Bloomingdale Road to Lancaster Street John Smola - Environmental Assessment and Design in 2008 - Construction in 2008, 2009

32. King Street Reconstruction Kitchener Jim Wideman - Victoria Street to Union Boulvard John Smola - Design in 2009 - 2011 Christina Weylie - Construction in 2012

33. Courtland Avenue Reconstruction – Kitchener Geoff Lorentz Highway 7/8 to Queen Street Christina Weylie - Design in 2009, 2010 - Construction in 2011, 2012

34. Westmount Road Reconstruction Kitchener Carl Zehr - Highland Road to Victoria Street Christina Weylie - Design in 2008 - 2009 - Construction in 2010

35. Manitou Road Widening – Bleams Road Kitchener Jean Haalboom to Fairway Road John Gazzola - Environmental Assessment and Design in 2008 - 2010 - Construction in 2011

36. Victoria Street, Edna Street to Bruce Kitchener John Smola Street

450712 February 19, 2008 A-9 Report: E-08-020/P-08-019 - Environmental Assessment and Design in 2008-2011 - Construction in 2011

37. Ottawa Street, King Street to Mill Street Kitchener Tom Galloway - Environmental Assessment and Christina Weylie Design in 2008 - 2011 - Construction in 2012

450712 February 19, 2008 A-10 Report: E-08-020/P-08-019

PLANNING AND WORKS – PROJECT TEAMS – 2008

Political/Stakeholder No. Description Local Municipality Representative

38. Trussler Road Functional Study Kitchener/Wilmot Tom Galloway - Highway 7/8 to New Dundee Road Elliot Fung - Design in 2007 Kelly Galloway - Construction in 2008

39. Erb Street Reconstruction, Westmount Waterloo Jan D’Ailly Road to Fischer-Hallman Road - Design in 2008 - Construction in 2009

40. Huron Street and Waterloo Street Wilmot Terry Broda Reconstructions, New Hamburg - Design in 2008 - Construction in 2008 - 2009

41. Road 12 Reconstruction – New Dundee Wilmot Elliott Fung and Petersburg - Design in 2008 - Construction in 2009

42. Bleams Road Reconstruction – Trussler Wilmot Tom Galloway Road to Mannheim Road Elliott Fung - Construction in 2008

43. King Street Improvements at Highway Woolwich Bill Strauss 85 Mark Bauman - Design in 2007 - Construction in 2008 - 2009

44. King Street Reconstruction, Highway 85 Woolwich Mark Bauman to Lobsinger Line - Design in 2009 - 2010 - Construction in 2011

450712 February 19, 2008 A-11 Report: E-08-020/P-08-019

45. Weber Street Reconstruction King Waterloo Angela Vieth Street to Milford Avenue – Albert Street to Northfield Drive - Design in 2008 - 2009 - Construction in 2010

PLANNING AND WORKS – PROJECT TEAMS – 2008

Political/Stakeholder No. Description Local Municipality Representative

46. Weber Street Widening – Victoria Street Kitchener To be assigned – to Guelph Street Suggest: -Environmental Assessment and Design in 2008 – 2012 1 Local Councillor -Construction in 2013 1 Regional Councillor

47. Fischer-Hallman Road Widening, Huron Kitchener To be assigned – Road to Activa Avenue Suggest: - Environmental Assessment and Design in 2008 - 2011 1 Local Councillor - Construction in 2012 - 2013 1 Regional Councillor

450712 February 19, 2008 A-12 Report: E-08-020/P-08-019

PLANNING AND WORKS – PROJECT TEAMS – 2008

Political/Stakeholder No. Description Local Municipality Representative W A T E R S E R V I C E S Advisory Committees

48. Water Efficiency Advisory Committee Kim Denouden Mark Dorfman Grant Dunham Tom Galloway Craig Hynd Claudette Millar James Robinson Wayne Roth Ken Seiling Katerine Waybrant Tammy Bellamy Jim Wideman Chris Toal

49. Water Resources Protection Liaison Kim Denouden Committee Jean Haalboom

Water Supply – Studies and Pre-Design

50. Tri-City Water Distribution Master Plan Jim Wideman Carl Zehr

51. Integrated Urban System Groundwater Kim Denouden Study

52. Mannheim Central Maintenance Facility Kitchener None required at this - Construction ongoing in 2008 time

53. Mannheim Water Treatment Plant Filter Kitchener None required at this Upgrade time

54. Wilmot Centre Monitoring Program and Wilmot Wayne Roth Public Liaison Committee

55. Well W5 Upgrade – Class Waterloo To be assigned – Environmental Assessment Suggest:

1 Local Councillor

450712 February 19, 2008 A-13 Report: E-08-020/P-08-019

PLANNING AND WORKS – PROJECT TEAMS – 2008

Political/Stakeholder No. Description Local Municipality Representative 1 Regional Councillor

56. Wells W6/W7/W8 Class Environmental Waterloo To be assigned – Assessment Suggest:

1 Regional Councillor

57. Grand Reservoir and Pumping Station – Kitchener To be assigned – Class Environmental Assessment Suggest: Update 1 Regional Councillor

58. Baden – New Hamburg Wilmot Lester Armstrong Water and Wastewater Master Plan Peter Roe Update Wayne Roth

59. Maple Grove Area Water Supply Cambridge To be assigned – Environmental Assessment Suggest: 1 Local Councillor 1 Regional Councillor

Water Supply – Design and Construction

60. St. George Street Tank Demolition Kitchener None required at this - Demolition in 2008 time

61. Gage Street Watermain Kitchener None required at this - Construction in 2008 time

62. Greenbrook Water Treatment Plant Kitchener Jean Haalboom Upgrades Carl Zehr - Construction ongoing in 2008

63. Zone 6 – New Pumping Station Kitchener/Waterloo None required at this - Construction ongoing in 2008 time

450712 February 19, 2008 A-14 Report: E-08-020/P-08-019

PLANNING AND WORKS – PROJECT TEAMS – 2008

Political/Stakeholder No. Description Local Municipality Representative

64. Zone 6 – New Reservoir Waterloo None required at this - Design in 2008, 2009 time - Construction in 2010

65. Zone 6 Watermains Kitchener None required at this Mannheim Water Treatment Plant and time Bleams Road (Trussler to Fischer- Hallman) - Construction in 2008

66. Well Replacements Kitchener/Wellesley None required at this (WY6, K11) time - Construction ongoing in 2008

67. Baden to New Hamburg Trunk Wilmot None required at this Watermain – Phase 2 time. - Construction in 2008

68. Middleton Pump Station Upgrades Cambridge Claudette Millar - Design in 2008 Pam Wolf - Construction in 2009 - 2010

69. University Avenue Watermain Baker Waterloo None required at this Street to Resurrection Street time. - Construction in 2008

70. Well K36 Treatment Upgrade Kitchener None required at this - Design in 2008 time. - Construction in 2008/2009

Wastewater – Studies and Pre-Design

71. Rural Water Quality Program Jean Haalboom

450712 February 19, 2008 A-15 Report: E-08-020/P-08-019

PLANNING AND WORKS – PROJECT TEAMS – 2008

Political/Stakeholder No. Description Local Municipality Representative

72. Kitchener Wastewater Treatment Plant Kitchener To be assigned – Upgrade Suggest: 1 Local Councillor

Jim Wideman Jean Haalboom

73. Wellesley, St. Jacobs, Hespeler and None required at this Baden/New Hamburg Anaerobic time Digester Upgrade

74. Biosolids Master Plan Update Angela Vieth Terry Broda Karl Kiefer Linda Whetham Paul Hergott Jim Wideman Kim Denouden

75. Hespeler Wastewater Treatment Plant Cambridge To be assigned – Upgrade Suggest: Study – December 2008 1 Local Councillor 1 Regional Councillor

76. Kitchener Wastewater Treatment Plant None required at this UV time

Wastewater – Design and Construction

77. Galt Wastewater Treatment Plant Cambridge None required at this Digestion Facility Upgrades time - Construction ongoing in 2008

78. Galt Wastewater Treatment Plant Cambridge None required at this Standby Power Upgrades time - Design in 2008 - Construction in 2009

450712 February 19, 2008 A-16 Report: E-08-020/P-08-019

PLANNING AND WORKS – PROJECT TEAMS – 2008

Political/Stakeholder No. Description Local Municipality Representative

79. Waterloo Wastewater Treatment Plant Waterloo Angela Vieth Update Sean Strickland - Design in 2008 - 2009 - Construction in 2009 – 2012

W A S T E M A N A G E M E N T Advisory Committee

80. Waterloo Landfill Liaison Committee Waterloo None required at this time Waste Management – Design and Construction

81. Waterloo Landfill New Cell Construction Waterloo None required at this - Design in 2008 time - Construction in 2009

450712 Report: P-08-020 REGION OF WATERLOO

PLANNING, HOUSING AND COMMUNITY SERVICES Community Planning

TO: Chair Jim Wideman and Members of the Planning and Works Committee

DATE: February 19, 2008 FILE CODE: D18-20

SUBJECT: MONTHLY REPORT OF DEVELOPMENT ACTIVITY FOR JANUARY 2008

RECOMMENDATION:

THAT the Regional Municipality of Waterloo accept P-08-020, Monthly Report of Development Activity for January 2008, dated February 19, 2008.

SUMMARY:

In accordance with the Regional By-law 01-028, as amended, the Commissioner of Planning, Housing and Community Services has:

1. Accepted the following plan of subdivision and plan of condominium; 2. Released for registration the following plan of subdivision and plan of condominium; 3. Closed the following plan of subdivision files; and 4. Approved the following municipal plan amendment.

REPORT:

City of Cambridge

1. Registration of Draft Plan of Subdivision 30T-87023 Draft Approval Date: September 14, 1989 Phase: Phase 1 Applicant: Grand Ridge Estates Limited Location: Salisbury Avenue Proposal: To permit the development of 59 single detached units. Processing Fee: Paid January 4, 2008 Commissioner’s Release: January 4, 2008

2. Registration of Draft Plan of Condominium 30CDM-06105 Draft Approval Date: July 31, 2007 Phase: Entire Plan Applicant: Rivers Edge II (Cambridge) Ltd. Location: 100 Eagle Street North Proposal: To permit the development of 119 apartment units. Processing Fee: Paid January 10, 2008 Commissioner’s Release: January 10, 2008

3. Closure of Plan of Subdivision File 30T-03105 Applicant: 1623231 Ontario Inc.

454338 Page 1 of 3 February 19, 2008 Report: P-08-020

Location: Fisher Mills Road File Closure Date: January 31, 2008

4. Official Plan Amendment No. 24 Applicant: City of Cambridge Location: Blair Village Special District Proposal: To address remaining deferrals to the City of Cambridge Official Plan. Processing Fee: Not required due to nature of application. Commissioner’s Approval: January 16, 2008 Came Into Effect: February 6, 2008

City of Kitchener

1. Municipal Plan Amendment No. 73 Applicant: 1682320 Ontario Ltd. Location: 342 Mill Street Proposal: To amend the land use designation to facilitate the development of the property with an 8 storey apartment building. Processing Fee: Paid December 28, 2007 Commissioner’s Approval: January 31, 2008 Comes Into Effect: February 20, 2008

City of Waterloo

1. Plan of Condominium Application 30CDM-08401 Date Accepted: January 25, 2008 Applicant: Cook Homes Limited Location: 875 University Avenue East Proposal: To permit the development of 75 townhouse units. Processing Fee: Paid January 25, 2008

Township of Woolwich

1. File Closure of Plan of Subdivision 30T-87024 Applicant: King/86 Developments Limited Location: King Street North/Farmers Market Road and Highway 85 File Closure Date: January 24, 2008

Residential Subdivision Activity January 2008 Area Municipality January 2008 Totals Units in Residential Pending Residential Units Draft Plans (Units Registered Plans Approved Submitted) *Kitchener 0 N/A N/A Waterloo 0 0 0 Cambridge 59 0 0 Woolwich 0 0 0 Wilmot 0 0 0 North Dumfries 0 0 0 Wellesley 0 0 0

454338 Page 2 of 3 February 19, 2008 Report: P-08-020

Region of Waterloo 59 0 0

*The acceptance and/or draft approval of plans of subdivision and condominium processed by the City of Kitchener under delegated approval authority are not included in this table.

Area Municipal Consultation/Coordination

These planning approvals, including associated consultation with the Area Municipalities, have been completed in accordance with the provisions of the Planning Act. All approvals contained in this report were supported by the Area Municipal Councils and/or staff.

CORPORATE STRATEGIC PLAN:

This report reflects actions taken by the Commissioner in accordance with the Delegation by-law adopted by Council consistent with the streamlining objectives reflected in Focus Area 1: Manage Regional Growth to enhance Quality of Life in the Corporate Strategic Plan.

FINANCIAL IMPLICATIONS:

NIL

ATTACHMENTS:

NIL

PREPARED BY: Andrea Banks, Program Assistant

APPROVED BY: Rob Horne, Commissioner of Planning, Housing and Community Services

454338 Page 3 of 3 REGION OF WATERLOO Report: P-08-021

PLANNING, HOUSING AND COMMUNITY SERVICES Transportation Planning

TO: Chair Jim Wideman and Members of the Planning and Works Committee

DATE: February 19, 2008 FILE CODE: D10-03

SUBJECT: INTERCITY TRANSIT BETWEEN THE GREATER TORONTO AREA AND WATERLOO REGION

RECOMMENDATION:

SUMMARY:

Waterloo Region is a large urban centre that has a significant affinity with the Greater Toronto Area (GTA) and is a major economic corridor that is poorly served by passenger rail. Highway corridors connecting to the GTA are congested and alternative solutions are being considered through studies such as the GTA West Corridor Study. Regional Council recognizes the importance of intercity transit to this community and has included the following objective in its Corporate Strategic Plan:

5.3 Advocate for improvements to intercity transportation services to and from Waterloo Region (e.g. VIA, GO)

This report provides a summary of existing service, an outline of ongoing studies and recommends a strategy to promote additional intercity transit service between the Greater Toronto Area and Waterloo Region.

Page 1 of 7 February 19, 2008 Report: P-08-021

REPORT:

Existing Service

Waterloo Region is currently serviced by VIA Rail and Greyhound Canada. GO Transit’s nearest service is Guelph. A summary of the characteristics of each service is provided below:

VIA Rail

VIA Rail currently operates 3 trains a day between Kitchener and Toronto leaving at 6:11 am, 8:43 am and 9:22 pm returning (leaving Toronto) at 10:50 am, 5:40 pm and 10:00 pm. The travel time to/from Toronto is approaching 100 minutes. The regular fare for a return trip is $56.70 although a superdiscounted fare may be purchased for $35.70.

Greyhound Canada

Greyhound Canada currently has 25 buses leaving from Waterloo Region to Toronto daily. The travel time from Kitchener ranges from 90 minutes to almost 3 hours depending on routing (through Guelph is longer) and time of day. The standard fare for a round trip is $43.30. A commuter pass can be purchased for $112.35 for 8 consecutive days of travel.

GO Transit

Go Transit may be accessed at several locations from Waterloo Region including Guelph Transit Terminal (bus), Aberfoyle (bus), Milton (train/bus) and Aldershot Station in Burlington (train).The fare for a day pass Guelph-Toronto is $22.10. A monthly pass may be purchased for $355.00. Travel time is approaching 2 hours from Guelph to downtown Toronto.

Existing Infrastructure

Highway 401

Greyhound Canada and GO Transit rely primarily on Highway 401 between Waterloo Region and the GTA. There are regular delays on Highway 401 during peak periods starting around Highway 407 and continuing through to Downtown Toronto. There are no dedicated transit lanes on this route and the buses experience the same delay as motorists, impacting the reliability of the service.

MTO has completed an Environmental Assessment Study to construct 10 lanes on Highway 401 between Highway 8 and Hespeler Road. MTO has also initiated the GTA West Corridor Study to consider a parallel transportation corridor north of Highway 401.

North Mainline

The North Mainline route includes the CN corridor from Toronto Union Station via Brampton, Guelph, Kitchener, and London, to Sarnia, Ontario. It consists of several rail subdivisions including Guelph, Weston, and parts of the Halton, Dundas and Strathroy Subdivisions as illustrated in Appendix A. The Guelph Subdivision extends from Georgetown to London and is operated under lease by the Goderich Exeter Railway (GEXR), which runs daily freight trains in each direction, and switches local freight customers along the line. Train speeds are nominally up to 70 mph (112 kph), however, there are numerous sections of track with speeds as low as 10 mph (16 kph) through urban areas, and sections of downgraded speed due to track conditions.

453066 Page 2 of 7 February 19, 2008 Report: P-08-021

VIA Rail operates three trains in each direction over this route, two of which run to Sarnia. GO Transit operates peak period directional service as far as Georgetown, plus limited bi-directional service from Bramalea on the Weston Subdivision.

The Guelph Subdivision is a single track with several short passing tracks averaging less than 2000 feet of usable capacity. There is a long siding at Kitchener, and a medium length siding at Guelph. Any train meets therefore, involving a passenger train and a freight train, would entail the passenger train taking the siding with extensive delay ensuing. This is not an issue at the present time as there are no scheduled meets or overtakes on this section of the line. The subdivision is what is known as “dark territory” as there is no signal system to control traffic, or remotely operated power switches. Also as noted above, this section of the line passes through the main centres of population between the GTA and London, including Acton, Guelph, Kitchener, Stratford, and St. Marys. All but a very few public road crossings are equipped with an automatic warning system consisting of flashing lights and bells, and in many cases also including automatic gates.

The rail corridor from Toronto Union Station to the junction with the Guelph Subdivision west of Georgetown consists of single and double track with Centralized Traffic Control (CTC). Both the Weston and Halton Subdivisions are characterized by extensive service tracks to facilitate servicing freight customers clear of the main track. The Halton Subdivision is part of CN’s core freight network, and is considered to be at capacity in terms of accommodating additional passenger service, whether intercity or commuter. There are single track gauntlets through the City of Brampton, and across the Credit River east of Georgetown.

With the proposed Pearson Airport rail link to downtown Toronto, “Blue 22”, major infrastructure was proposed to be installed on both the Weston and Halton Subdivisions. This would provide the necessary capacity, as well as improved running times to meet the target transit time for the airport service, as major points of conflict and restriction would be eliminated. These include the rail-rail grade separation at West Toronto, twinning of the major structure over the Humber River, and elimination of a series of level crossings through Weston.

On the Halton Subdivision, a third main track was to be added, and the single track gauntlet through Brampton would be eliminated. The planned upgrades were to extend as far as Mount Pleasant GO Station under the current 10 year planning horizon. This would provide for increased peak period directional service, but only as far as Mount Pleasant, where a new layover facility was proposed. There is no counter peak or bi-directional service planned at this time. Beyond Mount Pleasant, GO would continue to operate the existing four trains per day rush-hour service to and from Georgetown.

The cost of this planned infrastructure is estimated to be in excess of $200 million. It does not, however, provide for additional VIA service over and above the currently operating three trains in each direction, or for any other non-CN freight service, including direct service to Pearson Airport from the west. The infrastructure improvements are intended to provide for GO Transit expansion and the air link to the airport only. Any additional passenger rail service on the CN core network could not be guaranteed without additional major capital infrastructure. This would include a new double track bridge over the Credit River (currently single track), and a fourth main track to Bramalea. These are estimated to cost in the range of $150 million.

CP Galt Subdivision

453066 Page 3 of 7 February 19, 2008 Report: P-08-021

The Galt Subdivision is owned and operated by CP Rail and is CP’s mainline connecting Toronto to Detroit through Cambridge. The Galt Subdivision is double tracked to the Guelph Junction just west of Campbellville where it continues west to Cambridge as a single track. A business case for passenger service along the Galt Subdivision has not been completed so the detailed information provided for the North Mainline is not immediately available. It is our understanding that the tracks and signaling equipment from Cambridge to Milton are superior to the majority of rail lines throughout the Province and would not require any upgrading to accommodate the extension of the present GO Rail service although CP has inidicated they would require double track for passenger service.

GO Transit operates a successful commuter rail service between Milton and Union Station. The travel time is 54 minutes and is faster than car in AM and PM peak periods. There is an adequate number of trains with 6 trains at 15 to 20 minute frequencies from 6:20 to 8:00 a.m. (eastbound) and 4:30 to 7:00 p.m. (westbound) which gives commuters flexibility and convenience while commuting. GO buses provide service in the off-peak times and directions. Of note is that GO stores the trains servicing the Milton station at the Guelph Junction, only 17 miles from Cambridge.

Places to Grow Growth Plan

On June 16, 2006, the Province released the Growth Plan for the Greater Golden Horseshoe. Within this plan, the Province identified (Schedule 5) the intent to improve inter-regional transit from Waterloo Region to the GTA via the North Mainline. Inter-regional transit using the Galt Subdivision is not included in the report even though it was raised as part of the Region’s response to the Growth Plan.

Ongoing Initiatives

North Mainline Municipal Alliance

In 2003, an alliance of heads of council was formed to lobby senior government to fund improvements to the North Mainline (London to Toronto through Kitchener) in order to support improved intercity and commuter rail passenger services. Chair Seiling and the Mayors from Kitchener and Waterloo represented this area on the Alliance. In order to support lobbying efforts, a business case for improved rail passenger service was prepared.

The enhanced service recommended in the Business Plan involves “Diesel Multiple Units” (DMU’s or, more colloquially, “Budd Cars”). These are one or two linked, self propelled passenger units. Service closer to Georgetown would involve 4 additional trains (DMU’s) but only one of these would extend beyond Kitchener to London to supplement the existing three intercity VIA trips. A similar technology could be used to connect Cambridge to Milton.

Based on such factors as rail infrastructure conditions, passenger ridership (existing or potential), and proximity to the GTA, the pertinent sections for potential improvement of CN Rail’s North Mainline fall logically into the following three sections, namely,

1. Georgetown (Halton Hills) to Breslau 2. Breslau to Stratford 3. Stratford to London

The Business Plan concludes that the respective capital costs for infrastructure improvements over these three sections are respectively $19M, $17M, and $22M for a total cost of $58M.

Capital costs for acquiring additional train units are estimated to be $20M.

453066 Page 4 of 7 February 19, 2008 Report: P-08-021

Revenue is more difficult to predict and will grow over time and through staging of services. Accordingly, the following range in potential revenue has been identified, namely, $5.4M to $10.8M per year.

Annual operating costs will also grow over time but are estimated to be about $3.5M. Major conclusions from the study include:

1. The proposed rail service strategy is feasible at reasonable capital and operating costs. 2. Intercity and commuter passenger rail services are exclusively provided by senior levels of government in Canada; therefore, such rail passenger services that might be established on the North Mainline should be funded and operated by senior government.

3. Such improvements are good for southwestern Ontario and, consistent with the theme of regional economic cooperation.

It was recommended that the North Mainline Municipal Alliance meet with Federal and Provincial officials and politicians to request funding for rail infrastructure upgrades and passenger service operations. This has been done on an ad-hoc basis and no coordinated effort has taken place yet.

GO Transit

GO Transit has a mandate to provide commuter transit service in the Greater Toronto Area and Hamilton market. Much of the future growth shown in the Places to Grow Proposed Growth Plan for the Greater Golden Horseshoe is to occur beyond the current mandated GO Transit service area. GO Transit has subsequently initiated studies of the feasibility of extending its service beyond its mandated area. These studies were also initiated in response to the need to protect options for future service infrastructure, to determine funding implications and to promote a basis for feedback to government growth strategies. The report concludes that a GO Transit bus service in the Highway 401 west corridor will provide an attractive commuting alternative to automobile travel in both directions, including the traditional work trip market and also the post-secondary student travel market.

The GO Transit Feasibility Study identified a first phase extending bus service from the GTA to Highway 401 and Brock Road (Aberfoyle) with the future extensions to the Region of Waterloo. The first phase was initiated in September, 2007. GO Transit has recently initiated an Environmental Assessment Study for extending passenger service along the North Mainline to Kitchener.

Quebec City to Windsor High Speed Rail

The Government of Canada, Province of Ontario and Province of Quebec have announced they will be updating feasibility studies, including a passenger forecast study for a high speed rail service between Windsor and Quebec City. The study will examine the environmental and economic business case for service as well as the opportunity for private sector participation in the development and implementation. As one of the economic engines within the Province of Ontario, a station within the Region of Waterloo would connect this area with other major centres in the corridor and provide a viable alternative to travel along Highway 401.

Conclusions

There is a demand for additional transit service between Waterloo Region and the GTA but it will take a concerted effort to move forward. There are many obstacles to implementing rail passenger service in the short term including capacity, infrastructure requirements, costs and travel times. Although, bus transit is

453066 Page 5 of 7 February 19, 2008 Report: P-08-021 restricted with similar capacity restraints as cars traveling in shared lanes, the infrastructure is primarily in place and less expensive to implement. As a result, the following course of action is proposed: a) Request the Federal and Provincial Governments to provide additional passenger rail service (VIA/GO) to Waterloo Region and consider the recommendations from the North Mainline Municipal Alliance to provide self propelled passenger units between Kitchener and Georgetown in the peak periods to connect with the existing GO Train service; b) Undertake a feasibility study to further define the opportunity for passenger rail service along the Galt Subdivision; c) Request the Provincial Government to advance implementation of inter-regional bus transit directly connecting Waterloo Region to the Milton GO Transit station in the short term; d) Develop formal policies and strategies through the Regional Transportation Master Plan and in the new Regional Official Plan for the implementation of intercity transit; e) Formally request the Federal and Provincial Governments to consider a station within the Region of Waterloo as a specific element of the Terms of Reference of the Quebec City to Windsor High Speed Rail Feasibility Study; and f) Forward this report to GO Transit, VIA Rail, Ministry of Transportation Ontario, Transport Canada, Metrolinx and all local Members of Parliament and Member of Provincial Parliament.

Implementation of additional transit service between the GTA and Waterloo Region will help reduce congestion in the Highway 401 corridor and reduce the resultant greenhouse gas emissions.

Area Municipal Consultation/Coordination

Political representatives and staff from the Regional Municipality of Waterloo and other municipalities (St. Mary’s, Stratford, London, Kitchener, Waterloo, Guelph and Halton Hills) participated on the North Mainline Alliance. Cambridge would be invited to participate in the feasibility study for the Galt Subdivision. The City of Cambridge’s Economic Development Advisory Committee has set GO train service as its top priority for 2008. This report has been circulated to all area municipalities and the City of Cambridge’s Economic Development Advisory Committee.

CORPORATE STRATEGIC PLAN:

The intercity transit strategy addresses Strategic Plan Focus Area 5: Infrastructure: Provide high quality infrastructure and asset management to meet current needs and future growth and Strategic Objective 3: Advocate for improvements to inter-city transportation services to and from Waterloo Region (e.g. VIA, GO).

FINANCIAL IMPLICATIONS:

All costs provided in this report are excerpted from the North Mainline Business Case and reflect 2004 dollars. The cost of undertaking a Business Case for the Galt Subdivision is estimated to be $75,000 and could be funded from the growth related studies identified in the 2008 Transportation Capital Program.

OTHER DEPARTMENT CONSULTATIONS/CONCURRENCE:

Transportation and Environmental Services have been consulted in the preparation of this report.

453066 Page 6 of 7 February 19, 2008 Report: P-08-021

ATTACHMENTS:

Appendix A: Map of Southern Ontario Railway Subdivisions

PREPARED BY: Graham Vincent, Director, Transportation Planning

APPROVED BY: Rob Horne, Commissioner of Planning, Housing and Community Services

453066 Page 7 of 7 February 19, 2008 Report: P-08-021

Appendix A Map of Southern Ontario Railway Subdivisions

453066 Page 8 of 7 Report: P-08-022 REGION OF WATERLOO

PLANNING, HOUSING AND COMMUNITY SERVICES Transportation Planning

TO: Chair Jim Wideman and Members of the Planning and Works Committee

DATE: February 19, 2008 FILE CODE: D09-90

SUBJECT: REGIONAL TRANSPORTATION MASTER PLAN UPDATE AND UPCOMING WORKSHOPS

RECOMMENDATION:

For information.

SUMMARY:

The Region of Waterloo’s “Moving Forward 2031 – Regional Transportation Master Plan” Study (RTMP) is underway. A kick-off event was held on November 22, 2007, with Glen Murray as the keynote speaker. The feedback received from the event was positive and reflected a public understanding of the fact that the Region is at a crossroads when it comes to its future transportation system. The public expressed support for creating a transportation system and network that provides more choice and better balances the interrelationship between the environment, the economy and social well-being.

A telephone public opinion survey was conducted in November and December of 2007 to gain more information on the public’s views of the transportation system. This survey was compared to a similar survey that was conducted in 1997 for the last RTMP. Overall, the results of the 2007 Public Opinion Survey show that there is much more awareness of the transportation challenges facing the Region today than in 1997, including health, social, and natural environmental impacts. There was almost unanimous support for public transit within Waterloo Region, which is a significant change from 1997. There was also considerable support for the introduction of rapid transit, with 82% indicating it is fairly important, very important or essential. Similar to the launch event, residents indicated they are supportive of the direction to provide more transportation choice in the future. A more detailed summary of the responses is contained within this report.

In order to continue to develop the vision and guiding principles for the RTMP, a series of public workshops will be held on February 20, 21 and 28, from 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. in Waterloo, Kitchener and Cambridge, respectively. Input received from the kick-off event, the workshop series and the telephone survey results will be synthesized to develop the vision and guiding principles that will be brought back for Council consideration mid year.

REPORT:

The Region of Waterloo is undertaking a new Regional Transportation Master Plan (RTMP) for planning transportation infrastructure to the year 2031, along with high level identification of projects and services required beyond 2031. A key objective of the new plan is to create a sustainable transportation vision for our community that balances the protection of our natural environment, provides opportunity for social cohesion, fosters an economically competitive market, and promotes a

454729 Page 1 of 8 February 19, 2008 Report: P-08-022 healthy lifestyle.

Regional Transportation Master Plan – Project Launch Event

As it is often a challenge to obtain public input for high-level strategic planning studies, the project team decided to hold a Project launch event on November 22, 2007. The event featured a keynote speaker, a panel of experts, and an opportunity for the public to discuss the future of transportation in the Region of Waterloo.

The kick-off event was designed to inform the public of the overall RTMP Study objectives and to facilitate the initiation of rich and meaningful discussions designed to understand how citizens view the state of the current transportation system and what their expectations and visions are for transportation service and community mobility for the next two decades. Participants in the workshop were encouraged to discuss their thoughts regarding the relationship between an effective transportation system, a vital economy and a healthy community.

The kick-off event was an interactive session consisting of:

· introductory remarks from Regional Chair Seiling; · a multimedia presentation; · presentation by the keynote speaker, (Mr. Glen Murray, former Mayor of Winnipeg and current Chair of the National Roundtable on the Environment and Economy); and · a panel discussion involving experts in the area of culture, heritage, human health and transportation including; Dr. Jody Decker, Associate Professor, Department of Geography and Environmental Science, Wilfrid Laurier University, Dr. Douglas Bryant, Senior Scientist, Intrinsik Environmental Science Inc., and Graham Vincent, Director, Transportation Planning, Regional Municipality of Waterloo.

These activities were followed by individual roundtable discussions with the audience.

A high level summary of comments from Mr. Murray’s presentation is provided in Appendix A.

The following is a summary of the key themes that emerged from the discussion held during the event and received on the comment sheets submitted.

· Transportation can’t be isolated from land use and urban design/form; all of these are integrally connected. · Depending on what we choose to do and how we do it, transportation-related decisions can have a tremendous impact on our sense of, and ability to, create a vibrant community. It is essential that the full breadth of social, environmental and economic inputs are considered. · The Region is at a crossroads in its transportation history. We cannot continue with the “same old, same old”. We cannot “road build” our way out of congestion either. It is not sustainable over the longer-term. Change is coming and there is a need to look at a full complement of options and opportunities that are right for the Region and right for the times. · There is a desire to improve transportation choice; to offer enhanced competitive choices that are blended into a more comprehensive, seamless system. · The Region can’t do everything…at least not all at once. There will have to be some priority-setting and some difficult decisions concerning multiple choices. In a way, determining what won’t be done will be as important as determining what will be done. · Further enhancements to our transit system need to occur to continue to build it as a convenient

454729 Page 2 of 8 February 19, 2008 Report: P-08-022

and reliable system. · Moving toward more active forms of transportation brings positive impacts on personal health (potentially reducing health care dollars required). · The future is rife with potential and possibility. Though there are many issues and challenges, there is also a spirit of hopefulness, optimism and confidence about what can be accomplished. Overall, the event was considered a success, and there was support for the study proceeding with the creation of a sustainable transportation system for the community.

Public Opinion Survey

A telephone public opinion survey was conducted between November 26 and December 4, 2007 by Ipsos Reid and 365 residents of the Region of Waterloo were polled. The results were tracked to the1997 survey where possible and the survey reflects a random and representative sample of the travel behaviour of the community. The overall results are considered accurate to within +/-5.1%, 19 times out of 20.

There are several key observations from this survey, some of which can be compared to the 1997 survey. The feedback reflected the following:

· Residents in 2007 seem more open to changing their behaviour, with significantly more residents agreeing that a better transit system, a subsidized transit pass, a better designed mixed development community and major road congestion would motivate them to use public transit than in 1997.

· There is near unanimous support for public transit within the Region of Waterloo (96%), with most residents agreeing that public transit is better for the environment (92%) and that it is not just for people who cannot afford a car (62%).

· There is considerable support for the introduction of rapid transit to the Region with 82% indicating that it is fairly important, very important or essential and rated higher than construction of new roads and widening of existing roads.

· Residents in the Region of Waterloo agree that people should be using their cars less often. Slightly more residents think this is achievable (48%) compared to those who think it isn’t (42%). They recognize the impact driving has on the environment and personal health and are supportive of transit overall, although 32% strongly agreed it will not be them.

· The group to focus on moving their modal choice appears to be the occasional users, (54% of residents), those who currently use transit and are open to use it, but could use it more frequently. Most residents admit they see gas prices rising to a point where they would drive less often. As such, transportation initiatives surrounding better transit service (between the Region and the GTA, between Cities/Townships in the Region and within each City/Township) are thought to be significantly more important in 2007 than in 1997. This is an indication that residents recognize the importance transit improvements will make to the transportation system in the Region overall than they did previously.

· One third of residents (33%) indicated they drive less today than they did 10 years ago, while 38% indicated they drove the same and 27% drove more. Using other modes of transportation such as walking, public transit, cycling and carpooling are all cited as reasons for driving less.

· The challenge to encouraging residents to drive less comes from the fact that residents find

454729 Page 3 of 8 February 19, 2008 Report: P-08-022

driving to be more flexible (97%), more convenient (frequency, location of stops) (88%) and that using transit makes it difficult to reach some parts of the Region (72%).

· Residents continue to rely on the automobile but there has been a significant increase in the number of residents who walk or take transit.

· Almost three quarters of residents said they were satisfied with transportation in the Region and 70% said they were satisfied with public transit service. Residents are significantly less satisfied with the level of congestion on the roadways in 2007 (47%) than in 1997 (62%).

· Residents have significantly shifted their attitudes regarding the widening or construction of new roads. Nearly half (47%) of residents in 2007 felt construction of new roadways was essential/very important to the transportation system compared to 31% in 1997. A similar trend was also observed for widening of existing roads.

· Residents are significantly more satisfied (62%) with the condition of the roadways in their city/township than in 1997 (46%).

The factors which residents feel are most important when planning the future transportation system are the impact on the environment (both natural areas and waterways) and impact on personal health. While 6-7% of residents feel the economic impact (impact on business and moving goods) is the most important, overall it does not resonate to the same extent as the impact on health, the social impact and the environmental impacts.

Overall, the results of the Public Opinion Survey show that there is much more awareness of the transportation challenges facing the Region today than in 1997, including health, social, and natural environmental impacts. Residents are supportive of the direction to provide more transportation choices in the future than available today.

Public Workshop Events

To continue the community conversation on develop a vision for the future of transportation in the Region of Waterloo, a series of workshops are planned. The dates and locations are provided in Appendix B. We will be discussing:

· The vision for the future of transportation in Waterloo Region; · How walking, cycling, transit, roads and the movement of goods will fit into this vision; and · The Regional Transportation Master Plan process and the public’s role in it.

Each workshop will have the same format and will follow the following plan;

6:00 p.m. Registration and Open House 6:30 p.m. Welcome, Introductions and Overview of Workshop Format 6:40 p.m. Presentation: “Overview of Regional Transportation Master Plan Update – Purpose and Process” 7:00 p.m. Question and Answer 7:15 p.m. Discussion Groups: “What could the future look like? 8:35 p.m. Group Summaries 8:50 p.m. Next Steps: Where do we go from here?

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Project Next Steps

The comments received from the Project Launch event, the telephone survey results and the input received at the workshops will be synthesized to form a comprehensive project vision. This vision will be brought forward to Regional Council for endorsement along with the finalized work plan and project budget mid year.

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Area Municipal Consultation/Coordination

The Cities of Cambridge, Kitchener and Waterloo along with the Township of Wilmot are represented on the Project Steering Committee. The Townships of North Dumfries, Wellesley, and Woolwich were invited to participate but declined. As the project progresses, information will be sent to all area municipalities for their review and input.

CORPORATE STRATEGIC PLAN:

This report is aligned with the following Strategic Focus areas;

· Focus Area One: Environmental Sustainability: Protect and Enhance the Environment o Improve air quality in Waterloo Region.

· Focus Area Two, “Growth Management: Manage and shape growth to ensure a livable, healthy, thriving and sustainable Waterloo Region” o Enhance, develop, promote and integrate sustainable and active forms of transportation (public transit, cycling and walking)

· Focus Area Five, “Infrastructure: Provide high quality infrastructure and asset management to meet current needs and future growth”. o Optimize the use of existing infrastructure and ensure it is adequately maintained. o Provide infrastructure needed to accommodate planned growth.

FINANCIAL IMPLICATIONS:

The Public event is included in the Regional Transportation Master Plan budget.

OTHER DEPARTMENT CONSULTATIONS/CONCURRENCE:

Transportation and Environmental Services and Public Health have representatives on the Steering Committee for this project that includes the following Regional Councillors; Doug Craig, Kim Denouden, Jean Haalboom, Claudette Millar, Sean Strickland, Jim Wideman, and Carl Zehr.

ATTACHMENTS:

Appendix A – RTMP Kick-Off Event – Keynote Speaker Presentation Summary Appendix B – Workshop Invitation

PREPARED BY: Paula Sawicki, Manager, Strategic Transportation Planning

APPROVED BY: Rob Horne, Commissioner of Planning, Housing and Community Services

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Appendix A – RTMP Kick-Off Event – Keynote Speaker Presentation Summary

· Our current approach to transportation and city building is not sustainable; · Major climate change is underway – much of the rapid change is attributable to our use of energy (including fuel for transportation). Climate change has major implications for water quality/quantity, food supply, health, etc.; · If we are to build great cities it is time again to emphasize “livable culture”. It is within our capacity to create great places to live, work and play; · Increased urbanization and other factors are contributing to a fundamental shift in our economy. “There is a marked decrease in manufacturing. There is a marked increase in our knowledge sector.” Innovation is vital to future success to building a great city; · Given the significant shift in our economy and this “innovation revolution” - we need to think of where transportation fits into the mix and how it contributes to community vibrancy; · There is a need to look at every street as more than a means of moving vehicles – there is a need to consider social activity, economic potential, etc. In essence, street and transportation planning needs to be approached in a holistic manner; · There must be an increased focus on transit and walkability – that allows people to get to and around destinations; · There is a need to view and treat infrastructure as cultural assets; · Culture and sustainability pay! Enhancements in these areas can deliver tremendous benefits.

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Appendix B – Workshop Invitation

454729 Page 8 of 8 Moving Forward 2031 Region of Waterloo Transportation Master Plan This Study

Develop Develop Public Workshops Study Identify Problems Examine Transportation TMP Plan and Opportunities Alternatives Implementation Strategy February 20, 2008 February 21, 2008 February 28, 2008 We Are Here Four additional public events are being planned for important stages in the project related to the following topics: • Explore aspirations for different components of 1. Travel Demand Management and Transit Strategies the Region’s www.movingforward2031.ca 2. Travel Demand Forecasting and Identification of transportation system Network Deficiencies • To get feedback on the 3. Identify Transit Plan, Implementation and Financing study process Opportunities 4. Identification of Recommended Improvement Plan

What is the Regional Transportation Master RTMP – Activities to Date Plan? • November 22nd 2007 – Successful Kick-Off Event • The three pillars of a sustainable community will be • December 2007 – Completed Telephone Survey considered in the identification and evaluation of • Working Paper #1 – Summary of the Telephone transportation options: Survey Results – People; • Creating a sense of community • Working Paper #2 – Existing Transportation Context • Recognizing the health impacts of transportation Report - draft complete • Improving accessibility • Web Site www.movingforward2031.ca • Preservation of cultural heritage

What is the Regional Transportation Master Kick-Off Event Summary Plan? “What Moves You”

– The Environment; • Objective: • Recognizing ecosystem constraints and limitations – To inform the public of the RTMP study and to initiate • Considers energy consumption and emissions discussions regarding the future vision for transportation in the Region of Waterloo –TheEconomy: • Supporting economic growth • November 22, 2007, Delta Hotel – Kitchener • Ensuring the efficient movement of people and goods • Attendance – Approx 230 – 240 attendees (145 • Considers affordability people signed registers) • Key Note speaker – Glenn Murray

1 What Did We Hear at the Event? Telephone Survey Results (Working Paper #1) • Transportation cannot be isolated from other “things” in the • Ipsos Reid polled 365 residents of the Region of community • Transportation decisions affect community liveability and Waterloo between November 26 and December 4, economic vibrancy 2007 • The Region is at a crossroads • Results tracked to 1997 survey where possible. • There is a desire to improve transportation choice • Rapid Transit is desirable and necessary • The survey reflects a random and representative • The future is full of potential and possibility sample of the travel behavior of the community. Complete summary report can be found at www.movingforward2031.ca

Attitudes Toward Transportation Mode of Transportation

Strongly agree Somewhat agree Somewhat disagree Strongly disagree Public transit is critically important to the Region of Waterloo so 77% 19% 1% that everyone can get around 73% Driving is more flexible as I can go to several places in one trip 72% 25% 2% Car driver 73% Taking public transit is better for the environment than driving 70% 22% 3%4% 3% It’s more convenient; less of a hassle to drive than to take public Car 63% 25% 6% 5% transit passenger 4% It is difficult for me to travel to some parts of the Region of 46% 26% 11% 10% 2007 Waterloo because public transit service is limited 10% 1997 I love my car 44% 29% 12% 12% Walk 10% If the price of gas continues to rise I can see a point where I would 40% 33% 14% 11% consider driving less often 10% I support efforts to get more people taking public transit, but it Bus 32% 34% 18% 15% won’t be me 6% The design of my community makes it difficult to take transit 28% 26% 29% 15% 4% Other/DK Public transit is for people who can’t afford a car 21% 17% 21% 41% 7% Given the weather, it is not reasonable to use other forms of 18% 27% 32% 21% transportation in our Region I worry about my personal security on public transit 9% 23% 24% 39% Q5. What mode of transportation do you typically use to get to school/work/around the region? If you use more than one form of transportation, please identify the order in which you take them. 2007 Base: all respondents. n=365. 1997 Base: Employed only. n=230. Q11. I’m going to read you some statements related to transportation. Please tell me to what extent you personally agree with them, is that strongly agree, somewhat agree, somewhat disagree or strongly disagree (READ LIST). Base: all respondents n=365.

Changes in Driving Behaviour Motivation to Change Transportation Behaviour

58% 28% Better transit service in your area 55% Amount of Driving Compared Reasons For Driving Less 28% to 10 Years Ago I walk 36% 51% Better designed community mix of shopping, small 14% I work from home to reduce trips businesses/residential housing 0% 21% into the office 31% 47% I work/ commute less/ shorter More 20% 18% distance/ I am retired A company subsidized transit pass Same 27% 33% 22% I use public transit 20% amount 42% 38% 24% Major levels of congestion on the roadway system I cycle 14% 47% 13% Less I carpool when possible 13% 21% 19% Employed - 2007 33% Having to pay for parking where you work 8% 28% Employed - 1997 I go out less/ stay at home more 18% 20% Homemaker/Retired - 2007 I drive less 5% 22% Higher gas taxes or insurance - 50% increase Homemaker/Retired - 1997 27% I plan my trips/ I try to complete 3% 11% More urban dwellers (33%) say they are driving several tasks in one trip less now compared to rural dwellers (23%) 6% Nothing would get me to switch from my vehicle to 21% Other mentions 2% something else 18% 11%

Q15, Q16, Q17. Thinking back on your last trip to work/last shopping trip/school, which of the following developments would have made you seriously consider Q12. Compared to 10 years ago, would you say that you drive more, less or the same amount? Base: all respondents. n=365 Q13. And what have you using another form of transportation? Q15. Base: Employed n=221 (2007), n=174 (1997), Q16. Base: Homemaker/Retired n=119 (2007), n=130 (1997) done instead? Base: drive less as compared to 10 years ago. n=111

2 Transit Use Motivations to Encourage Fewer Car Trips

Strongly agree Somewhat agree Somewhat disagree Strongly disagree Transit User Last Time Used Transit By Urban vs. Rural Develop transit system which better connects cities by Urban vs. Rural 64% 32% 1%1% 15% and townships within region 7% One week ago or less 16% A frequent 2% 7% transit user 7% Improve transit service across region by increasing 2% Total In the last month, but not in 53% 38% 5%2% 7% Total frequency and coverage Urban the last week 10% 5% A regular Rural Urban 11% Rural transit user 12% Provide separate lanes for buses and cars with 2 or 1% One to six months ago 13% 40% 36% 12% 12% 7% more passengers An 54% occasional 55% 9% transit user 52% Six months to a year ago 9% 15% Encourage more mixed development in community 31% 40% 12% 15% 29% I do not 35% 26% use transit More than one year ago 34% 45% 40% Make it more expensive for people to drive 11% 18% 15% 56% 21% Never 20% 30% Allow traffic congestion to increase 7% 15% 18% 59%

Q20. Would you consider yourself to be…[READ LIST]? Q21. When was the last time you used public transit in your city/township? Base: all Q14. I’m going to read you a list of measures that could be used to encourage fewer automobile trips by residents throughout Region of Waterloo. Please tell respondents. n=365 me whether you personally agree or disagree with each measure? And would that be strongly or somewhat agree/disagree? (READ LIST) Base: all respondents n=365

Motivations to Using Public Transit Rating of Importance of Transportation Initiatives

Very likely Somewhat likely Not very likely Not at all likely

Essential Very important Fairly important Not very important Not at all important

More frequent service 36% 30% 16% 18% Better transit service, including bus and train, 24% 47% 18% 5%4% between the Region and the GTA (Toronto) Express routes between municipalities or to 37% 24% 19% 20% downtown areas Improved coordination of traffic signals within the Region – that is improved operation of traffic 22% 49% 19% 9% 1% signals More routes 31% 29% 17% 22% Provision of better access to transit services for 21% 48% 20% 6%3% the physically challenged within the Region More accessible stops 30% 28% 20% 22%

Better road maintenance within the Region 21% 45% 24% 9%1% Extended hours of operation 29% 22% 25% 23% Better bus service between cities and townships within the Region (increased frequency, better 18% 46% 25% 7%2% Fewer transfers 24% 29% 22% 24% coverage)

Better bus service within your city or township 22% 41% 25% 8% 2% Greater emphasis on safety 23% 29% 27% 20% (increased frequency, better coverage)

Improvement of pedestrian facilities such as 21% 43% 25% 8%2% More comfortable buses/trains 22% 29% 27% 21% sidewalks, pathways etc. within the Region

Q18. The following is a list of measures that could be taken to improve the transportation system in the Region of Waterloo. Please indicate whether you think the measure is essential, very important, fairly important, not very important or not at all important. (READ LIST) Base: all respondents n=365 Q23. How likely do you think the following initiatives would be to make you take public transit more often? Base: all respondents n=365

Satisfaction with Transportation and Services in Rating of Importance of Transportation Initiatives the Region

Very satisfied Somewhat satisfied Somewhat dissatisfied Very dissatisfied

Essential Very important Fairly important Not very important Not at all important 2007 25% 45% 19% 9% Public transit service in your city or Expansion of designated township bicycle path networks 22% 40% 20% 13% 5% 1997 28% 46% 16% 10% within the Region

Introduction of Rapid 19% 39% 24% 9% 7% transit within the Region Public transit service between cities 2007 24% 43% 16% 14% or townships with the Region of Waterloo 1997 19% 36% 22% 22%

Construction of new roadways within the 15% 32% 30% 18% 4% Region

2007 19% 52% 19% 8% Widening of existing Transportation in the Region of roadways within the 10% 34% 28% 21% 5% Waterloo overall Region 1997 NA

Q18. The following is a list of measures that could be taken to improve the transportation system in the Region of Waterloo. Please indicate whether you think the Q3. Please indicate your level of satisfaction with the following transportation issues. Would you say you are very satisfied, somewhat satisfied, measure is essential, very important, fairly important, not very important or not at all important. (READ LIST) Base: all respondents n=365 somewhat dissatisfied, or very dissatisfied? 2007 Base: all respondents/those who use transit as applicable. n=365. 1997 Base: all respondents. n=300

3 Satisfaction with Transportation and Services in the Region Regional Council Strategic Plan Vision

Very satisfied Somewhat satisfied Somewhat dissatisfied Very dissatisfied

2007 15% 47% 24% 14% Waterloo Region will be an inclusive, thriving The condition of roadways in your city or township 1997 9% 37% 28% 26% and sustainable community committed to maintaining harmony between rural and urban

2007 14% 37% 22% 24% areas and fostering opportunities for current Transit service between the Region of Waterloo and the GTA 1997 12% 30% 23% 35% and future generations.

2007 12% 35% 26% 26% The level of congestion on roadways in your city or township 1997 17% 45% 24% 14%

Q3. Please indicate your level of satisfaction with the following transportation issues. Would you say you are very satisfied, somewhat satisfied, somewhat dissatisfied, or very dissatisfied? 2007 Base: all respondents/those who use transit as applicable. n=365. 1997 Base: all respondents. n=300

What Could the Future Look Like?

Hello Mike,

I am emailing you, as I don't know the proper route to go regarding the council meeting next week for the review of the Bleams road construction. I am writing as a concerned mother and resident along Bleams. Today we recieved a flyer from the gentleman who owns a business on Bleams and who is out full force to convince everyone that alternative B is the correct way to go. I am sure he is doing this so he has parking spaces and room to clear out his snow from his parking lot, which would be infringed upon should we have proper sidewalks and boulevards. He will be attending the meeting to "reinforce his vision" and believes that "option A will change our village in a negative way and make our properties less accessible". He states that the more people that attend the meeting will better their chances of showing alternative B as the better choice. I, unfortunately will not be able to attend the meeting, but am strongly in favour of alternative A as it will be safer, beautiful, and more environmentally friendly, and to top that, less expensive. He also states that they need to "show them that we want to live in Mannheim, not in an extension of the City!!!!". Can I write a letter to someone that will be a part of the meeting in my absence or do I not have any other options at this point?? I appreciate your feedback.

Sincerely, Jenna Sardella

PLANNING, HOUSING AND COMMUNITY SERVICES Transportation Planning

Date: February 19, 2008

MEMORANDUM

To: Chair Jim Wideman and Members of the Planning and Works Committee

From: Gethyn Beniston, Transit Planner

Subject: GRT - UNIVERSAL TRANSIT PASS (U-PASS) PROGRAM UPDATE ______

Introduction

This memo provides an update on the U-Pass programs at the University of Waterloo and Wilfrid Laurier University.

A Universal Transit Pass program was implemented in September 2007 for undergraduate students at the University of Waterloo (UW). This program builds on the previous success of a similar program with Wilfrid Laurier University (WLU), which was initiated in September 2005. U- Pass programs allow qualifying students unlimited use of Grand River Transit (GRT) service for a fee charged per-term as part of their tuition.

Eligible students have the U-Pass fee (currently $41.08 per term) added to their tuition statement. At both universities, eligible students include all full-time registered on-campus undergraduates. Part-time students, students attending satellite campuses outside the Region (WLU Brantford, for example), and students on co-op work terms are not currently eligible. Full-time graduate students at WLU have been included in the program since September 2007.

U-Pass Ridership

In 2007 GRT provided over 1.4 Million rides to U-Pass holders. This represents approximately 7% of GRT’s 19.1 Million 2007 boardings (revenue passengers totalleded 14.4 Million). Approximately 60% of GRT ridership growth in 2007 can be attributed to the U-Pass programs. A breakdown of U-Pass boardings by month and school is shown in Table 1:

451893 Page 1 of 3

Table 1: UPASS Boardings 2007 Term Month WLU Boardings UW Boardings Total Boardings Jan-07 80,458 - 80,458 Feb-07 59,209 - 59,209 Mar-07 84,607 - 84,607

Winter 2007 Apr-07 50,174 - 50,174 Winter 2007 Total 274,448 - 274,448

Sep-07 99,817 187,562 287,379 Oct-07 105,361 234,560 339,921 Nov-07 109,372 241,025 350,397 Fall 2007 Dec-07 54,703 122,388 177,091 Fall 2007 Total 369,253 785,535 1,154,788

2007 Total 643,701 785,535 1,429,236 The busiest months for U-Pass rides are March and November. The end of term months (April and December) have 40% to 50% less U-Pass ridership.

The busiest routes for U-Pass riders from both schools are listed below in Table 2:

Table 2: UPASS Usage by Route Both Schools Route Average WLU UW 7 Mainline 34.5% 47.7% 23.6% 12 Conestoga Mall/ Fairview Mall 16.1% 14.1% 17.7% iXpress 13.6% 8.0% 18.2% 8 University/ Fairview 11.2% 10.2% 12.1% 9 Lakeshore 9.2% 7.2% 10.9% 13 Laurelwood 4.1% 1.4% 6.3% 29 Keats Way 1.9% 0.2% 3.3% All Others 9.3% 11.1% 7.9% Total 100% 100% 100%

Route 7, Route 12 and iXpress are the most popular routes for students at both schools. WLU students use Route 7 more frequently than UW students. This is likely a result of the direct connections Route 7 provides to Conestoga Mall and Uptown Waterloo. The same trips from UW are most quickly made on iXpress and use of this route is correspondingly higher among UW students. The “All Others” category in Table 2 includes all routes not mentioned, serving all three urban municipalities.

U-Pass Service

Service levels on the routes most used by students were increased before implementation of both U-Pass programs based on surveys of student travel patterns and discussions with student leaders. In September 2007, in advance of the UW U-Pass, the following improvements were made to routes serving the UW area: · Route 29 Keats Way implemented to connect Keats Way and areas west of Fischer- Hallman Road to UW · Route 9 extended to UW and connected to Route 13

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· Route 13 frequency in peak periods doubled to every 15 minutes · Route 8 frequency doubled to every 15 minutes in peak periods between UW and Charles St Terminal in Kitchener · iXpress evening and weekend service

Following the initiation of the U-Pass program, a monitoring program was put in place to quickly identify service deficiencies. Overloads are reported immediately by drivers, and supervisors dispatch additional vehicles as necessary. All reported instances are documented, and using this information, staff have scheduled additional trips on the most frequently used routes during the busiest times. Additional hours of service had been allocated in the budget as a contingency to react to variations in travel demand by U-Pass holders. Service was added to accommodate heavier loads during the midday period (from approximately 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.) around the universities.

Instances where it is impossible to remedy an overload situation by reallocating resources are also recorded. This information is being used to help develop the 2008 Transit Service Expansion Plan, for implementation in September 2008.

Effect on Totalled GRT Ridership

When the UW U-Pass went into effect in September 2007, the immediate effect was an overall 6.5% growth in ridership over the same month in the previous year. This growth in ridership can be attributed to: · Riders attracted by new service provided beginning in September 2007 · Student riders attracted to GRT service by the U-Pass program

Next Steps

At the moment, UW and WLU students present their student ID (the ‘Watcard’ and ‘ONE Card’, respectively) to board a GRT vehicle, placing the onus for validation on the driver. The Watcard’s design makes it particularly difficult to validate manually, increasing the risk of improper use. In February 2008, GRT supervisors are spot-checking all fare types on routes in the university area, to monitor the card verification process.

The U-Pass working group is a committee composed of student representatives and Regional staff established to address issues with implementation and operation of the U-Pass programs. All parties have agreed that the current magnetic stripe technology, as used for vending machines and taxis, is not suitable for a transit environment. In the coming months, the group will be discussing interim fare card validation arrangements.

Staff has met with the Greater Toronto Transportation Authority to discuss future use of the upcoming GTA fare card “Presto” system for GRT. The Presto system is a “smart card” containing a computer chip which communicates with a card reader in transit stations or on transit vehicles. Smart cards have the potential to allow greater variety of transit fares or to be used with multiple transit systems. A fare payment system of this type has the potential to provide a long term solution for U-Pass identification and can provide benefits to all GRT riders. The upcoming GRT business plan recommends a smart card system be researched for potential implementation after 2010.

Conclusion

The U-Pass programs have been a success, generating increased transit riderhsip. U-Pass ridership accounted for approximately 60% of GRT ridership growth in 2007. The program helps provide university students with affordable transportation and increases student travel opportunities in the Region. The U-Pass program is helping to build a transit culture in the community that will be supportive of future transit enhancements including Rapid Transit. 451893 Page 3 of 3 Meeting date Requestor Request Assigned Department Anticipated Response Date issue of commuters from Kitchener to Guelph on Planning, Housing and P&W/ J. Highway #7, staff to review a park and ride, and Community Services - 20-Jun-06 Wideman forward a report to Committee. Transportation Planning Near Future request for a future report outlining additional information and budget figures pertaining to garbage Transportation and collection for residents currently not receiving it due to Environmental Services - 20-Feb-07 P&W/ C. Zehr residency in townhouses Waste Management Budget

Staff to look into the plastics issue and bring back a Transportation and P&W/J. brief report along with review of the Region’s ability to Environmental Services - 14-Aug-07 Mitchell process material collected at the Region’s Landfill. Waste Management Near Future Transportation and Environmental Services - 04-Dec-07 P&W update from WEAC on water softener salt programs Water Services Near Future

requested that the costs to date, length and projected costs of the Regional Strategy Rapid Transit Planning, Housing and 16-Jan-08 Budget Implementation be brought forward for review Community Services Near Future

MEDIA RELEASE: Friday, February 15, 2008, 4:30 p.m.

REGIONAL MUNICIPALITY OF WATERLOO ADMINISTRATION AND FINANCE COMMITTEE AGENDA

Tuesday, February 19, 2008 11:00 a.m. (Approximate time, follows Planning and Works Committee) Regional Council Chamber 150 Frederick Street, Kitchener, Ontario

1. DECLARATIONS OF PECUNIARY INTEREST UNDER THE MUNICIPAL CONFLICT OF INTEREST ACT

2. DELEGATIONS

Glen Woolner, Community Renewable Energy Waterloo re: Report F-08-014

3. REPORTS - Finance a) F-08-014 Community Renewable Energy Waterloo – Request for 1 Financial Assistance b) F-08-015 Provincial Sales Tax Exemption for Municipalities 17 c) F-08-016 Quarterly Summary of Tenders/Proposals Approved by the 19 Chief Administrative Officer

REPORTS – Corporate Resources d) CR-FM-08-004 Public Art for Police Headquarters 22

4. INFORMATION/CORRESPONDENCE

5. OTHER BUSINESS a) Council Enquiries and Requests for Information Tracking List

6. MOTION TO GO INTO CLOSED SESSION

THAT a closed Committee meeting be held on Tuesday February 19, 2008, in accordance with Section 239 of the Municipal Act, 2001, for the purposes of considering the following subject matters:

a) Labour relations regarding contract negotiations b) Personal matters about identifiable individuals – committee appointments

7. NEXT MEETING – Tuesday March 4, 2008

8. ADJOURN

457430 Report: F-08-014 REGION OF WATERLOO

FINANCE DEPARTMENT Treasury Services Division

TO: Chair T. Galloway and Members of the Administration and Finance Committee

DATE: February 19, 2008 FILE CODE:

SUBJECT: COMMUNITY RENEWABLE ENERGY WATERLOO – REQUEST FOR FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE

RECOMMENDATION:

For Discussion

SUMMARY:

This report addresses a request for financial assistance from Community Renewable Energy Waterloo for two projects related to energy conservation and renewable energy. Given that the request for funding has been received in advance of the development of the Region’s Environmental Fund, the request is being presented to Administration and Finance Committee.

REPORT:

The Region of Waterloo has recently received a request from Community Renewable Energy Waterloo (CREW) for one-time financial assistance in the amount of $8,000. CREW is a “local non- profit organization dedicated to making renewable energy accessible to the citizens of Waterloo Region.” CREW has undertaken two major projects to expand its services in this Region. The projects include an expanded and interactive website / portal (www.CREWzone.ca) and the Power $aving Network. The interactive website / portal will provide viewers in Waterloo Region with a comprehensive source of information on renewable energy and conservation options and a network of resources (including locally available products, suppliers and installers) to help businesses and residents reduce consumption of non-renewable energy resources. The site will enable CREW to exponentially expand its ability to educate, encourage and guide people in the areas of conservation and renewable energy options. The Power $aving Network is a program designed to help ratepayers identify and reduce their electricity consumption. Through the use of a toolkit of step-by-step instructions, electricity meters, demonstration items and informative fact sheets and participant events, people will learn to identify where, when and how electricity is used and how to conserve and reduce usage. Of the $8,000 requested, $4,000 would be used for the website and $4,000 for the Power $aving Network initiative.

CREW has also approached the cities of Kitchener, Waterloo and Cambridge for support. At the time of writing, Kitchener has committed to $6,000 of support while Waterloo and Cambridge are still reviewing the request.

The request for financial assistance does not fall within the Grants to Voluntary Organizations program as that program does not address grants for environmental initiatives. Rather, the request appears to align with the Region’s proposed Environmental Fund. The development of the Environmental Fund has been referred to the Ad Hoc Environmental Advisory Committee for discussion. The first meeting of this Ad Hoc Committee is scheduled for February 13, 2008 however it could be some time before the mandate, the funding and the required processes for the

455352 Page 1 of 2

February 19, 2008 Report: F-08-014

Fund are in place. The CREW request for financial assistance is somewhat time sensitive as the website is already operational and progress payments have to be made and the organization would like to get as many Power $aving toolkits into the community as possible. Should Committee and Council wish to support this request, funding could come from the 2008 operating budget contingency provision which is included in the Other Financial Budget. Further, if funding for the Environmental Fund is in place for 2008, the financing for this request could be transferred to that Fund.

CORPORATE STRATEGIC PLAN:

One of the Focus Areas of the Corporate Strategic Plan is Environmental Sustainability and one of the objectives therein is to effectively use and manage energy resources. The request for financial assistance noted in this report supports this objective.

FINANCIAL IMPLICATIONS:

Community Renewable Energy Waterloo is requesting one-time funding of $8,000 for two projects related to energy conservation and renewable energy. While the request appears to be suited to the Region’s proposed Environmental Fund, the Fund is not yet operational. If approved, the suggested initial funding source for the request is the operating budget contingency. To date, there have been no appropriations from the $50,000 contingency included in the 2008 budget. If funding for the Environmental Fund is in place for 2008, consideration could be given to transferring the financing to that Fund.

OTHER DEPARTMENT CONSULTATIONS/CONCURRENCE:

Facilities Management (Corporate Resources) staff are involved with energy management and the proposed Environmental Fund.

ATTACHMENTS:

Appendix 1 – CREW Letter of Request Appendix 2 – CREW Application Form and Program Details

PREPARED BY: A. Hinchberger, Director of Financial Services, Treasury and Tax Policy

APPROVED BY: L. Ryan, Chief Financial Officer

455352 Page 2 of 2 Community Renewable Energy Waterloo

www.crewzone.ca

Chair Ken Seiling and Members of Regional Council December 20, 2007 Region of Waterloo 150 Frederick St. Kitchener, Ontario, N2G 4J3

Dear Chair Seiling and Members of Regional Council:

RE: CREW REQUEST FOR SPECIAL PROJECT FINANCIAL SUPPORT

Community Renewable Energy Waterloo (CREW) is a local non-profit organization dedicated to making renewable energy accessible to the citizens of Waterloo Region. Our vision is to be a network of knowledgeable advocates, early adopters and interested citizens who initiate, resource and support all local projects that encourage energy conservation and sustainable use of energy or materials from naturally regenerating sources, such as wind, solar and earth energy.

CREW has undertaken two major projects to greatly expand its services to this region: A greatly expanded and interactive website www.CREWzone.ca ; and, The Power $aving Network. The website has recently been activated and is undergoing further refinement. We encourage you to visit the website and while there, get more detail on The Power $aving Network which is shown as one of the left column headings. Our application also explains things fully.

We are asking the Region to support our initiatives for a total of $8,000. Kitchener, Waterloo and Cambridge have been approached with Kitchener responding and Waterloo and Cambridge in process. In every case, we have appealed to the environmental planning departments of the municipality to partner with us in this endeavour and as such, leverage their own initiatives, perhaps having representation on our board/committees. If support is received, the municipality will have its logo posted on the home page and The Power $aving Network related pages with potential to hot-link to each of the municipalities environment initiatives. We are grateful to the Region for allowing us no cost meeting space at 99 Regina St. for our board, AGM and member meetings in the past.

As a completely voluntary organization, the funds we are requesting are for the initial cost of professional services and license costs to develop and host the website and for The Power$aving Network energy self audit kits that we will circulate within the Region, having a cost of $300 each. We hope to service both projects with trained and competent CREW volunteers once the initial capital costs are covered.

Thanks for your interest and support. As you can probably see for yourself, receiving a positive response to our application is important to CREW and the work that it does. We are happy to meet as a delegation with council and or committee to share further or answer any questions.

May you and yours have a wonderful, peaceful and joyous Christmas and entry into 2008.

Sincerely,

Glen Woolner, Treasurer On Behalf of the CREW Board cc. Albert Hovingh, Environmental Planner

Community Renewable Energy Waterloo (CREW) Non-profit volunteer organization / Region Wide Corporate Status: Ont. Corp. # 001686284 Incorporated Feb. 24, 2006

OSEA member since Feb. 1, 2004

Contact: Glen Woolner - Treasurer 519-743-5934 OR 519-574-8100 [email protected] or [email protected]

Funding Request

REGION OF WATERLOO GRANT PROGRAM

for

$8,000

in support of

CONSERVATION/RENEWABLE ENERGY WEBSITE DEVELOPMENT www.crewzone.ca

AND

the Power $aving Network

www.crewzone.ca

Page 2

1. NAME OF ORGANIZATION: COMMUNITY RENEWABLE ENERGY WATERLOO (CREW) – A Region-wide, grass-roots non-profit volunteer organization dedicated to making energy conservation and renewable energy technologies accessible to the citizens of Waterloo Region. CREW was incorporated February 24, 2006 – Ontario Corporation # 001686284. CREW currently has a growing membership in the public realm and services this membership and interested public via a regularly published CREWzone newsletter distributed via e- mail to more than 900 households. Regular public information events promoting conservation and renewable energy have attendance figures ranging from 50-200. We have delivered many workshops and lectures throughout the last 4 years partnering with the KPL, REEP, WPIRG, and other local organizations, and have thus demonstrated an organizational structure capable of initiating, leading, managing, following through, and accounting for all monies granted.

2. CONTACT PERSON Name: Glen Woolner Title: Treasurer Address: 47 Georgian Crescent City/Town: Kitchener Postal Code: N2B 3N8 Telephone: 519-743-5934 519-574-8100 519-743-5186 (call ahead) (Residence) (Business) (Fax) E-mail: [email protected] or [email protected]

3. MISSION STATEMENT OR PURPOSE OF ORGANIZATION Community Renewable Energy Waterloo is a local non-profit organization dedicated to making renewable energy accessible to the citizens of Waterloo Region. Our vision is to be a network of knowledgeable advocates, early adopters and interested citizens who initiate, resource and support all local projects that encourage energy conservation and sustainable use of energy or materials from naturally regenerating sources, such as wind, solar and earth energy.

4. DATE OF LAST ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING May 2007

5. MEMBERSHIP STATISTICS

a) Number of Executive and Leadership Personnel 7 (see next page) (Do not duplicate with participants)

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CREW Board of Directors The following is a list of the Board of Directors of CREW and brief biographies.

Derek Satnik, President Derek is an electrical engineer and renewable energy and sustainable design specialist with experience in solar and wind technology and the renewable energy permitting and approvals process. Derek is involved with the OSEA solar round table, the Board of Directors at LIFE (member of OSEA), CaGBC residential committees and Natural Resources Canada Building Canada and Solar Ready Programs.

Dave Klassen, Secretary Dave has extensive experience designing and constructing renewable energy systems in Uganda including: solar, biomass and biogas.

Glen Woolner, Treasurer Glen is an independent consultant with experience in hybrid solar and geothermal systems.

Chantal Cornu, Director Holds a Masters of Architecture, Chantal is the visionary and executive director of the Grand House cooperative, a “net zero energy” building currently being constructed as a residence for the University of Waterloo School of Architecture and featuring many innovative materials, systems and development processes.

Kevin Rabalais, Director Kevin is a professional engineer, an associate professor at Conestoga College and a director at a local radio station.

Beth Hobson, Director Beth is a guidance counsellor with the Waterloo District School Board and a local renewable energy advocate.

CREW Staff Sandra Mooibroek, Executive Director Sandra is the volunteer executive director of Community Renewable Energy Waterloo. As past president of CREW, Sandra has developed CREW’s extensive membership and contact network and has coordinated the on-going Energy $ense series at Kitchener Public Library. Now in its 4th year, this series regularly draws over 100 attendees per event.

b) Participants/Members Under 18 indirectly via groups and families - undetermined

Adult 900 participants /90 members

c) Number of other Volunteers Total number of participants/members included in (b) Page 4

FORM A - OPERATING BUDGET

Financial Statement

INCOME ESTIMATED PROPOSED BUDGET ACTUAL FIGURES FOR 2008 FOR 2007 Balance at Beginning of the Year A) $300.05 D) $635.07

Region of Waterloo (project specific) 8,000.00 request Fees or Membership Dues 610.00 800.00 Revenue From Other Levels of Government(Specify) nil nil City of Kitchener (project specific) 6,000.00 approved City of Waterloo (project specific) 5,000.00 request City of Cambridge (project specific) 5,000.00 request United Way nil nil Lotteries (Bingo, Nevada, etc.) (used for operations) nil nil Interest Income .21 nil Fund Raising Projects and Miscellaneous Revenue 1,427.69 2,100.00

TOTAL INCOME B) $2037.90 E) $26,900.00

EXPENSES Administration and General Promotion Supplies and printing 50.00 100.00 Display board 490.20 300.00 Complimentary memberships 100.00 100.00 Conferences 50.00 Seminars (conservation and renewable energy) Room space (KPL etc.) 300.00 300.00 Promotion 170.00 200.00 Speaker gifts & door prizes (cfl bulbs etc.) 520.00 600.00 Special Events – energy efficient housing tours etc. -- 750.00 Memberships (in other associations) 35.00 35.00 Website and Power$aving Network projects -- 24,000 Website hosting (old website) 37.68 45.00 TOTAL EXPENSES C) $1,702.88 F) $26,480.00

BALANCE AT YEAR END A + B - C = $635.07 D + E – F = $1,055.07 (indicate deficit amount with minus symbol) Place answer in Box D Page 5

D) FINANCIAL INFORMATION

1. Purpose for requested grant: (i.e. see page 2, Item E in policy guidelines) NOTE: As per page 2, Item E in the policy guidelines – Points 2 & 3 are where this application fits. TOTAL REQUESTED - $8,000 - FOR TWO SPECIAL PROJECTS ON A ONE TIME BASIS

Part A. CREATION of a WEBSITE/PORTAL - $4,000.00 requested The current CREW website www.crewzone.ca is undergoing major revision to become THE WEBSITE/PORTAL OF CHOICE as a service to this Region and its municipalities regarding information on practical energy efficiency/conservation and renewable energy projects that the average person can undertake. NOTE: The new website/portal is now active and being fine-tuned. You are encouraged to visit the website.

If this application is successful, we would like to acknowledge the support of the Region of Waterloo by thanking it as a website sponsor of the home page. May we suggest that perhaps a hotlink from the Region’s logo could take interested parties to the environmental preservation/conservation initiatives by the Region.

Making reference to the Region’s Ecological and Environmental Advisory Committee (EEAC) and its role defined as follows found on the website at http://www.region.waterloo.on.ca/web/region.nsf/8f9c046037662cd985256af000711418/8343ccabdeaadbc985 256b05005b4989!OpenDocument : The Ecological and Environmental Advisory Committee advises Planning, Housing and Community Services staff on development applications and Environmental Assessments which potentially affect the Region’s most significant natural features. It also advises on other environmental issues of interest to the Region. E.E.A.C. consists of fifteen citizen appointees with specialized environmental expertise and two Regional Councillors.

CREW wholeheartedly endorses the Region’s goals via this committee. Please note our observation that the Region does not currently have a comprehensive,consolidated, public friendly, environmental focus to its website.

CREW, through its continual efforts, and in the launching of a energy conservation, renewable energy website/portal, wishes to support the Region of Waterloo’s environmental goals and to be a partner with the Region in achieving these priorities. The success of this application for support will help CREW and the Region achieve mutually held objectives.

Brief description of the project: CREW’s project is the creation of a renewable energy website/portal to provide Waterloo Region viewers with a comprehensive source of information on renewable energy and conservation options, including information on locally available products, suppliers and installers. The creation of this website/portal will enable CREW to expand exponentially its ability to educate, encourage, and guide people of this community toward conservation and in the consideration of renewable energy options.

Specific issue that the program or project addresses: Although many people are concerned about environmental or energy issues, they are unfamiliar with the available technologies, what is available and how to go about sourcing and implementing environmentally friendly technologies and practices. This website will remove those barriers and provide a network of resources to help residents and businesses reduce current high consumption of non-renewable energy resources, the use of which impact the environment and lead to global warming.

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The benefits to the community of the project: The www.crewzone.ca website provides a wealth of information related to energy usage, including a calendar of public local events on relevant topics, an introduction to each technology, and straightforward, comprehensive, step-by-step “Get Started” lists which provide practical advice on implementing projects. Use of these materials will help residents significantly reduce consumption of non-renewable energy resources, leading to cleaner air, healthier lifestyles and a generally healthier environment. The active membership with the help of dynamic online web forums will continue to build a community of interest and mutual support around initiating energy saving action and project undertaking.

Project implementation plan and schedule: This project has been in the visioning and planning stages for the past year. The website structure and content has been in its formative stages since last spring and was launched mid-October 2007. It is now undergoing continued updating and augmentation.

The budget for the project? Initial setup of the website/portal requires $8,000 (including contingency) and this represents the total startup budget. Volunteers are used in every way possible except where professional skills and licensing of web-based software is required. Outside of licensing fees, ongoing future maintenance of the site is anticipated to be volunteer-based. Keeping in consideration the respective size of the municipalities that will receive the benefits of our project, we are pro-rating our one time request to the Region at $4,000.00

Part B. POWER $AVING NETWORK - $4,000.00 requested on a one time basis. The Power $aving Network, a sub-group of Community Renewable Energy Waterloo, will deliver the educational electricity assessment component of the program utilizing an innovative program to help ratepayers identify and reduce their electricity consumption. Key leaders in development of the toolkit are Stephen D. P. Dixon, B.Sc., M.A.Sc, principal of TdS Dixon Inc, energy management, and Beth Hobson, B.A., B.Ed, a local secondary school educator.

Project Contact Name: Beth Hobson – board director Contact Phone: Work: 519-620-9658 ext. 15; Home: 519-742-9801 Contact Email (optional): [email protected]; [email protected]

Brief description of the program or project: Using a toolkit of step-by-step instructions, electricity meters, demonstration items and informative fact sheets, the Power $aving Network plans to host "Tupperware"-party-like events at which participants learn to identify where, when, and how electricity is used in their apartment, home, or small business. Participant hosts will be encouraged to inventory their electricity load, document their electricity reduction initiatives, recommend the kit to other attendees and consider leading future "Energy-Aware" events. This project is designed to be a low cost, volunteer-spread initiative. Training and use of the toolkits will be provided at no charge.

The goals of the project are to present a basic introduction to electrical consumption and billing, give practical conservation tips, dispel common myths, assist individuals in measuring electricity usage patterns, help identify areas of improvement specific to that household's actual situation, facilitate behavioural changes, and make the ratepayer excited about spreading their experiences to others.

The strength of this program is that there is one-on-one training in the use of the meters available in the home of the individual. Personal attention and use of these toolkits will encourage homeowners to identify and implement conservation opportunities in the context of their own overall electricity load.

Page 7

The issue or problem in the Region of Waterloo that the program or project addresses: The average citizen supports the concept of conservation, but often does not take the initiative to begin the change with themselves, due to various reasons including beliefs such as: • an attempt to reduce consumption will require a major investment in new appliances or other expensive technology • a reduction in their personal electricity consumption is too small to make much difference • they lack the practical and specific knowledge necessary to implement conservation measures themselves • it is the city, government, or utilities who must motivate and spearhead any initiative

The benefits to the community of the program or project: The Power $aving Network toolkits provide a simple, easy, low cost, low barrier approach to making conservation and energy efficiency attractive and affordable for a diverse cultural, educational, and socio- economic population. The program was developed by experts in adult education around energy efficiency and conservation, and is designed to encourage self-starters to discover and implement their own conservation initiatives. The use of electronic meters and spreadsheets provide the means to measure and therefore to learn where and how electricity is consumed, and makes use of the toolkits interesting and enjoyable.

The Power $aving Network initiative has already proven to be a motivator or catalyst for change over the last 5 months in our trials. Immediate benefits are self-evident, with conservation reductions of 5-25% in electrical usage, and the desire to share with others what has been learned in specific households. This project has already attracted attention from faith communities and local businesses wishing to provide conservation education to their members or employees.

As with the local One Book One Community project, the Power $aving Network can become a point of discussion and a source of common ground between people. The opportunity is here to foster a sense of civic pride, build on community awareness of low energy and small carbon footprint lifestyles, but most importantly to create an awareness of how we, personally instead of globally, waste valuable environmental resources.

The budget for the program or project: The bulk of the grant request is for seed money to both obtain the hardware needed and to fund the training sessions in order to deliver the program. Communication with a volunteer co-ordinator will be done with email or by phone.

Toolkits - $400 X 10 - $4,000 Volunteer co-ordinator cell phone and honoraria - $1000 Training sessions and travel expenses - $1500 CREW website – the Power $aving Network section and its interactive forum - $1000.00 ------Total: $7500.00 Funding Requested: $4,000.00

The Region will be recognized as a sponsor of the initiative in all brochures, CREW talks and displays, and on the CREW Power $aving section of the website.

Page 8

Project implementation plan and schedule:

Currently • website forum in place but not fully operational • most of the P$N data is on the website, for the do-it-yourselfer http://www.crewzone.ca/power/get_started.cfm

January • Sponsorship and Region of Waterloo logo added to the www.crewzone.ca/power/ website • Purchase and assembly of toolkits and materials

February • Additional publicity and marketing in conjunction with the Region • Workshops introducing the P$N to Region of Waterloo residents and training sessions • Distribution and technical support of toolkits commences

March - July • Minimum 10 residents per municipality supported through this process • Participants asked to submit completed tracking or spreadsheets documenting conservation initiatives • On-going use of kits and data collection • Additional “Energy-Aware” events introducing the P$N to Region residents

September • Final Data collection • Report to Region’s EEAC review committee prepared

October • Report to Grants to Groups review committee submitted

Post Program Plans CREW is willing to continue the program past the funded 6 month period. An alternative to this could be to house the toolkits at the regional libraries. Local residents could then borrow the materials at their leisure.

Additional partners or funding contributors: TDSDixon, Inc. – contribution of software development for the toolkits The Residential Energy Efficiency Project (REEP) Greening Sacred Spaces (an initiative of Waterloo Green Solutions/REEP) CREW’s EASI - a “bulk purchase” solar initiative Local utilities – in-kind conservation kits City of Kitchener –(affirmed) City of Cambridge – (in process) City of Waterloo – (in process) Region of Waterloo – (this application)

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Future Partners: Future partners invited could include city community centers across the Region and neighbourhood associations which are natural points of dissemination of knowledge with regards to local conservation efforts as are regional libraries. Partnering with the Region of Waterloo in this endeavour, we hope will lead to a member of the Region’s environmental advisory committee joining the P$N advisory council.

Appendix 1 – Barriers to Conservation and Benefits of the Power $aving Network:

Benefits Issues/ Barriers to Energy Conservation of the initiative

Governmental top down approach Grass roots, community based Lack of knowledge of ways to reduce Knowledge accessible to all regional residents through this project, our website, talks, promotional material, articles/interviews, and other marketing tools Idea that reducing consumption will require a Concrete tips, methods, and approaches provided major investment in new appliances or other via various means from low cost and simple to expensive technology complex

Feel they lack the practical and specific In-home educational electricity assessments for a knowledge necessary to implement number of participants, but also the steps for it conservation measures themselves posted on the website for do-it-yourself implementation by the viewing public Lack of co-ordinated and local guidance Individuals supported directly through process and non-participants supported directly through the Q&A and participatory nature of the website forum section devoted to energy reduction, in addition to CREW membership and activities Interested in concept but not ready yet to Permanent record of how to do it on the Electricity embrace it Conservation section of the expanded website; searchable archived forum section that can be accessed at any time Long-term behavioral change not supported Ongoing tips and real world experiences shared via the website as new techniques and technologies emerge, extending past the life of this project, Sense that one person cannot make a Ability to share concrete reductions made by difference following the steps of the Power $aving Network approach; proof of multiple participation efforts through reading or participating in the website forum; being part of a project itself is affirming Lack of awareness of the role electricity Message is clear that it is critical through having the conservation plays in renewable energy in-home electricity educational assessment as projects mandatory part of the process

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Appendix 2 – Motivational Factor Analysis

Catalysts for Motivation Benefits of the Initiative Starting a momentum The 6 month ongoing publicity and marketing, will boost reduction visibility as will the promotion of this as a supported community effort through local marketing information and on website Building motivation over time 6 month initial program; unlimited for others exposed to website and CREW events Encouraging feedback of Forum website where all can share; also featuring of residents and participants participant comments on project webpage; immediate and cost effective in long run Financial incentives Free usage of materials and meters Obtaining a commitment Sign up for the in-home process Vivid, personalized Local speakers, local expertise in website articles, and communication forums; tailored specifically to regional residents and their own home; instant communication through website updates and forum postings Credible sources CREW, REEP, and professional contributors in the field Home visits Educational electrical assessment Mass media City publications, website, public meetings and forums “Neighbourhood” coaches CREW, REEP, project co-ordinator, other participants Peer support groups CREW website forum Word-of- mouth Residents will tell others of their findings, especially conservation from Power $aving Network Empowering Through group experience, encourage change by seeing others going through the process; see and participate in changes advocated in website; witness impact of their own changes spurring more to start Engender community culture of By witnessing publicly what others are doing and learn conservation what you can do too

2. Financial or In-Kind Assistance from the Region of Waterloo, i.e. Facilities, Office Services, consultation, etc. We have been fortunate to book room space at 99 Regina St to hold numerous board meetings, AGM and period member meetings with no cost incurred to the organization.

3. Membership/Registration Fees of your organization (if applicable). Please provide details as to various rates charged for services rendered.

$10 annual membership fee

4. Does your organization have a significant balance/deficit projected in 2007. What is the intended use of the funds and when do you anticipate spending the surplus?

If all funding requests are honoured, CREW will have a minor surplus which will be carried over to 2008-09. As a fully volunteer organization we keep our general operating costs low and most major expenses are related to the special projects we undertake.

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5. Please explain any significant 10% or more increases/decreases both in your expenses and/or revenue lines. Special projects related only and is self-explanatory.

ACCOUNT 2007 2008 % EXPLANATION

6. What specific programmes and/or services does your organization offer?

Community education and public awareness regarding energy conservation and renewable energy, community involvement, tools, how-to, workshops, seminars, tours, newsletters, website/portal ( www.crewzone.ca ) including online forums re. the various options for conservation and renewable energy. CREW works collaboratively with REEP (Residential Energy Efficiency Project), GSS (Greening Sacred Spaces), Porchlight, and other related associations, and seeks strong partnerships with the area municipalities in attempt to achieve mutually desired goals in reducing the carbon footprint of our Region.

7. If you received a Region of Waterloo grant last year, how were the funds used?

N/A A CREW delegation will be pleased to meet with the review committee to further clarify and explain the importance and appropriateness of our application.

SIGNATURE: DATE: December 20, 2007

TITLE: CREW Treasurer

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FORM B - RESERVE ACCOUNTS

Please complete this form when there is money in reserve accounts Bingo/lottery money can be detailed on this page. N/A NO RESERVE ACCOUNTS

ACTUAL 2007 PROPOSED 2008 Reserve Fund Balance @ Beginning of Year A) D) Contributions to Reserves: Bingos, Lotteries Other

TOTAL CONTRIBUTIONS B)

Expenditures from Reserves:

TOTAL EXPENDITURES C)

BALANCE OF RESERVES @ YEAR END (A + B - C) D) (Place amount in Box D, second column)

Briefly outline below how your reserve funds are used and the purpose of the balance in reserve at end of 2007.

Report: F-08-015 REGION OF WATERLOO

FINANCE DEPARTMENT Financial Services and Development Financing

TO: Chair Tom Galloway and Members of the Administration and Finance Committee

DATE: February 19, 2008 FILE CODE:

SUBJECT: PROVINCIAL SALES TAX EXEMPTION FOR MUNICIPALITIES

RECOMMENDATION:

SUMMARY: Nil

REPORT:

The Council of the City of Waterloo passed the following motion at its meeting held on December 17, 2007:

“WHEREAS the City of Waterloo is one of many Ontario municipalities with existing infrastructure renewal funding needs, currently estimated at over $156 million for the City of Waterloo;

AND WHEREAS the Government of Canada has seen fit to exempt all municipalities in Canada from paying the Goods and Services Tax (“GST”) resulting in a $1.2 million per year benefit to the City of Waterloo;

AND WHEREAS the City of Waterloo pays approximately $700,000.00 per year in Provincial Sales Tax (“PST”).”

THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED THAT:

1) the Council of The Corporation of the City of Waterloo request the Province of Ontario to fully exempt all Ontario municipalities from paying PST, with the understanding that savings realized be mandated to fund existing infrastructure renewal in local municipalities;

2) this resolution be forwarded to:

the Prime Minister of Canada, Minister of Finance, Minister of National Revenue, Minister of Transport, Infrastructure and Communities, Minister of Public Works & Government Services and Minister of Public Safety;

the Premier of Ontario, Minister of Public Infrastructure Renewal, Minister of Finance, Minister of Revenue, Minister of Transportation and Minister of Municipal Affairs & Housing;

455778 Page 1 of 2

February 19, 2008 Report: F-08-015

Association of Municipalities of Ontario; Federation of Canadian Municipalities; all Members of Provincial Parliament; all Members of Parliament; all local municipalities including the Region of Waterloo.

all municipalities in Ontario with a request that those municipalities endorse the City of Waterloo’s resolution and forward their endorsement to the Prime Minister of Canada, Minister of National Revenue, Minister of Transport, Infrastructure and Communities, Minister of Public Works and Government Services and Minister of Public Safety and the Premier of Ontario, Minister of Public Infrastructure Renewal, Minister of Finance, Minister of Revenue, Minister of Transportation and Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing.

The Region of Waterloo currently receives a rebate (exemption) of all GST paid on its goods and services consumed in its operations and this rebate for 2007 amounted to approximately $14,046,000. Certain goods and services consumed by municipal government are exempted from the payment of PST, but PST is charged on the majority of goods and services consumed. In 2007, the Region paid approximately $5.7 million in PST to the Province of Ontario.

Previously, Council considered the issues of farmland property taxation and the amounts paid to municipalities for payments-in-lieu of taxes (heads and beds calculation) and recommended that the Provincial – Municipal Fiscal and Service Delivery Review take into account these issues in determining the future funding relationship with municipalities and at this time, it is recommended that the Region support the inclusion of PST rebate in these discussions.

CORPORATE STRATEGIC PLAN:

This report supports all Focus Areas of the Strategic Plan.

FINANCIAL IMPLICATIONS:

The funding changes identified in the Provincial – Municipal Fiscal and Service Delivery Review will impact future budgets of the Region.

OTHER DEPARTMENT CONSULTATIONS/CONCURRENCE: Nil

ATTACHMENTS: Nil

PREPARED BY: C. Barrett, Director of Financial Services & Development Financing

APPROVED BY: L. Ryan, Chief Financial Officer

455778 Page 2 of 2 Report: F-08-016 REGION OF WATERLOO

FINANCE DEPARTMENT Purchasing Division

TO: Chair T. Galloway and Members of the Administration and Finance Committee

DATE: February 19, 2008 FILE CODE:

SUBJECT: QUARTERLY SUMMARY OF TENDERS/PROPOSALS APPROVED BY THE CHIEF ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICER

RECOMMENDATION:

For Information

SUMMARY: Nil

REPORT:

The Purchasing By-Law which came into effect January 1, 2005, requires that administrative awards of bids between $100,000 and $500,000 must be reported to Administration and Finance Committee. Administrative awards can occur if three criteria are met. These criteria include a minimum of three bids received, awarded to the lowest bidder and the amount of the bid is within budget. See Appendix 1 for details of the awards made by staff from September 2007 through December 2007. As required by the by-law, a quarterly summary report will be submitted to Administration and Finance Committee outlining all tenders and proposals awarded by staff. This revised tender/proposal award process has resulted in a more efficient and timely purchasing process.

CORPORATE STRATEGIC PLAN:

Supports and meets the objectives of Focus Area 6 “Service Excellence – Foster a culture of citizen/customer service that is responsive to community needs, by ensuring a fair and open tender process and that all interested suppliers have an equal opportunity to bid on Regional projects.

FINANCIAL IMPLICATIONS: Nil

OTHER DEPARTMENT CONSULTATIONS/CONCURRENCE: Nil

ATTACHMENTS: Appendix 1

PREPARED BY: C. Whitlock, Chief Purchasing Officer

APPROVED BY: L. Ryan, Chief Financial Officer

456438 Page 1 of 1 APPENDIX 1

TOTAL TENDER NUMBER DESCRIPTION AWARDED PROJECT LIST OF BIDDERS BID PRICE BUDGET COMMENTS & NAME COST ¹ T2007-123 Police For the replacement of humidifiers Brenner Mech. $180,000. Brenner Mechanical Inc. $190,800.00 Total Budget of Approved Humidification and Final and drainage systems to quickly $190,800.00 Velocity Mechanical Inc. $221,540.00 $214,200 Sept. 26, 2007 Filter Replacements at 200 remove water from air handling Dean-Lane Contractors Inc. $229,254.68 Maple Grove Road, units. Nelco Mechanical $298,920.00 Cambridge, Ontario T2007-037 Waterloo Grading, installation of storm Sousa Concrete $300,738. Sousa Concrete $250,902.74 Total Budget of Approved Region International sewers, placement of granular $250,902.74 Capital Paving Inc. $263,028.41 $310,000 Sept. 26, 2007 Airport – South Parking Lot base, electrical conduits, lighting E & E Seegmiller $265,161.65 Construction, Phase 1, and asphalt for construction of Steed & Evans Ltd. $271,134.75 Township of Woolwich Phase 1 – required for additional Brantco Construction $317,286.57 parking. Lafarge Paving $330,234.86 P2007-32 Fuel Dispensers To replace twenty (20) existing 30 Dresser Wayne $121,865. Dress Wayne DI Canada $128,635.72 Total Budget of Approved year old fuel dispensers, which $128,635.72 National Energy Equipment $158,926..09 $480,562 Oct. 1, 2007 have exceeded their useful life. National Energy Equipment $211,122.30 T2007-036 2007 Drilling For the drilling and monitoring well Davidson Drilling $287,186. Davidson Drilling Limited $233,518.00 Total Budget of Approved Program, Former installation near the former $233,518.00 Aardvark Drilling Inc. $285,484.50 $300,000 Oct. 5, 2007 Kitchener Landfill Kitchener Landfill site. All-Terrain Drilling Limited $323,194.00 Marathon Drilling Co. Ltd. $364,772.50 T2007-035 Blower To install a new gas blower No. 4 at H2Ontario Inc. $290,909. H2Ontario Inc. $255,672.00 Total Budget of Approved Replacement, Gas Control the gas control plant and replace $255,672.00 Detra Builders Inc. $260,638.10 $300,000 Oct. 5, 2007 Plant, Waterloo Landfill existing gas blower No. 1 which is Christie Mechanical $286,200.00 Site approaching the end of its service Finnbilt General Contracting $294,995.88 life. P2007-28 Mannheim For the replacement of the existing Johnson Controls $198,591. Johnson Controls L.P. $185,728.96 Total Budget of Approved Building Automation building automation system (BAS), $185,728.96 Energy Controls $231,080.00 $220,000 Nov. 27, 2007 System Replacement and the extension of the BAS to the TAC Controls & Automation $233,798.90 new building addition. The existing system has lasted beyond its expected service life.

454097 ¹ Includes GST rebate and other project costs. TOTAL TENDER NUMBER DESCRIPTION AWARDED PROJECT LIST OF BIDDERS BID PRICE BUDGET COMMENTS & NAME COST ¹ T2007-038 Construction The construction and testing of new Davidson Drilling $312,062. Davidson Drilling Limited $330,785.72 Project included Approved and testing of New Wells in test wells and monitoring well nests $330,785.72 Gerrits Well Drilling $382,902.82 as part of the total Dec. 5, 2007 NE Waterloo and SE to support the IUS project. Durl Hopper Ltd. $457,930.60 IUS budget of Wellesley, Integrated $2,650,000 Urban System (IUS) Groundwater Supply Project

454097 ¹ Includes GST rebate and other project costs. Report: CR-FM-08-004 REGION OF WATERLOO

CORPORATE RESOURCES Facilities Management and Fleet Services

TO: Chair Tom Galloway and Members of the Administration & Finance Committee

DATE: February 19, 2008 FILE CODE:

SUBJECT: PUBLIC ART FOR POLICE HEADQUARTERS

RECOMMENDATION:

THAT the Regional Municipality of Waterloo approve the selection of Child Find by Leslie Drysdale as the public art sculpture to be located at the Waterloo Regional Police Services Headquarters building as per report CR-FM-08-004, dated February 19, 2008.

SUMMARY:

Regional Council has previously approved an expenditure of $95,000 from the Public Art Reserve Fund for a public art sculpture at Waterloo Regional Police Services Headquarters. After review of all artists’ submissions the jury recommends that Leslie Drysdale be commissioned to create his concept “Child Find” for installation at the public entrance to the building.

REPORT:

In approving report CR-FM-07-018 dated September 25, 2007, Regional Council initiated the process for acquiring Public Art for Waterloo Regional Police Services (WRPS) Headquarters including an expenditure of $95,000 from the Public Art Reserve Fund. The public art project recognizes significant new facility construction in and around the headquarters building. Public art projects are partially funded by new building construction and the police projects have contributed to the Public Art Reserve Fund. The public art sculpture will be installed in the outdoor walkway area leading to the public entrance to Police Headquarters.

From the initial response from interested artists when an Ontario-wide art competition was announced, three short listed finalists were chosen by a jury. The jury was comprised of two Police Services Board members, two art professors, and one WRPS officer.

The jury chose Andrew Benyei, Leslie Drysdale and Timothy Schmalz to create maquettes (models) of their concepts. Each artist had a unique approach to the community involvement of police depicted through the use of life size figures involving officers and citizens. The maquettes were put on display in two locations and elicited hundreds of written comments from interested officers, Regional staff and citizens.

The jury read these comments, interviewed the three artists and debated the merits of each artwork thoroughly. In the end they agreed that the artwork entitled Child Find by Leslie Drysdale was the most unique, artistic, thought provoking and expressive depiction of the motto of “people helping people” and the mission of “The Waterloo Regional Police Service is committed to a leadership role in crime prevention and law enforcement in a community partnership to improve safety and the quality of life for all people”. It depicts the moment of discovery where an officer is responding to the cries of a child stuck on a barrier reef limestone ledge on the banks of the Grand River. As his left hand with a flashlight confirms the child’s location in the dark, the other arm is offered up as the

Page 1 of 3 February 19, 2008 Report: CR-FM-08-004 child reaches down into the safety of the light and the officer’s arms.

At its meeting of February 6, 2008, the Police Services Board approved the selection of Child Find by Leslie Drysdale as the public art sculpture to be located at the headquarters building. It is requested that Regional Council affirm this selection resulting in an expenditure from the Public Art Reserve Fund in the amount of $95,000.

CORPORATE STRATEGIC PLAN

Provision of a public art sculpture at WRPS Headquarters will directly support Focus Area 2 of the Strategic Plan and the action of: Promote and enhance arts, culture and heritage.

FINANCIAL IMPLICATIONS

The full cost of the art competition and the installed artwork of $95,000 will be funded from the Public Art Reserve Fund. The remaining balance in the Reserve Fund will be in excess of $250,000 after allowing for the 2008 budget contribution and current commitments including this project’s costs.

OTHER DEPARTMENT CONSULTATIONS/CONCURRENCE:

WRPS Services Board has approved this recommendation and Finance has reviewed this report.

ATTACHMENTS

Picture of maquette

PREPARED BY: Doug Gilmore, Facilities Planning Engineer

APPROVED BY: Gary Sosnoski, Commissioner, Corporate Resources

DOCS # 456137 Page 2 of 3 February 19, 2008 Report: CR-FM-08-004

Attachment

"Child Find" by Leslie Drysdale

DOCS # 456137 Page 3 of 3 COUNCIL ENQUIRIES AND REQUESTS FOR INFORMATION ADMINISTRATION AND FINANCE COMMITTEE Meeting date Requestor Request Assigned Department Anticipated Response Date 15-May-07 Committee Reconsideration of proposed green roof strategy CR-Facilities Spring 2008 Discussion on optional integrity provisions/officers 14-Aug-07 Committee Council TBA including budgetary and organizational implications. Creation of the environment fund and the environmental sustainability framework directed to Ad Hoc Environmental Advisory Committee with a report to come back to the Administration and Finance 06-Nov-07 K. Denouden Committee CR-Facilities Spring 2008 Approach Bell Canada to conduct an economic analysis into the establishment of the local calling area 04-Dec-07 Committee and report back to Committee. CR-Information Technology TBA Report on how communication services are delivered CAO- Corporate 16-Jan-08 S. Strickland in the Regional organization. Communications TBA Provincial Sales Tax Exemption for Municipalities - 16-Jan-08 C. Millar Request from the City of Waterloo Finance TBA Report on Region's Archives Department - what kind of requests are made, how much material is filed, whether staff uses the archives, who makes requests for materials. Does archiving save the Region any 29-Jan-08 J. Haalboom money? CR-Clerks/Archives TBA

MEDIA RELEASE: Friday, February 15, 2008, 4:30 p.m.

REGIONAL MUNICIPALITY OF WATERLOO COMMUNITY SERVICES COMMITTEE AGENDA

Tuesday, February 19, 2008 1:00 p.m. Regional Council Chamber 150 Frederick Street, Kitchener, Ontario

1. MOTION TO GO INTO CLOSED SESSION (If required)

2. MOTION TO RECONVENE IN OPEN SESSION (If required)

3. DECLARATIONS OF PECUNIARY INTEREST UNDER THE MUNICIPAL CONFLICT OF INTEREST ACT

4. DELEGATIONS a) Catherine Fife, Waterloo, ON re: Child Care Action Network of Waterloo b) John Payne, Kitchener, ON re: Child Care

5. REPORTS – Social Services a) SS-08-004, Homeless to Housing Stability Strategy Implementation Monitoring 1 Committee b) SS-08-005, Aging at Home Strategy Submissions 9 c) SS-08-006, Water Filter Fund 15 d) SS-08-007, Streets to Homes Pilot and Rent Bank Loan Fund 21 e) SS-08-008, Implementation of Ontario Child Benefit 24

REPORTS – Planning, Housing and Community Services f) P-08-024, Arts, Culture Heritage Master Plan Implementation – 28 2007 Achievements/2008 Directions

REPORTS – Public Health g) PH-08-004, C-Enternet Surveillance Initiative - Renewal 34 h) PH-08-005, Region of Waterloo Public Health Infant Feeding Study 2006/2007 37 (Staff presentation by E. Nadler)

CS Agenda - 2 - February 19, 2008

i) PH-08-006, Evaluation of the Tobacco Treatment for New Canadians Program 42 j) PH-08-007, Evaluation of the Neighbourhood-Based Produce Markets 45 k) PH-08-008, Air Quality and Urban Health Impacts in Waterloo Region – 48 A Preliminary Assessment (Staff presentation by D. Seskar-Hencic) (Technical report to be distributed separately)

6. INFORMATION/CORRESPONDENCE a) Memorandum from David Dirks, Director, Employment and Income Support 52 re: 2008 Labour Market Report b) Memorandum from John Prno, Director, Emergency Medical Services 54 re: Improved Ambulance Visibility

7. OTHER BUSINESS a) Council Enquiries and Requests for Information Tracking List 56

8. NEXT MEETING

9. ADJOURN

457180 REGION OF WATERLOO REPORT: SS-08-004

SOCIAL SERVICES Social Planning, Policy and Program Administration

TO: Chair Sean Strickland and Members of the Community Services Committee

DATE: February 19, 2008 FILE CODE: S13-40

SUBJECT: HOMELESSNESS TO HOUSING STABILITY STRATEGY MONITORING COMMITTEE

RECOMMENDATION:

AND THAT the Regional Municipality of Waterloo appoint one Regional Council representative as a member of the Homelessness to Housing Stability Strategy Monitoring Committee.

SUMMARY:

All Roads Lead to Home: A Homelessness to Housing Stability Strategy for Waterloo Region (the Strategy) was approved by Regional Council in October 2007 (Report SS-07-027.1/P-07-105.1). In that report, staff were directed to develop terms of reference and membership for a group to assist in the implementation of the Strategy. This report provides the background to, and a summary of, the terms of reference for the Homelessness to Housing Stability Strategy Monitoring Committee attached as Appendix A.

REPORT:

1.0 Background to the Homelessness to Housing Stability Strategy In November 2007, All Roads Lead to Home: A Homelessness to Housing Stability Strategy for Waterloo Region (the Strategy) was released. The Strategy serves as the Region’s system plan for housing stability; its implementation forms part of the Region’s Corporate Strategic Plan for 2007- 2010 and has been endorsed as a Multi-Department Initiative.

The Strategy outlines five Principles to Guide Actions and eight Action Areas designed to strengthen the housing stability system in Waterloo Region. The housing stability system serves people who are experiencing or at-risk of homelessness and/or who require access to longer term housing stability services. There are more than 70 programs represented by the local housing stability system; some programs meet immediate needs (e.g., emergency shelter), while others serve individuals and families for shorter (e.g., Rent Bank, transitional housing) or longer periods of time (e.g., housing with on-site support).

A responsive housing stability system requires strategic investment and sustainable funding from all orders of government. Although the Region is committed to its provincially mandated role as Consolidated Municipal Service Manager for homelessness and federally mandated role as Community Entity for the National Homelessness Initiative, comprehensive policy directives and additional funding will be required from the provincial and federal governments if the Strategy is to

454694 Page 1 of 8 February 19, 2008 Report: SS-08-004 be fully implemented.

In October 2007 Council approved the Strategy (SS-07-027.1/P-07-105.1). Staff were directed to develop and bring back to Community Service Committee a terms of reference and membership for a group to assist in the implementation of the Strategy. The terms of reference for the Homelessness to Housing Stability Strategy Monitoring Committee have been developed and are attached as Appendix A.

2.0 Description of the Homelessness to Housing Stability Strategy Monitoring Committee The Homelessness to Housing Stability Strategy Monitoring Committee exists to monitor implementation of the Strategy. To fulfill this purpose, it has several key objectives: • monitor and summarize implementation progress; • assess the Strategy’s general impact on the community; • support coordinated implementation of the actions and sustained focus among the organizations or groups that have agreed to lead or co-lead the actions; • support actions that have yet to be addressed; and • produce an annual report to Regional Council.

The organizations and groups that have agreed to lead or co-lead the actions in the Strategy will report to the Homelessness to Housing Stability Strategy Monitoring Committee through a mid-year report and an annual survey. The Homelessness to Housing Stability Strategy Monitoring Committee will be chaired by the Director of Social Planning, Policy and Program Administration division and is accountable to the Regional Community Services Committee.

The Homelessness to Housing Stability Strategy Monitoring Committee includes representatives from all orders of government, from organizations that have agreed to lead or co-lead the actions in the Strategy and from local researchers in the area of housing stability. Membership selection will ensure that all geographical areas of the region and groups known to be at-risk of homelessness are adequately represented.

Between 2008 and 2010, the Homelessness to Housing Stability Strategy Monitoring Committee will monitor progress in implementing the Strategy, and will report back to Regional Council in November of each year.

3.0 Next steps Following Regional Council approval, a series of four meetings will be held in 2008. A progress report will be submitted to Community Services Committee in the late fall of 2008.

CORPORATE STRATEGIC PLAN:

Working to strengthen the housing stability system and build the community’s capacity to address issues of homelessness is consistent with the Region’s Corporate Strategic Plan, Focus Area 4: Human Services: to “promote quality of life and create opportunities for residents to develop to their full potential”; and specifically, Strategic Objective 4.2 to “enhance services to people experiencing or at-risk of homelessness” through “implementation of the Homelessness to Housing Stability Strategy” (Homelessness to Housing Stability Strategy action 1.8).

FINANCIAL IMPLICATIONS:

Expenditures related to staff time for facilitating and participating in the Homelessness to Housing Stability Strategy Monitoring Committee can be accomodated within the existing approved budget.

454694 Page 2 of 8 February 19, 2008 Report: SS-08-004

OTHER DEPARTMENT CONSULTATIONS/CONCURRENCE:

Staff members from the following areas will be asked to participate in the Homelessness to Housing Stability Strategy Monitoring Committee: Community Safety and Crime Prevention Council, Housing, Planning and Community Services, and Public Health.

ATTACHMENTS:

Appendix A: Homelessness to Housing Stability Strategy Monitoring Committee: Terms of Reference

PREPARED BY: Angela Pye, Social Planning Associate Marie Morrison, Manager, Social Planning Lynn Randall, Director, Social Planning, Policy and Program Administration

APPROVED BY: Michael Schuster, Commissioner, Social Services

454694 Page 3 of 8 February 19, 2008 Report: SS-08-004 Appendix A: Terms of Reference

“Planning Housing Stability Services for Our Growing Community” Homelessness to Housing Stability Strategy Monitoring Committee: Terms of Reference Background to the Homelessness to Housing Stability Strategy Everyone has a role to play in ending homelessness and promoting housing stability in Waterloo Region – all orders of government, non- profit groups, the private sector and community members. In November 2007, All Roads Lead to Home: A Homelessness to Housing Stability Strategy for Waterloo Region (the Strategy) was released. Development of the Strategy spanned two years. The project was led by the Region and guided by several committees

Need more information? consisting of service providers from across the region, community members and Regional staff working in the area of housing stability. Lynn Randall Director The Strategy identifies 67 evidence-based strategies designed to Social Planning, Policy and strengthen the housing stability system in Waterloo Region. The Program Administration housing stability system serves people who are experiencing or at-risk (519) 883-2190 of homelessness and/or who require access to longer term housing TTY: 883-2428 stability services. There are more than 70 programs represented by [email protected] the local housing stability system; some programs meet immediate

Marie Morrison needs (e.g., emergency shelter, street outreach), while others serve Manager individuals and families for shorter or longer periods of time (e.g., Social Planning Rent Bank and housing with on-site support, respectively). (519) 883-2238 TTY: 883-2428 Background to Implementation of the Strategy [email protected] A responsive housing stability system requires strategic investment and sustainable funding from all orders of government. The Strategy Angela Pye serves as the Region’s system plan for housing stability; its Social Planning Associate Housing Stability Services implementation forms part of the Region’s Corporate Strategic Plan (519) 575-4757 x 5510 for 2007-2010 and has been endorsed as a Multi-Department TTY: 883-2428 Initiative. Although the Region is committed to its provincially [email protected] mandated role as Consolidated Municipal Service Manager for homelessness and federally mandated role as Community Entity for the National Homelessness Initiative, comprehensive policy directives

and additional funding will be required from the provincial and federal governments if the Strategy is to be fully implemented.

Between 2008 and 2010, the Homelessness to Housing Stability Strategy Monitoring Committee (SMC) will monitor progress in implementing the Strategy, and will report back to Regional Council in November of each year.

454694 Page 4 of 8 February 19, 2008 Report: SS-08-004

Purpose of the Committee The Homelessness to Housing Stability Strategy Monitoring Committee (SMC) exists to monitor implementation of the Strategy. To fulfill this purpose, it has several key objectives: • to monitor and summarize implementation progress; • to assess the Strategy’s general impact on the community; • to support coordinated implementation of the actions and sustained focus among the organizations or groups that have agreed to lead or co-lead the actions; • to support actions that have yet to be addressed; and • to produce an annual report to Regional Council.

The organizations and groups that have agreed to lead or co-lead the actions in the Strategy will report to the SMC through a mid-year report and an annual survey. The SMC will be chaired by the Director of Social Planning, Policy and Program Administration division and is accountable to the Regional Community Services Committee.

Scope of the Work The scope of the SMC includes activities associated with monitoring the implementation of the Strategy; specifically, addressing the issues identified by the 67 action items. The SMC is time-limited – beginning in March 2008 and concluding at the end of the current term of Council in December 2010. If an action becomes irrelevant during the SMC’s membership term, it may be removed from the Strategy and further monitoring activities.

The SMC is not a working group. It is not meant to replicate the work of any existing organization or group. The SMC does not advise on programs, does not allocate funding and will not undertake proposal development or advocacy. Following approval of the annual report to Regional Council, the SMC will connect with existing organizations or groups to transfer recommendations for action, as appropriate.

From time to time, the SMC may review new initiatives that relate specifically to implementation of the Strategy. Where these new initiatives align with existing actions from the Strategy, they will be incorporated into the monitoring process. In cases where new initiatives or developments do not align with existing actions, they will be considered out of scope.

Membership The SMC includes representatives from the following sources: government representatives (10): - Federal government – Homelessness Partnering Strategy (1) - Provincial government – Local Health Integration Network (1), Ministry of Community and Social Services (1) - Regional government – Regional Council (1), Community Safety and Crime Prevention Council (1), Housing (1), Social Services (3), Public Health (1) organizations that have agreed to lead or co-lead the actions in the Strategy (7): - emergency shelter services (1) - street outreach services (1)

454694 Page 5 of 8 February 19, 2008 Report: SS-08-004

- housing with support services (1) - Homelessness and Housing Umbrella Group (HHUG) (1) - Kitchener Downtown Community Health Centre (1) - Lutherwood (1) - Social Planning Council of Cambridge and North Dumfries (1) local universities – researchers in the area of housing stability (1)

Membership selection will ensure that all geographical areas of the region are represented (Cambridge, Kitchener, Waterloo, townships) and that groups known to be at-risk of homelessness are also adequately represented (Aboriginal persons; gay, lesbian, bi-sexual and transgendered individuals; New Canadians; older adults; people experiencing poverty; people with disabilities; women and families; youth).

Responsibilities and Structure The SMC will be chaired by the Director of Social Planning, Policy and Program Administration division and is accountable to the Regional Community Services Committee.

SMC members are expected to: develop indicators to assess Strategy implementation progress monitor Strategy implementation progress using such tools as: - background reports (e.g., HHUG Report Card, Inventory of Services summary) - Strategy implementation progress survey - Strategy community impact survey assist with drafting a report to Regional Council that: - summarizes Strategy implementation progress - assesses the Strategy’s general impact on the community - celebrates the actions that have been addressed, and - makes recommendations to: i. support coordinated implementation of the actions (as applicable) ii. support sustained focus among the organizations or groups that have agreed to lead or co-lead the actions in the Strategy iii. support actions that have yet to be addressed, including advocating for necessary policy changes and investments in the area of housing stability, utilizing the key messages

The organizations or groups that have agreed to lead or co-lead the actions in the Strategy will report to the SMC through a mid-year report and an annual survey.

Reports will be submitted in the fall of 2008, 2009 and 2010 to the Community Services Committee of Regional Council.

Membership Term March 2008 through December 2010.

Decision-making The committee will use a consensus decision-making approach when making recommendations. Where consensus cannot be achieved, majority approval by vote will

454694 Page 6 of 8 February 19, 2008 Report: SS-08-004 be used to arrive at a decision. Majority approval is 50% + 1 of SMC members present at the meeting.

Accountability The SMC is accountable to the Regional Community Services Committee.

Schedule of Activities

Four meetings will be held in 2008:

April June September October - Approve terms of - Review background - Review results of - Make reference. materials. implementation recommendations. - Provide an overview - Select indicators. progress survey and - Finalize report in of the status of the - Finalize the community impact anticipation of Strategy’s implementation survey. November communication plan. survey and - Measure progress submission to - Provide background community impact via indicators. Community Services materials (e.g., HHUG survey. Committee. Report Card, - Draft template for Inventory of Services annual report to summary, two draft Regional Council. surveys) to prepare for indicator development at June meeting.

Four meetings will be held in 2009 and in 2010:

February June September October - To de determined. - To de determined. - Review background - Make materials. recommendations. - Review results of - Finalize report in implementation anticipation of progress survey and November submission the community impact to Community survey. Services Committee. - Measure progress via indicators.

Linkages and Communications The SMC will link with other organizations and groups in the human services sector (e.g., the Housing Implementation Team, the Alliance for Children and Youth, Opportunities Waterloo Region, etc.). The SMC will look to existing organizations and groups to follow up on the recommendations for action following approval of the annual report to Regional Council.

Resource Needs Administrative support and meeting expenses will be provided by the Region.

454694 Page 7 of 8 February 19, 2008 Report: SS-08-004

Planning support will be provided by the Social Planning, Policy and Program Administration (e.g., agendas and minutes; creating, distributing and compiling results of the surveys; distributing the background materials; connecting the activities of the SMC with the Strategy’s communication plan).

References The SMC will refer to the vision, values, promising principles and practices, key messages and five Principles to Guide Actions in their work, as outlined in All Roads Lead to Home: A Homelessness to Housing Stability Strategy for Waterloo Region.

454694 Page 8 of 8 REGION OF WATERLOO REPORT: SS-08-005

SOCIAL SERVICES Social Planning, Policy and Program Administration and Seniors Services

TO: Chair Strickland and Members of the Community Services Committee

DATE: February 19, 2008 FILE CODE: S01-01

SUBJECT: AGING AT HOME STRATEGY SUBMISSIONS

RECOMMENDATION:

SUMMARY:

Nil

REPORT:

1. Background

The Aging at Home Strategy is a provincial initiative launched in August 2007 by the Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care. The strategy aims to support seniors in their desire to live independently for as long as possible, in a safe home of their choice. Provincially, this initiative, phased over three years, will provide $700 million dollars of new sustainable funding by 2010/11. The implementation of the strategy is under the jurisdiction of the Local Health Integration Networks (LHIN). The Waterloo-Wellington LHIN (WWLHIN) has received an allocation of $37.7 million: $4.8 million in 2008/09 increasing to $11.9 million in 2009/10 and increasing to $21m in 2010/11.

The Aging at Home Strategy has three objectives: to provide seniors with a continuum of supports that will enable them to stay healthy and live with independence and dignity in their homes; to provide a comprehensive plan for an integrated continuum of care; and to offer preventive support to sustain the healthiest population of seniors possible. The Strategy also has four goals:

1. Broadening the range of options to call “home” – increasing residential options such as supportive housing and long-term care homes, increasing access to mobility devices and improving safety in home to prevent injury 2. Creating supportive social environments – reducing or eliminating social isolation for seniors and their caregivers, including adult day centre, supportive housing, caregiver and respite, friendly home visiting 3. Providing senior-centered care that is easy to access – coordinating access to a flexible continuum of services and supports, improved transportation and augmented specialized geriatric services. DOCS455528 Page 1 of 6 February 19, 2008 Report: SS-08-005

4. Identifying innovation solutions to keep senior healthy – wellness strategies and partnerships with non-traditional providers.

2. Local Process

The WWLHIN Aging at Home Strategy was developed within the context of information and insights from a range of community engagement activities. Based on these activities, the following themes were identified: services to those with complex needs, alternative models and levels of care, long- term care beds, supportive housing, multicultural specific concerns, transportation, adult day programs, access to home care, caregiver support, increased knowledge base, transportation, socialization & recreation, assistive devices, and culturally appropriate supports. The WWLHIN further identified four priorities: • Complex geriatrics services • Frail elderly supports and services • Supportive housing • Seniors health and wellness

The WWLHIN identified a two phase approach for funding applications. At the end of 2007, local health service providers, community groups and other interested organizations were invited to submit a Request for Ideas (RFI) for services and innovations to advance the Aging At Home strategy. The Aging at Home Health System Improvement Pre-proposals were due on December 21, 2007. The Region made four submissions of which three, and a portion of the fourth, were selected to move onto the second phase of the application process. The second phase required the submission of a detailed business case, due on February 7, 2008. In all three cases, the Region was asked to partner with other organizations to prepare joint business cases.

Appendix A provides the executive summaries of the three business cases submitted by the Region: 1. Access to Care and Housing for Prematurely Aged Individuals Experiencing or At-risk of Homelessness, 2. Shared Community Support Services – Sunnyside Home/St. Joseph’s Health Centre, 3. The Seniors’ Supportive Housing, Health and Wellness Collaborative. At the request of the WWLHIN, the joint Supportive Housing and Wellness Business case, also incorporates the purpose-built Sunnyside Supportive Housing project, for which operating funding for the tenant services has already been committed, as confirmed by Sandra Hanmer, CEO of the WWLHIN at the September 25, 2007 Community Services Committee (Report SS-07-036/P-07- 106). Announcement of successful business cases is expected in late March 2008.

CORPORATE STRATEGIC PLAN:

Submission of proposals under the Aging at Home Strategy is consistent with Focus Areas 3 and 4 of the Corporate Strategic Plan. Specifically the proposals will help to advance efforts to develop a healthy quality of life for seniors and to ensure that there is adequate supportive housing for our community.

FINANCIAL IMPLICATIONS:

To be fully funded by the WWLHIN.

DOCS#455528 Page 2 of 6 February 19, 2008 Report: SS-08-005

OTHER DEPARTMENT CONSULTATIONS/CONCURRENCE:

Planning, Housing and Community Services are identified as partners in two of the proposals and Community Safety and Crime Prevention Council is identified as a partner in one of the proposals.

ATTACHMENTS

Appendix A – Overview of Business Cases

PREPARED BY: Lynn Randall, Director, Social Planning, Policy and Program Administration Gail Carlin, Director, Seniors’ Services

APPROVED BY: Michael Schuster, Commissioner, Social Services

DOCS#455528 Page 3 of 6 February 19, 2008 Report: SS-08-005

APPENDIX A Overview of Business Cases

1. Access to Care and Housing for Prematurely Aged Individuals Experiencing or At-risk of Homelessness

This business case represents a joint proposal between three related and interrelated Aging at Home Ideas and Innovations. Business case leads were identified as The Working Centre and the Regional Municipality of Waterloo with programs targeting the geographical area of Waterloo Region urban areas. Within the business case there are three interconnected components to be phased in over a three year period aimed at reducing use of emergency services and improving effective medical access for people experiencing or at-risk of homelessness who are prematurely aged. The three components include: Street Outreach (serving people experiencing absolute homelessness), At-Home Outreach (serving people who are precariously housed or at-risk of homelessness), and fifty units of Supportive Housing (beginning with a six bed Hospitality House pilot for non-medical beds in a supportive housing harm-reduction setting). The business case proposal includes a request for one-time funding in the amount of $52,380 for each of the three years for research and planning activities; start-up funding in the amount of $51,728; operating funds in the amount of $427,334 in year one, $883,012 in year two and $3,051,170 in year three.

2. Shared Community Support Services – Sunnyside Home/St. Joseph’s Health Centre

St. Joseph’s Health Centre and the Region of Waterloo, Community Alzheimer Programs, are pleased present this collaborative business plan which supports the WWLHIN Integrated Health Services Plan in supporting clients with an Alzheimer type or related dementia and their families. The proposal includes four key initiatives:

Increase caregiver respite at the Sunnyside Home site from weekend overnight to seven nights per week. Introduce weekend overnight respite at St. Joseph’s Health Centre, Guelph. Introduce Specialized Coordinators to both sites who will manage clients with complex medical, cognitive and behavioural needs (total of 4 days per week). Provide caregiver wellness and support by offering the Mindfulness – Based Stress Reduction, a wellness model of care inaugurated out of the University of Massachusetts Medical School, also at both sites

The strength of this business case lies in its ability to address respite needs, enhance care giver support and provide early intervention strategies for complex clients.

The critical shortage of respite in the Waterloo Wellington LHIN will be addressed by offering additional respite options in both sites. Caregiver surveys indicate that with regular and ongoing respite, admission to long-term care may be delayed. Both sites have proven expertise in delivering programs for this client cohort. The existing overnight weekend respite program at Sunnyside Home has demonstrated 100% occupancy since 1999, with a wait list. The complexity of managing care for clients with multiple medical and cognitive health jeopardies with dedicated specialized coordinators who will intervene early on to map out care by utilizing community health resources. With more effective management of complex illnesses, including mental health, it is the expectation that the number of Alternate Level of Care (ALC ) days will be reduced. The proposed service enhancement and innovation will contribute to the right service at the right time.

DOCS#455528 Page 4 of 6 February 19, 2008 Report: SS-08-005

The ongoing stress levels of family members experiencing caregiver burnout will effectively be reduced, with the introduction of the evidence-based wellness model cited in the plan (Caregiver Wellness Mindfulness –Based Stress Reduction) The program has formerly been trialed at the Guelph site with successful outcomes.

While the benefits are significant, a key risk highlighted in the report is the challenge of recruiting Registered Nurses (RN). However, aggressive recruitment and retention strategies can serve to mitigate this issue.

The overall budgetary implication over both programs totals approx $725,000 for the year 08/09. Jointly, approx 75 new clients will be served for a total of over 2000 units of service.

3. The Seniors’ Supportive Housing, Health and Wellness Collaborative

The Senior’s Supportive Housing, Health and Wellness Collaborative is comprised of eight, well-established seniors’ service organizations, Fairview Mennonite Home, Parkwood Mennonite Home, Sunnyside Home, Woolwich Community Health Centre, Community Care Concepts, Riverbend Place Retirement Community, Waterloo Home Support Services and Ontario March of Dimes. They represent a network of over 30 partnerships in seniors’ housing, community support services, community health services, supported accommodations and long- term care homes. The Collaborative is committed to working toward the WWLHIN goal for the Aging at Home Strategy that aims to provide a suite of services that will enable seniors to live as independently as possible for as long as possible in a safe home of their choosing.

The Collaborative was struck in response to the WWLHIN request for the submission of a Joint Business Case that focused on two shared service areas in the original six Ideas Proposals, namely seniors’ supportive housing and seniors’ health and wellness centres.

The Joint Business Case presents a proposal for the planning, development and implementation of a new supportive housing model for Waterloo region. A designated timeframe for comprehensive systems planning has been identified in the Joint Business Case to ensure that the model is successful at the outset and that it is sustainable, comprehensive, effective and efficient. The Business Case puts forth a request for support housing programs in 18 designated seniors’ affordable housing buildings and retirement communities. By the end of the fiscal year 2010-2011, the Collaborative has committed to implementing supportive housing programs with a total capacity for 289 seniors; all of whom will require assistance with ADL and IADL tasks.

The Joint Business Case also presents a request for operating and one-time funding to plan, develop and implement a suite of unique services geared to promoting healthy aging and seniors’ wellness. This component of the Collaborative’s initiaitive will be delivered from Health and Wellness Centres at the Woolwich Community Health Centre, Parkwood Centre (under development; opening Fall 2008), Sunnyside Centre (under development in concert with its supportive housing new build; opening Fall 2009). The Parkwood and Sunnyside Centres, with approved operating funding, will offer standard community support services such as congregate dining, transportation and education as well as age-wise fitness and therapies. Parkwood and its sister Centre at Fairview will offer aquatic programs to community seniors in their respective therapeutic pools. The interconnectedness of these programs and Centres will rely heavily on the investment of accessible transportation services.

Over 1000 seniors will be served through the combined programs of the Collaborative. The multi-year funding request for this complex Supportive Housing, Health and Wellness Centre and Community Support Service initiative is $13,012,022. The impact of this initiative on the

DOCS#455528 Page 5 of 6 February 19, 2008 Report: SS-08-005

Waterloo health care system is substantial in that it has the potential to lessen the demand for more costly services such as long-term care beds, ALC beds and Emergency Department visits. This cost savings to the health care system is an equally attractive scenario from the persective of the senior clients and their caregivers, as more seniors will be able to age in their homes of their choice, safe in the care of dedicated service organizations.

DOCS#455528 Page 6 of 6 Strategy Overview Aging At Home Strategy: Provincial initiative (MOHLTC), administered by Region of Waterloo Business the Local Health Integration Networks (LHINs), Case Submissions launched August 2007 Aims to support seniors in their desire to live independently for as long as possible, in a home of their choice Presentation to Adds $700M of new annualized funding Community Services Committee (provincially) by 2010/2011 February 19, 2008 Waterloo Wellington LHIN allocation is $37M Aging at Home Strategy

Provincial Strategy Objectives Local Implementation

To provide seniors with a continuum of Local Strategy based on information and insights supports that will enable them to stay healthy from a range of community engagement and live with independence and dignity in their activities homes; WWLHIN Focus Areas: To provide a comprehensive plan for an integrated continuum of care Complex Geriatric Services To offer preventive support to sustain the Frail elderly supports and services healthiest population of seniors possible Supportive Housing Seniors Health and Wellness

Aging at Home Strategy Aging at Home Strategy

Regional Business Case Application Process Submissions

Two phase application process: Access to Care and Housing for Prematurely Aged Individuals Experiencing or At-Risk of Invitation to submit a Request for Ideas for Homelessness services and innovations by December 21/07 Shared Community Support Services (Expansion Selected applicants were invited to submit a of overnight respite) detailed Business Case by February 6/08 Seniors’ Supportive Housing, Health and Region is partnering in 3 business case Wellness Collaborative submissions Business cases to be 100% Provincially funded

Aging at Home Strategy Aging at Home Strategy

1 Access to Care and Housing for Access to Care and Housing for Prematurely Aged Individuals Experiencing Prematurely Aged Individuals Experiencing or At-Risk of Homelessness or At-Risk of Homelessness

Joint business case of the Working Centre and Phased implementation the Region 3 year planning support by Region Aim to reduce the use of emergency services Street Outreach and At Home Outreach through the and to improve effective medical access for the Working Centre to be implemented immediately target population Introduce up to 50 units of supportive housing by 3 components: 2011 through various providers Street Outreach (absolute homeless) Total Business Case Budget $3M At Home Outreach (precariously housed) Includes Social Services planning support of $45,000 Supportive Housing (harm-reduction) per annum for three years

Aging at Home Strategy Aging at Home Strategy

Shared Community Support The Seniors’ Supportive Housing, Services Health and Wellness Collaborative

Expansion of Community Alzheimer Program Introduction of Supportive Housing and weekend overnight respite at Sunnyside to 7 nights Wellness Initiatives throughout the per week per week community Joint business case from the Region (Seniors’ Services) and St. Joseph’s Health Centre (Guelph) Partners: Combined partnership investment of $725,000 Region of Waterloo, Parkwood Mennonite Home, Fairview annual operating Mennonite Home, City of Waterloo (Waterloo Home Support Services), Ontario March of Dimes, Woolwich Community Health Seniors’ Services Annual Operating Request of Centre, Community Care Concepts, Riverbend Place Retirement $342,000 (net of client fees) Community, K-W Seniors Day Program

Aging at Home Strategy Aging at Home Strategy

The Seniors’ Supportive Housing, Seniors’ Supportive Housing, Health Health and Wellness Collaborative and Wellness Collaborative Budget for Collaborative Initiative Impact on Seniors’ Division Impact on Seniors’ Division Combined partnership investment of $5.2M annual Confirms the operating budget for the new operating Sunnyside Supportive Housing project Seniors’ Services Annual Operating Budget Request: New Supportive Housing Build* $605,000 (allocated)* Proposes supportive housing services for existing tenants at 233 and 239 Franklin Additional Request for this project $ 58,673 New Proposal (Supportive Housing Street for existing tenants/ Wellness Centre) $580,000 Proposes Wellness Centre on Sunnyside One-time Funding campus for residents, tenants and the (New Build) $220,600 community (Existing Site) $177,600

Aging at Home Strategy Aging at Home Strategy

2 Recommendation

Access to Care and Housing for Prematurely Aged Individuals Experiencing or At-risk of Homelessness Shared Community Support Services – Seniors’ Services/St. Joseph’s Health Centre The Seniors’ Supportive Housing, Health and Wellness Collaborative

REGION OF WATERLOO REPORT: SS-08-006

SOCIAL SERVICES Social Planning, Policy and Program Administration

TO: Chair Sean Strickland and Members of the Community Services Committee

DATE: February 19, 2008 FILE CODE: S13-40

SUBJECT: WATER FILTER FUND

RECOMMENDATION:

THAT the Regional Municipality of Waterloo approve the establishment of the Water Filter Fund Program for the period December 2007 to March 31, 2008 to be funded entirely by the Province of Ontario;

AND THAT the 2008 Operating Budget for Social Planning be increased by $11,000 gross and $0 net as outlined in Report SS-08-006, dated February 19, 2008.

SUMMARY:

Nil

REPORT:

1.0 Background Early in 2007 the Ministry of the Environment announced that the government would be implementing recommendations from the Drinking Water Advisory Council, with advice from the Chief Medical officer of Health and Chief Drinking Water Inspector, to expand water safety protections and reduce potential levels of lead intake for pregnant women and children 0 – 6 years. In September 2007 the Ministry of Community and Social Services announced $4.4 million in funding for a Water Filter Fund Program, part of the detailed provincial Action Plan intended to deal with a number of issues related to elevated levels of lead in water.

The Program is intended to provide financial assistance to low-income households living in homes with elevated lead levels in their drinking water. Households can obtain up to $100 per year to purchase an approved on tap water filter and cartridges. The Program is funded 100% by the province and is being delivered through Consolidated Municipal Service Managers (CMSMs). The Region has been allocated $10,000 to deliver the program in 2007/08 and $1,000 in 2007 to support the cost of administration for the Program. The Ministry had requested that CMSMs begin implementation of the program in November 2007, and to fully expend the funding by the end of March 2008. Initially there were a number of challenges with implementing this program however the Province has since changed the eligibility criteria in response to municipal feedback. The Program will commence in February 2008.

The program targets low-income households (i.e. net income of $20,000 or less) with children aged six and under/or pregnant women living in the home that have elevated lead levels in their drinking water. Infants and children can absorb lead more easily, which makes them more sensitive to the neurological effect of lead. Pregnant women can pass lead in their blood to their fetus during pregnancy. Lead can be found in older buildings that may have lead pipes connecting the street DOCS434814 Page 1 of 2 February 19, 2008 Report: SS-08-006 water main to the indoor plumbing system; in pipe joints that may have been soldered with a lead- based material; or some older brass faucets. Social Services will be offering the program through the Income Support Services. The Program will be communicated through a mail out to Ontario Works recipients who meet the criteria. Staff will track the uptake of the program and meet reporting requirements of the Province.

CORPORATE STRATEGIC PLAN:

Implementation of the Water Filter Fund Program support Focus Area 3: Healthy and Safe Communities, Objective 3.1: improve health by reducing or preventing the environmental and social conditions or behaviors that lead to poor health and/or disparity.

FINANCIAL IMPLICATIONS:

The costs associated with the Water Filter Fund Program are funded 100% by the Province of Ontario. Waterloo Region has been allocated $1,000 for administration of the program and $10,000 for program costs, for a total allocation of $11,000. The program is time limited and any funds not spent by the Region by March 31, 2008 will be returned to the Province.

OTHER DEPARTMENT CONSULTATIONS/CONCURRENCE:

Transportation and Engineering Services and Public Health are also involved with the implementation of this program.

ATTACHMENTS

A Memorandum from the Ministry of Community and Social Services September 20, 2007 B. Memorandum from the Ministry of Community and Social Services January 14, 2008

PREPARED BY: Lynn Randall, Director, Social Planning, Policy and Program Administration

APPROVED BY: Michael Schuster, Commissioner, Social Services

DOCS#434814 Page 2 of 2

REGION OF WATERLOO REPORT: SS-08-007

SOCIAL SERVICES Social Planning, Policy and Program Administration

TO: Chair Sean Strickland and Members of the Community Services Committee

DATE: February 19, 2008 FILE CODE: S13-40

SUBJECT: STREETS TO HOMES PILOT AND RENT BANK LOAN FUND

RECOMMENDATION:

THAT the Regional Municipality of Waterloo approve up to $72,000 for the YWCA of Kitchener- Waterloo to pilot the Streets to Home program for women between April 1, 2008 and March 31, 2009;

SUMMARY:

NIL

REPORT:

1.0 Streets to Home Streets to Home is a program that has been operated through the City of Toronto over the past three years using a “housing first approach”. Streets to Home workers connect with people on the street and assist them to find housing. The workers then provide one year of follow-up support to ensure people remain housed. The program has had impressive housing stability outcomes, assisting 700 people experiencing homelessness to find housing with 90% remaining housed after a one year follow-up period.

One Streets to Home pilot for Waterloo Region, operating through the Working Centre, has already been approved by Council through the federal Homelessness Partnership Initiative (SS- 07-046). Another Streets to Home pilot is proposed to be offered through the YWCA. These two Streets to Homes pilots, one for men and one for women, will be operated in tandem between April 2008 and March 2009. Each pilot will seek to work with ten people experiencing persistent homelessness to assist them to find and maintain housing. While this may seem like a small number of people to serve, this level of intensity is required to address the complex needs associated with persistent homelessness. Local research has shown that it is at least ten times more expensive on a per diem basis for people experiencing persistent homelessness to go on using various emergency services than to provide housing with support. The pilots will allow an opportunity to test the Toronto model and to assess what aspects of the program may need to be adjusted to optimize relevance within Waterloo Region.

These two pilots will be evaluated in conjunction with other projects that were approved through the federal Homelessness Partnership Initiative to specifically address the need of people experiencing persistent homelessness (street outreach and service resolution). An interim 454866 Page 1 of 3 February 19, 2008 Report: SS-08-007 report on the four programs will be developed in the fall of 2008 with a final report to be completed after March 2009.

2.0 Rent Bank and Eviction Prevention Program Loan Fund The Province, through the Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing (MMAH), has provided the following series of one-time endowments to Consolidated Municipal Service Managers (CMSMs) for the Provincial Rent Bank Program: • 2004 - $10M across the Province of which the Region’s share totaled $384,324 (SS-04-025). • 2006 - $4M across the Province of which the Region’s share totaled $114,944 (SS-06-031). • 2007- $4.8M across the Province of which the Region’s share totaled $51,232 (SS-07-19).

The 2004 allocation was based on 2001 census population data while the 2006 and 2007 allocations were determined according to population and proportion of previous Provincial Rent Bank funding already utilized to support rental arrears. Concerns with the funding allocation formula in 2006 and 2007 and the fact that the funding has not been annualized have already been raised by Council with the Province through letters to local Members of Provincial Parliament (SS- 07-019).

Only $58,984 in Provincial Rent Bank program funding remains for the local Rent Bank and Eviction Prevention loan fund for 2008. The Province has recently undertaken an evaluation of the Provincial Rent Bank Program; however, at this point, no further information has been shared with CMSMs and it is unknown whether additional funding will be made available for the Program on either a one-time or annualized basis. As such, due to the current demands within the local Rent Bank and Eviction Prevention Program offered through Lutherwood, it is recommended that up to an additional $30,000 be made available for the loan fund.

Lutherwood’s Rent Bank and Eviction Prevention Program has been operating since 2001. The local Rent Bank program is a uniquely successful loan-based program. A total of 244 loans were provided in 2007 to assist people with rental arrears or last month’s rent (78% rental arrears and 22% last month’s rent)1. Last year, the Program achieved a 66% repayment rate (compared to 32%-34% rate for other programs across the Province) and had 100% of loan recipients remaining stably housed after two years. Additional services provided through Lutherwood’s Rent Bank and Eviction Prevention Program include information and referral, assistance with problem solving and budgeting, landlord/tenant mediation, and advocacy.

CORPORATE STRATEGIC PLAN:

FINANCIAL IMPLICATIONS:

Regional Council approved $350,000 in 2008 for the implementation of the Homelessness to Housing Stability Strategy. One-time funds totaling $102,000 will be distributed to the YWCA of

1 The Provincial Rent Bank Program provides funding for rental arrears only. Loan repayments are used to fund loans for last month’s rent. 454866 Page 2 of 3 February 19, 2008 Report: SS-08-007

Kitchener-Waterloo for the Streets to Home pilot ($72,000) and to Lutherwood for the Rent Bank and Eviction Prevention loan fund ($30,000).

OTHER DEPARTMENT CONSULTATIONS/CONCURRENCE:

NIL

ATTACHMENTS:

PREPARED BY: Marie Morrison, Manager, Social Planning Lynn Randall, Director, Social Planning, Policy and Program Administration

APPROVED BY: Michael Schuster, Commissioner, Social Services

454866 Page 3 of 3 REGION OF WATERLOO REPORT: SS-08-008

SOCIAL SERVICES Employment & Income Support

TO: Chair Sean Strickland and Members of the Community Services Committee

DATE: February 19, 2008 FILE CODE: S09-20

SUBJECT: IMPLEMENTATION OF ONTARIO CHILD BENEFIT

RECOMMENDATION:

AND THAT copies of this report and recommendation be forwarded to all area M.P.P’s, AMO and OMSSA as outlined in report SS-08-008, dated February 19, 2008.

SUMMARY:

The Province of Ontario is introducing an income-tested benefit for low-income families. Many families and their children will benefit financially from this strategy. At the same time the Province will remove children from the social assistance system. In assessing the risk for those receiving social assistance especially Ontario Works, this program will be confusing in its initial stages and they will lose such important and necessary benefits as the Back-to-School Allowance.

REPORT:

1. Ontario Child Benefit

The Ontario Child Benefit (OCB) is an income-tested benefit being implemented by the Province of Ontario for low-income families. It will be administered by the Canada Revenue Agency. The OCB will be phased in over a five year period. It was first introduced in July 2007, when eligible families were provided an initial lump sum payment of up to $250 per child.

Regular monthly payments will begin in July 2008 with a maximum annual benefit of $600 per child. The benefit will be reduced by eight cents ($0.08) for every dollar above a net family income of $20,000. The payment will be included with the Canada Tax Benefit (CCTB) and the National Child Benefit Supplement (NCBS). As the OCB is phased in, the maximum annual benefit per child will increase as follows:

July 2007 $250 (one-time payment) July 2008 $600 ($50 per month) July 2009 $805 ($67.08 per month) July 2010 $900 ($75.00 per month) July 2011 $1,100 ($91.67 per month) DOCS# 457178 Page 1 of 4 February 19, 2008 Report: SS-08-008

To be assessed for eligibility, a parent/guardian will need to meet all of the following criteria: • The applicant and spouse/common-law partner have had their previous year’s income tax return assessment • His/her children are registered for the Canada Child Tax Benefit • He/she is a resident of Ontario • He/she is a primary caregiver for one or more dependent children under age 18, and • He/she has a family adjusted net income below the OCB threshold.

2. Impacts Upon Social Assistance

When monthly OCB payments begin in July 2008 there will be impacts on the Ontario Child Care Supplement (OCCS) and social assistance rates. The OCCS (provided to working families with a child under 7 years) will be consolidated into the OCB and will be phased out after the OCB has reached maturity in 2011.

The Province is restructuring the delivery of social assistance (Ontario Works and Ontario Disability Support Program) as a result of the Ontario Child Benefit. There will no longer be any deduction of the National Child Benefit Supplement (NCBS) from social assistance. As well, the OCB will replace certain social assistance benefits for children.

Specifically, with the introduction of the Ontario Child Benefit, the following changes to the Ontario Works (OW) and Ontario Disability Support Program (ODSP) will be implemented: • The child’s portion of the basic needs allowance will be removed • The Back-to-School and Winter Clothing Allowances will be removed • The National Child Benefit Supplement will not be seen as income so there will be no impact upon a family’s social assistance benefits • A family receiving social assistance will be required to pursue on behalf of their children both the National Child Benefit and the Ontario Child Benefit as financial resources • A Transition Child Benefit will be introduced to assist families, not receiving the OCB or receiving less than the maximum OCB, and • The Transition Child Benefit will be 100% Provincially funded.

In addition, an age-related supplement will remain for families on social assistance with children 13 years and over. There will also be a sole parent supplement for single parent families.

3. Overview of Changes

Before these changes a family participating in Ontario Works would receive a monthly cheque from the Canada Revenue Agency, including the Canada Child Tax Benefit, the National Child Benefit Supplement, and, if eligible, the Ontario Child Care Supplement. The monthly Ontario Works cheque would include the Back-to-School and Winter Clothing Allowances (once each per year), the basic needs allowance for children, the basic needs allowance for adults, the shelter allowance and a deduction for the National Child Benefit Supplement for the family.

After the changes in July 2008, the Canada Revenue Agency will issue funds monthly for the Child Tax Benefit, the National Child Benefit Supplement and the Ontario Child Benefit. The monthly Ontario Works cheque will include the basic needs allowance for adults (with the above supplements) and the shelter allowance for the family with no National Child Benefit deduction.

Document #: 457178 Page 2 of 4

February 19, 2008 Report: SS-08-008

In summary, the OCB will replace the Ontario Child Care Supplement, the Back-to-School and Winter Clothing Allowances and the basic needs allowance for children. Very simply, an eligible Ontario Works recipient will see one cheque increase (Canada Revenue Agency) and another decrease (Ontario Works).

It is very difficult without knowledge of the supplements and formulae in the technology to project with confidence the impact for individual families. Nevertheless, it would seem that generally a family will be ahead financially over the course of the year. The amounts vary by family circumstance. Initial analysis suggests that sole parent families do not benefit as well as two-parent families.

4. Implementation

The following is the general timetable and key milestones for the implementation of the Ontario Child Benefit effective July 2008: • The Province has established an advisory committee with Municipal representation to provide advice to the restructuring of social assistance • In January an overview of the OCB and social assistance restructuring was provided by the Province for representative municipal staff • In February this overview will be provided to Employment & Income Support staff and community agencies by those staff who participated in the January Provincial forum • In February/March there will be a cheque insert for social assistance recipients on the Ontario Child Benefit • In April/May technical training will be provided to representative municipal staff on the implementation (for example, changes to technology, business processes and so on). • In April an overview of the OCB will be offered to interested Regional staff in other Departments • In May/June detailed technical training will be given to Employment and Income Support staff • In July there will be an upgrade to Provincial technology to support implementation, and • In July/August implementation of changes to Canada Revenue and social assistance cheques will take place.

The Province has advised that municipalities will continue to receive relevant communication materials, updated questions and answers, job aids, technology tools and user guides both electronically and in hard copy. As well, cheque inserts and fact sheets will be provided to social assistance recipients and the community. Public internet sites (Provincial) are to be updated.

Staff in Employment and Income Support will be given key messages to deliver to Ontario Works recipients after their February training both to ensure they are able to take advantage of the OCB and to prepare for the changes in their cheques. The goal of the community forums is to provide an overview to community agencies which will enable them also to respond to questions from their program participants and ensure that eligible families apply for the benefit.

5. Summary

The Ontario Child Benefit is an important element in the Province’s initiative to reduce the impact of poverty. As well, it is a positive step to remove children from the social assistance system and provide financial benefits through other means. Continuing review of the information indicates that families receiving social assistance should be financially ahead. Still there are concerns in the first year of implementation for those receiving social assistance.

While persons receiving Ontario Works will be financially ahead, the amount of the gain will vary by family situation. This will improve as the OCB proceeds to maturity and the monthly benefit Document #: 457178 Page 3 of 4

February 19, 2008 Report: SS-08-008 increases. Secondly, families will need to be aware that the Canada Revenue cheque (usually received around the 20th of the month) will increase, while the Ontario Works cheque (received a little over one week later) will decrease. A family will need to think about how they budget their funds (e.g. payment of rent). Finally, before the Ontario Child Benefit, the Ontario Works August cheque would have included the Back-to-School Allowance ($71 for each child under 12 years, $131 for each child 13 – 17 years). Again the November cheque will no longer include a Winter Clothing Allowance ($108 per child). Certainly in terms of the Back-to-School Allowance families will have had no opportunity to save their OCB (first monthly payment in July) to offset the loss of this benefit. Parents with children in school for example, use this allowance to cover school fees, uniforms and other costs. This may be a confusing period for many who are our most vulnerable citizens. At the same time they will be denied financial benefits which would ease the transition to the OCB and reduce the impact of poverty consistent with the Province’s direction.

CORPORATE STRATEGIC PLAN:

Providing necessary financial resources to those receiving Social Assistance ensures Focus Area 3: Healthy and Safe Communities: Support safe and caring communities that enhance all aspects of health; and in particular, Strategic Objective 3.1: To Improve health by reducing or preventing the environmental and social conditions or behaviours that lead to poor health and/or disparity.

FINANCIAL IMPLICATIONS:

The Ontario Child Benefit is fully funded by the Province of Ontario. As discussed in the 2008 Budget process, based upon Provincial information which staff cannot validate, Council reduced the Region’s operating budget by $306,250 (let levy) in anticipation of a reduction in social assistance allowances with the implementation of the OCB. In 2007, the Region spent $353,100 gross ($70,620 net Region) on the Back-to-School Allowance and $594,281 gross ($118,856 net Region) on the Winter Clothing Allowance for families receiving Ontario Works.

OTHER DEPARTMENT CONSULTATIONS/CONCURRENCE:

This report has been reviewed by staff in Finance.

ATTACHMENTS

Nil

PREPARED BY: David Dirks, Director, Employment & Income Support

APPROVED BY: Michael Schuster, Commissioner, Social Services

Document #: 457178 Page 4 of 4

REPORT: P-08-024 REGION OF WATERLOO

PLANNING, HOUSING AND COMMUINTY SERVICES Community Services

TO: Chair Sean Strickland and Members of the Community Services Committee

DATE: February 19, 2008 FILE CODE: R01-20

SUBJECT: ARTS, CULTURE HERITAGE MASTER PLAN IMPLEMENTATION – 2007 ACHIEVEMENTS/2008 DIRECTIONS

RECOMMENDATION:

For information.

SUMMARY:

One of the goals of the Regional Growth Management Strategy is Building Vibrant Urban Places. Nurturing culture and creativity and building a strong foundation for arts, culture and heritage in this community through implementing the Region of Waterloo Arts, Culture, Heritage Master Plan (2002) is one of the ongoing activities that supports this goal. This report summarizes the broad range of cultural heritage initiatives undertaken by the Region, with specific focus on the work completed in 2007 related to the recommendations of the Master Plan. Twenty-one projects/activities supporting the five Goals of the Master Plan are highlighted. Key directions for 2008 are also noted.

REPORT:

The Region’s first Arts, Culture, Heritage (ACH) Master Plan was approved by Council in 2002. The Plan’s objectives include: increasing awareness of the importance of arts, culture and heritage as integral components of the Region’s vitality, identity and character; improving promotion and access to existing ACH events/organizations; and building community identity through a focus on cultural heritage. Five strategic areas were identified, with specific actions proposed for the five years of the Plan.

Each year since the Plan was approved, staff has reported to Committee on the initiatives undertaken in support of the recommendations (please see reports P-03-042, P-04-129, P-05-121 and P-07-33). This report covers the last year of the five-year Plan. Work is currently underway on reviewing the need and timelines for updating the Master Plan.

In addition to the Cultural Heritage program budget which supports the implementation of the ACH Master Plan, the Region of Waterloo provides substantial support to cultural heritage through funding museums, the Waterloo Region Heritage Foundation and the Region of Waterloo Arts Fund, as well as providing grants to cultural organizations. This support reflects the leadership role played by the Region in undertaking Region-wide initiatives, while respecting the responsibilities of the local municipalities in areas such as protecting built heritage, funding galleries, and supporting cultural events.

The 2007 initiatives undertaken in support of the ACH Master Plan are summarized below, grouped into the five Goals identified in the Plan. In addition, related initiatives funded by others but directly linked to the Region’s leadership in cultural heritage, have also been noted.

444556 Page 1 of 6 February 19, 2008 Report: P-08-024

Community Identity and Character

Goal One of the ACH Master Plan is to build community identity around the unique cultural heritage of this Region. This can be accomplished by promoting a greater understanding and respect for the diverse features that define our region, as well as by identifying and protecting our cultural and natural heritage assets. The following points highlight 2007 activities by Regional staff, which support this goal.

• In September, Regional Council gave approval in principal for a Regional History Museum and Visitor Orientation Centre to be built at Doon Heritage Crossroads. A grant application for $4.3 million was submitted to Cultural Spaces Canada, and if it is successful, the museum must be constructed by March 2010. A Steering Committee has been formed, and the consulting team of Moriyama + Teshima Architects in association with The Walter Fedy Partnership has been engaged to undertake building and exhibit design. • Doors Open Waterloo Region 2007, held on September 15, was the fifth time this highly successful event was held in the Region. As detailed in Report P-08-014, the event attracted more than 7,000 visitors to the 32 participating sites throughout the Region. More than 200 volunteers contributed their time, skills and enthusiasm to make the visitors’ experience unforgettable. The Region provides funding for this event through the Cultural Heritage budget, with additional support from grants and generous media sponsorships. • Regional staff sponsored a meeting to brainstorm ideas that would improve the Doors Open event and set directions for the coming five years. Participants affirmed the importance of the event and the desire to run it annually while enhancing it whenever possible. Participants represented the municipal sector, heritage committees, the heritage community, Grand River Conservation Authority, Waterloo Region Art Council, art and culture organizations as well as museums. • A background report on Cultural Heritage Landscapes (CHLs) in the Region was circulated to Area Municipal staff and used as the basis for detailed inter-municipal discussions. The report recommends themes, criteria, processes, and policies and identifies over 20 potential regionally-significant cultural heritage landscapes. Regional staff are also collaborating with the University of Waterloo on a project investigating how to asses the value that the public places on cultural heritage landscapes. • The Heritage Planning Advisory Committee (HPAC) provided comments as requested on development applications and Environmental Assessments, including: Main Street Bridge and Queen Square rehabilitation project, Cambridge; Highland Road and Queen Street Improvements, Kitchener; Franklin Road Environmental Assessment; Mattamy Subdivision and it implications on Black Bridge Road Bridge; and Rapid Transit Technologies and Route Designs. The Committee also supported the Heritage Canada Foundation initiative Landmarks, not Landfill, and commented on the Region’s Corporate Strategic Plan. • The report, Spanning the Generations: Phase 3 - Heritage Assessment of Truss Bridges, was published and distributed. This phase focused on the 12 truss Bridges located in the region dating from 1873 to 1953, and showcased 80 years of evolving bridge design and technology. Copies of the Study were circulated to Regional Councillors, Area Municipalities, Regional engineers and planners, area Members of Parliament, and the Grand River Conservation Authority, and made available to the public.

In addition to these initiatives which are directly linked to the Arts, Culture, Heritage Master Plan, many related initiatives which build community identity and character were supported by the Region in 2007. Some of these include:

• Programs at the three Regional museums, where residents, school children and tourists are able to learn about the area’s heritage, and view artifacts from all periods of our development.

444556 Page 2 of 6 February 19, 2008 Report: P-08-024

• Regional Council support for the Township of Woolwich in the designation of the West Montrose Covered Bridge under Part IV of the Ontario Heritage Act.

Education and Awareness

Goal Two of the ACH Master Plan is to enhance public awareness of the benefits that arts, culture and heritage organizations bring to the community, and to provide opportunities for the exchange of information among cultural heritage organizations. Key activities undertaken in 2007 to support this Goal include:

• The participation of HPAC members and/or Regional staff in the following workshops and conferences: o Nomination of Historic Sites and Buildings in Waterloo Region to the National Register workshop organized by the Heritage Resource Centre at the University of Waterloo, February 12, 2007. o The 2007 Heritage Showcase, February 17, 2007 at Cambridge Centre Mall. o The Grand River Watershed 10th Annual Heritage Day Workshop and Celebration, February 19, 2007 at Waterloo Memorial Recreation complex. o Olde Home Workshop organized by the North Waterloo Region Branch of the Architectural Conservancy of Ontario, Waterloo in February & March 2007. o Heritage Conservation Conference held in Guelph, May 4-6, 2007, including staff presentation on Cultural Heritage Landscapes. o Staff presentation on how to undertake a study of heritage bridges to the 5th Canadian River Heritage Conference, Winnipeg, June 10-14, 2007. o The Ecology of a Creative Community, 2007 Creative City Network of Canada Conference, Edmonton, Alberta, October 10-13, 2007. o Heritage Canada Foundation Annual Conference, Big Plans for Old Places, held in Edmonton, Alberta, October 11-14, 2007. • 130 copies of the spring issue of the Alternatives Journal, which focused on heritage conservation, were purchased and distributed along with a cover letter to Councillors, Home Builder Associations, construction industry, Heritage Committees, Chamber of Commerce, Board of Trade, Real Estate Board and brokerages, and local libraries across the Region. • The digitized interactive Historical Driving Tour maps were made available to the public online at www.region.waterloo.on.ca • The Regional publication ‘Events and Exhibits’ which highlights activities at the Region’s museums and libraries, was published three times in 2007 with a print run of about 2,000 copies. Each issue also featured an external organization, which raises the profile and promotes the activities of the organization. In 2007 the featured organizations were Nota Bene Baroque Orchestra, 150th Anniversary of Suddaby Public School, and City of Cambridge Archives. • Three historic interpretive plaques were unveiled in public ceremonies for Hartman Bridge (New Hamburg), 14 Mill Park Drive (Kitchener) and Mill Creek Bridge (Cambridge) on June 8, July 7 and October 17, 2007. Public participation was very significant and reflected the public interest in protecting and recognizing heritage structures.

Related initiatives that also promoted education and awareness of arts, culture and heritage in 2007 included:

• Articles about the museums and libraries in the Region’s annual Report to the Community. • Participation by the Region of Waterloo Library in the community-wide One Book One Community campaign, which promotes reading and discussion of a selected book throughout the year. The 2007 selection, “Smoke” by Elizabeth Ruth, was widely read, and readings by the author in September were well attended.

444556 Page 3 of 6 February 19, 2008 Report: P-08-024

• The many programs offered at Doon Heritage Crossroads, Joseph Schneider Haus, McDougall Cottage and the Region of Waterloo Library branches, which provide history, culture and literacy learning opportunities to youth throughout the Region. • The Region of Waterloo Library’s 10 branches registered 1,447 children for the Lost Worlds Summer Reading Club, and over 32,000 children’s books were signed out in July and August.

Coordination and Partnership Formation

Goal Three of the Master Plan relates to integrating promotional activities and encouraging the not- for-profit, public and private sectors to share their expertise and resources. Initiatives undertaken in 2007 in support of this Goal include:

• Continued membership in the Creative City Network (CCN) which enables all staff at the Region and Local Municipalities to access information on research, policies and initiatives in cultural heritage through the Internet. • The Cultural Heritage Planner participated in an Ontario Municipal Heritage Planners Meeting, where information on heritage initiatives across the province are shared, and in the Bridging Community Space-Arts & Community Transformation workshop. • Community Services staff prepared a Framework report, with an overview of arts, culture and heritage activities at the Federal, Provincial, Regional and Local levels of government, and participated in the Prosperity Council Arts Task Force, Community Investment Strategy discussions, discussions on the future role of the Waterloo Regional Arts Council (WRAC) and meetings to initiate a local ArtsSmarts program.

Related initiatives undertaken by other organizations in 2007 include:

• The Region and the Area Municipalities developed and funded a new destination marketing organization for the region. Through the Waterloo Regional Tourism Marketing Corporation, cultural organizations and events will be able to promote their programs cost effectively to a broader market.

Resources

The Fourth Goal of the Master Plan is to ensure that sufficient resources, including staff, volunteers and funding, are available to undertake the initiatives recommended in the Plan. It also contemplated that the Region could enhance the resources available to other organizations by leading or coordinating initiatives that benefit several groups. In 2007, this was accomplished by:

• Funding the staff support and consulting fees for developing the Cultural Spaces Canada grant application for the Regional History Museum. • Providing staff support to the Heritage Planning Advisory Committee (HPAC). • Funding and facilitating a project by the Heritage Resource Centre at the University of Waterloo to nominate designated heritage structures in Waterloo Region to the Canadian Register of Historic Places, a searchable database containing information about recognized historic places of local, provincial, territorial and national significance.

Related initiatives that provide resources in support of cultural heritage include:

• Regional Council funding for the Waterloo Region Heritage Foundation (WRHF) and the Region of Waterloo Arts Fund (WRAF). • Other Regional grants to cultural organizations such as K-W Philharmonic Choir, Opera Ontario, Waterloo Regional Arts Council, K-W Symphony Orchestra Association, Waterloo Regional Children’s Museum. 444556 Page 4 of 6 February 19, 2008 Report: P-08-024

• Funding the operation of the three Regional museums. • Regional support for attracting and recognizing volunteers. Volunteers are essential to the continued excellence of the museums and libraries. HPAC member Elizabeth Heinrichs was nominated for the Ontario Heritage Trust Heritage Community Recognition 2007.

Accessibility

The Fifth Goal is intended to maximize accessibility to arts, culture and heritage opportunities and information. In 2007:

• The Doors Open Waterloo Region 2007 location map, published in The Record, showed Grand River Transit routes in the vicinity of sites accessible by GRT. • The Historical Driving Tour Maps created by HPAC were digitized and made accessible on the Region’s website. This initiative was a Sir Sanford Flemming student project, supported by Regional Information Technology staff. The public can access the maps and photos of many of the historic sites along the routes through the website (www.region.waterloo.on.ca click on maps). • Regional staff participated on Ontario Municipal Benchmarking Initiative (OMBI) expert panels for Libraries and Culture; some of these results have been publicly reported by OMBI. • The Region of Waterloo Library completed an agreement with four other library systems to offer downloadable audiobooks; reciprocal borrowing agreements have also been reached with every adjacent library system.

2008 Directions

Key initiatives for 2008 that will be directly funded by the Cultural Heritage budget are highlighted below.

Community Identity and Public Awareness:

• Cultural heritage staff will provide support to the Regional History Museum project, particularly for public consultation on the building design and exhibit development. • Doors Open Waterloo Region 2008 will be held on September 20, and will incorporate some of the new initiatives suggested at the community brainstorming meeting. The theme is engaging citizens in community conservation. • Information plaques will be developed and installed at three more heritage bridges. • Research on the history of the earliest urban developments will be undertaken in support of the Archaeological Master Plan. • The Artist-in-Residence Toolkit will be further publicized. • Staff will support the Heritage Planning Advisory Committee in hosting a seminar/workshop on heritage conservation.

Partnerships, Resources and Accessibility:

• Cultural heritage policies will be refined in the new Regional Official Plan. • A funding partnership with other community organizations, and in-kind staff resources, will support research into the development of an ArtsSmarts initiative in Waterloo Region. ArtsSmarts is a nation-wide education initiative dedicated to improving the lives and learning capacity of Canadian children by injecting arts into their academic programs. • Cultural heritage staff will continue participating in the Community Investment Strategy Collaborators and Partners meetings, being led by the City of Kitchener, and in the Prosperity Council Arts Task Force. • Heritage information and resources will be made more accessible on the Region’s webpage. 444556 Page 5 of 6 February 19, 2008 Report: P-08-024

Conclusion

All of the work done under the umbrella of implementing the Arts, Culture, Heritage Master Plan contributes to the Regional Growth Management Strategy Goal of Building Vibrant Urban Places. These places are key to the success of our communities as creative, exciting places to live and work.

Area Municipal Consultation/Coordination

Area Municipal staff participated in the research and drafting of the ACH Master Plan. Regional staff consult on individual heritage and culture initiatives as appropriate, and committee reports are exchanged.

CORPORATE STRATEGIC PLAN:

Implementation of the Arts, Culture, Heritage Master Plan initiatives support Strategic Focus Area 2, Growth Management, particularly the objective: Promote and enhance arts, culture and heritage.

FINANCIAL IMPLICATIONS:

All of the initiatives directly supporting the ACH Master Plan Goals have been funded entirely or in part through the Cultural Heritage program budget.

OTHER DEPARTMENT CONSULTATIONS/CONCURRENCE:

NIL

ATTACHMENTS:

NIL

PREPARED BY: Lucille Bish, Director of Community Services

APPROVED BY: Rob Horne, Commissioner of Planning, Housing and Community Services

444556 Page 6 of 6 Report: PH-08-004

REGION OF WATERLOO

PUBLIC HEALTH Environmental Health & Lifestyle Resources Food Safety & Infection Control

TO: Chair Sean Strickland and Members of the Community Services Committee

DATE: February 19, 2008 FILE CODE: P15-20

SUBJECT: C-ENTERNET SURVEILLANCE INITIATIVE - RENEWAL

RECOMMENDATION:

SUMMARY:

The existing agreement between the Regional Municipality of Waterloo and the Government of Canada expires on March 31, 2008. The report outlines the accomplishments of the collaboration, as well as research and training initiatives. Staff recommends that the agreement should be extended to continue this collaboration and appropriate funding be negotiated with the Public Health Agency of Canada.

REPORT:

Background

As outlined in the Community Services Report, PH-05-008, C-EnterNet is a federal initiative designed to support the active surveillance of enteric diseases in humans and their exposure to pathogens (disease causing microorganisms) through food, water, and animals. Its framework is based on new active or enhanced surveillance activities within a set of sentinel communities across Canada. C-EnterNet integrates human, agri-food and water data, through enhanced typing procedures, to provide a comprehensive understanding of the link between food and waterborne pathogens and human health outcomes in Ontario and, ultimately, in Canada.

Since the C-EnterNet Surveillance Initiative Update Report, PH-06-067, the Region of Waterloo Public Health and the Public Health Agency of Canada’s C-EnterNet team have been working together to enhance and strengthen the work of front-line public health in the tracking and control of infectious enteric diseases in the community. Expert consultations, new questionnaire development, training workshops, support for outbreak response, conducting research, presenting at conferences and publishing findings are among the many activities initiated.

DOCS #452941 Page 1 of 3 February 19, 2008 PH-08-004

C-EnterNet Annual Reports

Since its launch June 2005, two reports have been released to the public, C-EnterNet 2005- 2006 Annual Report and C-EnterNet 2006 Annual Report. The annual reports provided results from human, agri-food and water surveillance activities in the Region of Waterloo. The annual reports will serve as a benchmark for the ongoing monitoring of trends in pathogen movement, behaviour, prevalence and impact in the Region of Waterloo. These reports also highlighted the integrated microbiological and epidemiological data, providing new insights into the importance of travel and enteric disease, as well as the likely sources of exposure for some of the non- travel related cases.

C-EnterNet Initiatives

Accomplishments resulting from collaborative activities between the Region of Waterloo Public Health and the Public Health Agency of Canada since the partnership’s inception include:

• Staff training: To date, five workshops have been held covering topics such as outbreak control, enhancing investigative skills, chemical and microbial issues related to water, and understanding the microbiology of enteric diseases. • Publications: Several papers have been published - Food Consumption Patterns in Waterloo, Ontario, Canada; Descriptive analysis of enteric illness in Waterloo, Ontario: 1990-2004; An Investigation of Bacteriological and Chemical Water Quality and the Barriers to Private Well Water Sampling, and An Outbreak of Hepatitis A Associated with an Infected Food Handler at a Waterloo, Ontario Restaurant.

By building the system at the local level and enhancing existing efforts, the C-EnterNet collaboration with the Region of Waterloo Public Health has increased capacity at the local level for management of enteric disease in the community. These benefits support the Region of Waterloo Public Health’s commitment to citizen-centered service, effective and efficient service delivery and dissemination of information that incorporates a culture of transparency and evidence-based decision-making.

Conclusion

C-EnterNet enables Region of Waterloo Public Health to further identify sources and routes of exposure for enteric pathogens, outline trends and allow more efficient deployment of resources by focusing investigative, education, enforcement and control strategies to reduce enteric illness in our community through evidence based planning. Region of Waterloo Public Health recommends that the collaboration be continued, the agreement extended and appropriate funding be negotiated with the Public Health Agency of Canada.

CORPORATE STRATEGIC PLAN:

Focus Area #2: To enhance community health and social well being.

FINANCIAL IMPLICATIONS:

With the additional funds provided by the Public Health Agency of Canada, these activities will be carried out within existing base budget of the Public Health Department.

DOCS #452941 Page 2 of 3 February 19, 2008 PH-08-004

OTHER DEPARTMENT CONSULTATIONS/CONCURRENCE:

Legal Services and Risk Management were consulted in preparation of this report

ATTACHMENTS

N/A

PREPARED BY: Chris Komorowski, Manager, Environmental Health Nancy Sittler, Public Health Inspector/C-EnterNet Liaison Henry Garcia, Director, Environmental Health and Lifestyle Resources

APPROVED BY: Dr. Liana Nolan, Commissioner/Medical Officer of Health

DOCS #452941 Page 3 of 3 Report: PH-08-005

REGION OF WATERLOO

PUBLIC HEALTH Family and Community Resources

TO: Chair Sean Strickland and Members of the Community Services Committee

DATE: February 19, 2008 FILE CODE: P09-80

SUBJECT: REGION OF WATERLOO PUBLIC HEALTH INFANT FEEDING STUDY 2006/2007

RECOMMENDATION:

For Information

SUMMARY:

The Region of Waterloo Public Health Infant Feeding Study 2006/2007 was conducted in order to gauge the impact of efforts to protect, promote, and support breastfeeding in Waterloo Region, as mandated in the current Mandatory Health Programs and Services Guidelines, 1997. In partnership with local hospitals and midwifery practices, staff at Region of Waterloo Public Health collected information on infant feeding practices according to Breastfeeding Committee for Canada definitions and data collection times. A cohort of 305 families (309 babies), was followed from birth to six months postpartum. Data from the study indicated that infant feeding practices of families in the cohort met the Mandatory Health Programs and Services Guidelines requirement of 50% of infants being breastfed to six months postpartum by 2010. The study results showed that 90% of women in Waterloo Region began breastfeeding their infants, and six months later, 62% of mothers continued to breastfeed their infants. Results from the Region of Waterloo Public Health Infant Feeding Study identified some areas for future focus.

REPORT:

The purpose of this study was to:

• Collect, analyze, and communicate baseline information on infant feeding practices in Waterloo Region, including breastfeeding initiation, duration, and exclusivity rates at specific data collection points, as defined by the Breastfeeding Committee for Canada (the National Authority for the WHO/UNICEF Baby-Friendly™ Hospital Initiative in Canada).

• Provide information to support future program planning and evaluation of breastfeeding protection, promotion, and support.

METHODOLOGY:

Infant Feeding Study Cohort

A three week cohort methodology was selected for the purposes of this study. Families residing in Waterloo Region with babies born from November 6th – 26th, 2006 were followed from birth to 6 months postpartum (May, 2007). Data were collected according to contact points outlined by the Breastfeeding Committee for Canada:

Page 1 of 5 February 19, 2008 Report PH-08-005

o Initiation (at birth) o Hospital discharge o First contact with Community Health Service (48 hours postpartum, i.e. after the baby is born) o Two weeks postpartum o Two months postpartum o Six months postpartum

Three hundred and five (305) families comprised the original cohort. Two hundred and sixty-eight (268) families were accessed through Healthy Babies Healthy Children Services and thirty-seven (37) families were accessed though three midwifery practices in Waterloo Region.

Three hundred and nine (309) babies were born to the three hundred and five (305) families in the Infant Feeding Study cohort. One hundred and forty-five (46.93%) babies were female and one hundred and sixty-four (53.07%) were male.

The age of mothers at birth ranged from 17 to 49 years with the average mother’s age being 30.22 years. Of all the mothers:

o 55.41% were 30 years and older o 40.66% were 20-29 years o 3.93% were 19 years of age and under

A test of difference revealed that the cohort sample was representative of the total number of families with babies born in 2006 according to age of mother at birth; there was no difference in the distribution of ages. (For the figure, refer to page 12 in the Region of Waterloo Public Health Infant Feeding Study 2006/2007 report). Similarly, there was little difference between the percentage of families in each municipality in the Infant Feeding Study cohort, as compared to all families with babies born in 2006, further evidence that the cohort sample was representative of the population (For the figure, refer to page 13 in the Region of Waterloo Public Health Infant Feeding Study 2006/2007 report).

The following chart outlines the number of families participating per Infant Feeding Study data collection point:

Birth Hospital Forty-Eight Two Weeks Two Six Months Discharge Hours Postpartum Months Postpartum Postpartum Postpartum HBHC 268 268 240 235 180 160 Participants Midwifery 37 N/A (37) 37 37 33 32 Participants Total 305(n1) 305(n1) 277(n2) 272(n3) 213(n4) 192(n5) Per Cent of 100.00 100.00 90.82 89.18 69.84 62.95 Original Cohort

RESULTS:

The following table includes the breastfeeding rates for Infant Feeding Study families across data collection points in this study.

DOCS#425838 Page 2 of 5 February 19, 2008 Report PH-08-005

Data Initiation Hospital Forty-Eight Two Weeks Two Months Six Months Collection Discharge Hours Postpartum Postpartum Postpartum Point Postpartum Per Cent of 89.97% 88.93% 85.24% 85.66% 76.06% 61.98% INFANT FEEDING STUDY Families Breastfeeding Total valid 279 253 271 272 213 192 cases

At birth 89.97% of families initiated breastfeeding and at six months postpartum, 61.98% continued to breastfeed their babies. As the Infant Feeding Study examined families across time, sample size was affected by attrition; however, the number of families able to be reached at each data collection point was positive.

Across data collection points, perceived insufficient breastmilk was the reason indicated by most families for giving something other than breastmilk.

According to the definitions of exclusive breastfeeding set out by the Breastfeeding Committee for Canada (2006), 8.33% (16) of the 192 families in the Infant Feeding Study complied with the Health Canada (2004) recommendation to exclusively breastfeeding to six months.

Health Canada’s recommendation of waiting until six months of age to introduce solid foods (2004) was adhered to by 25.00% of families still participating in the Infant Feeding Study at six months postpartum. One out of every five (1/5) of families who introduced solids before 6 months postpartum did so on the advice of their doctor.

For families in the Infant Feeding Study, the older the mother at the time of the birth of the baby, the more likely the family was to breastfeed (for the chart, refer to page 31 in the Region of Waterloo Public Health Infant Feeding Study 2006/2007 report).

Discussion:

The Infant Feeding Study data met the Mandatory Health Programs and Services Guidelines requirement of 50% of infants being breastfed to six months postpartum by 2010. However, draft Ontario Public Health Standards (2007) revise the breastfeeding goal to reflect an increased rate of exclusive breastfeeding (i.e. breastmilk only) at six months with continued breastfeeding to two years and beyond.

The message that breastmilk is the optimal choice for feeding infants was somewhat reflected in the breastfeeding initiation rates (89.97%) of the Infant Feeding Study cohort.

The results of this study suggest that areas for program consideration include: • The drop in breastfeeding rates noted at two and six months postpartum. • The introduction of solid foods before six months postpartum which was noted in 75% of the cohort. • The small proportion of Infant Feeding Study mothers who breastfed their infants exclusively to six months.

DOCS#425838 Page 3 of 5 February 19, 2008 Report PH-08-005

The results may highlight the need for further promotion and support of the World Health Organization’s and Health Canada’s recommendations to exclusively breastfeed to six months and waiting until six months to introduce solid foods. The Breastfeeding Buddies peer support program offers ongoing emotional support to mothers and continued promotion of this program may help increase duration rates. Advocacy with local physicians could also have an impact on extending the time before solid foods are introduced.

The methodology of the Infant Feeding Study and the lessons learned can inform upcoming investigations at the Region of Waterloo Public Health and will allow for comparison with various Ontario Health Units who borrowed from the methodology. Findings from the Infant Feeding Study are supported by findings reported in other local, provincial, and national research. Funding opportunities and the potential linking of Breastfeeding Committee for Canada definitions and Ontario Public Health Standards requirements with data collection processes for the Healthy Babies Healthy Children Program may provide the necessary resources and protocols for the systematic surveillance of breastfeeding indicators.

The results provide a snapshot of infant feeding in Waterloo Region and a starting point for program planning and future research. An action plan will be developed and reviewed in response to the Infant Feeding Study results. As well, a Baby-Friendly Forum is being held on February 20th, 2008 to explore ways to include breastfeeding in community settings. A subsequent report will be submitted to Community Services Committee in April, 2008, detailing plans to move forward with the Baby-FriendlyTM Initiative based on the data collected and presented in this report.

The full Region of Waterloo Public Health Infant Feeding Study 2006/2007 report is posted on the Region of Waterloo Public Health website at: http://chd.region.waterloo.on.ca/web/health.nsf/4f4813c75e78d71385256e5a0057f5e1/412924C C4132DF9A85257141005C6702/$file/INFANT_FEEDING_STUDY.pdf?openelement (Resources/Health Status & Research Studies/Children).

CORPORATE STRATEGIC PLAN:

The Region of Waterloo Public Health Infant Feeding Study 2006/2007, its program implications and directions for future research support Region of Waterloo strategic focus area three: Healthy and Safe Communities.

FINANCIAL IMPLICATIONS:

The study was completed utilizing resources funded within the base budget of the Public Health Department’s Child Health Program.

OTHER DEPARTMENT CONSULTATIONS/CONCURRENCE:

Partnerships: The collection of the data for this study would not have been possible without the assistance of several community partners. (See Appendix A for a list of partners)

ATTACHMENTS: Appendix A: Acknowledgement of Community Partners

PREPARED BY: Eve Nadler, Public Health Planner Martha Svacina, Manager, Family Health, FCR Division

APPROVED BY: Dr. Liana Nolan, Commissioner/Medical Officer of Health

DOCS#425838 Page 4 of 5 February 19, 2008 Report PH-08-005

APPENDIX A

Acknowledgements

The planning and implementation of the Infant Feeding Study would not have been possible without the contributions of numerous staff at Region of Waterloo Public Health, and our community partners. The author would like to thank:

• Cambridge Memorial Hospital • Grand River Hospital • Cambridge Midwives • Kitchener-Waterloo Midwifery Associates • St. Jacobs Midwives

• Lynn Rempel Chair, Department of Nursing Brock University

• Region of Waterloo Doon Heritage Crossroads, for their generous donation of ‘$5 off’ coupons

DOCS#425838 Page 5 of 5 Infant Feeding Study - Purpose

o Collect and analyse baseline information on infant feeding practices, including Region of Waterloo Public Health breastfeeding initiation, duration, and Infant Feeding Study -2006/2007 exclusivity in Waterloo Region o Focus on collecting information on breastfeeding rates at specific data Report to CSC collection points from a small cohort February 19th, 2008 Eve Nadler, Public Health Planner o Provide a baseline snapshot of infant feeding rates in Waterloo Region for use in program planning and evaluation

Infant Feeding Study - Infant Feeding Study - Results Methodology

A Snapshot of Breastfeeding for Families in the Infant Feeding Study o Partnered with Midwifery practices, Grand River 100 89.97 88.93 85.24 85.66 76.06 61.98 Hospital and Cambridge Memorial Hospital to 90 80 24.11 20.22 follow a cohort of families from birth to six 26.57 70 41.58 15.02 8.46 months postpartum 60 7.98 9.90 Per Cent 50 16.91 7.29 of Families 18.31 40 o 305 families with babies born between 64.82 30 58.67 48.39 36.46 th th 40.07 November 6 , 2006 and November 26 , 2006 20 34.75 10 8.33 followed to May 2007 (309 babies; average age 0 Initiation (n=279) Hospital Discharge Forty-Eight Hours Two Weeks Two Months Six Months of mother at birth – 30.22 years) (n=253) Postpartum Postpartum Postpartum Postpartum (n=271) (n=272) (n=213) (n=192) o Collected information on feeding practices at birth, discharge from hospital, 48 hours, two weeks, two months, and six months postpartum

Infant Feeding Study - Implications Infant Feeding Study - Limitations for Planning and Practice o A snapshot of infant feeding in Waterloo Region and a o Size of cohort limits the ability to make precise starting point for program planning and future research estimates of population o Inform upcoming investigations at Region of Waterloo Public Health and allow for comparison with other o Convenience sample; not randomly selected Ontario Health Units o Only possible to show cohort representative of o Funding opportunities and the potential linking of Breastfeeding Committee for Canada definitions and population of all families with babies born in Ontario Public Health Standards requirements with data 2006 on two variables (age of mother at birth collection processes for the Healthy Babies Healthy and municipality of residence) Children Program may provide the necessary resources and protocols for the systematic surveillance of o Attrition – 305 families birth; 192 families by six breastfeeding indicators months postpartum o Further promotion of recommendations to exclusively breastfeed to six months and of solid food introduction at six months o Advocacy with family physicians o Action plan in response to the results

1 Report: PH-08-006 REGION OF WATERLOO

PUBLIC HEALTH Environmental Health and Lifestyle Resources

TO: Chair Sean Strickland and Members of the Community Services Committee

DATE: February 19, 2008 FILE CODE: P13-20

SUBJECT: EVALUATION OF THE TOBACCO TREATMENT FOR NEW CANADIANS PROGRAM

RECOMMENDATION:

For information.

SUMMARY:

This report provides highlights from an evaluation of the Tobacco Treatment for New Canadians Program, a program developed and administered by Region of Waterloo Public Health and the Kitchener-Waterloo YMCA Cross-Cultural and Community Services in 2006. It was funded through a one-time grant from the Ontario Ministry of Health Promotion’s Smoke-Free Ontario strategy. The Tobacco Treatment for New Canadians Program was previously discussed in the report to the Community Services Committee entitled “Smoke-Free Ontario Strategy Update” dated March 6, 2007.

REPORT:

Program Overview

The purpose of the Tobacco Treatment for New Canadians Program was to reduce tobacco use among new Canadians in Waterloo Region. A peer support model was used to bridge potential cultural and language barriers between health service providers and program participants and thereby improve new Canadians’ access to tobacco cessation support in Waterloo Region.

Ten internationally educated health professionals from different immigrant communities in Kitchener-Waterloo were recruited and offered training to become peer tobacco educators within their communities. They were provided with a tool kit of resources translated into 11 different languages as well as marketing materials such as program flyers and posters. Peer tobacco educators in turn recruited and provided intensive cessation interventions to program participants (people who use tobacco products) from their respective ethno-cultural communities.

Evaluation Results

Thirty-four adults participated in the Tobacco Treatment for New Canadians program. Twenty-four of the participants were men and 10 were women. Twenty-six were between 30 and 49 years of age and 17 had attained at least a college/university degree (or equivalent). Seven were post graduates. The group of participants was made up of a mix of ethno-cultural groups. The main languages spoken at home by participants (other than English) were Arabic, Mandarin, Dari, Farsi, Pashtu and Romanian.

Page 1 of 3 February 19, 2008 Report: PH-08-006

The Tobacco Treatment for New Canadians Program was evaluated to determine if voluntary participation in tobacco cessation counseling provided by peer tobacco educators resulted in a change in tobacco use or readiness to quit. The results of the evaluation showed a statistically significant change in tobacco use and abstinence (quit rate) between the start of tobacco treatment and the final treatment session. Half of the participants quit smoking by the final treatment session. Those who continued to smoke decreased their tobacco use from an average of 16 to 7cigarettes daily. The evaluation report concluded that the Tobacco Treatment for New Canadians program shows promise given its apparent success in helping people to quit and the lack of other cessation programs available to this population.

The evaluation included a focus group with the peer tobacco educators and interviews with YMCA and Public Health staff involved in the program to identify areas for program improvement. Analysis of information obtained through the focus group and interviews identified a need for either enhanced marketing training for peer tobacco educators or support from a marketing expert to undertake program promotion. Both peer tobacco educators and staff involved in administering the program believed this enhancement would help to increase participation in the Tobacco Treatment for New Canadians Program.

Peer tobacco educators also reported experiencing difficulty establishing credibility as health care providers within immigrant communities. They believed this was primarily because they lacked both a physical location, such as a clinical office from which to provide one-on-one counseling, and official status as an employee of an agency. They said public spaces were not comfortable or acceptable as counseling venues because they lacked privacy. The establishment of partnerships with community health centres or other health service organizations in Waterloo Region would help to address these issues. They would allow for affiliation with a recognized health organization and would potentially provide meeting space in which cessation counseling could take place.

While the Tobacco Treatment for New Canadians Program has not been offered since funding for the program ended in 2006, the recommendations developed from the program evaluation suggest areas for improvement should new funding become available to offer the program. They will also be useful to public health departments in other parts of the province which have indicated an interest in developing cessation programs for new Canadians.

CORPORATE STRATEGIC PLAN:

Focus Area 4: Human Services: Promote quality of life and create opportunities for residents to develop to their full potential.

FINANCIAL IMPLICATIONS:

The Peer Tobacco for New Canadians Program was a pilot project funded through a one-time grant from the Province of Ontario’s Smoke Free Ontario strategy. The program ended in December 2006.

OTHER DEPARTMENT CONSULTATIONS/CONCURRENCE:

N/A

DOCS #445836 Page 2 of 3 February 19, 2008 Report: PH-08-006

ATTACHMENTS

NIL

PREPARED BY: Sandy Keller, Public Health Planner, Tobacco Programs Mary Sehl, Manager, Tobacco Programs

APPROVED BY: Dr. Liana Nolan, Commissioner/Medical Officer of Health

DOCS #445836 Page 3 of 3 Report: PH-08-007 REGION OF WATERLOO

PUBLIC HEALTH Health Determinants, Planning and Evaluation

TO: Chair Sean Strickland and Members of the Community Services Committee

DATE: February 19, 2008 FILE CODE: P20-80

SUBJECT: EVALUATION OF THE NEIGHBOURHOOD-BASED PRODUCE MARKETS

RECOMMENDATION:

For information.

SUMMARY:

In December 2006, Region of Waterloo Public Health received funding from the Lyle S. Hallman Foundation for a community based collaboration called Advancing the Healthy Food System Plan (PH-07-009). Public Health received $42,500 ($19,766 in 2007 and $22,734 in 2008) to pilot 2 neighbourhood markets in 2007 and to further expand to 5 markets in 2008. This report describes the findings of a process evaluation of the 2007 markets; the information gleaned from this process evaluation will be of value to existing partners who are returning to the project in 2008 and for partners who will become involved for the first time.

REPORT:

The neighbourhood market pilot was designed to strengthen the local food system as one of several actions that were recommended from consultations on “Towards a Healthy Food System for Waterloo Region – Interim Report” that was released in November 2005 (PH-05-112/PH-05-062). Each Friday afternoon from June 29 to September 28 2007, a fresh local produce market was held in the parking lot of St. Mary’s General Hospital and at the Mill Courtland Community Centre. The purpose of the neighbourhood markets pilot was to increase access to fresh local produce in neighbourhoods that have limited food access, to increase consumption of fresh produce, to increase social connections in neighbourhoods, and to support local farmers.

This report describes the findings of a process evaluation of the neighbourhood markets. The evaluation had the following objectives: • To document the process of setting up and running the neighbourhood markets in order to learn from the experience • To determine if the neighbourhood markets were meeting the produce needs of the people who came to them • To determine if the neighbourhood markets created sustainable opportunities for the partners involved • To begin to determine if the markets had improved access to fresh fruit and vegetables and resulted in increased consumption of fresh produce

Data was gathered using tracking forms, a short questionnaire at the beginning of the season, an end of season longer questionnaire, and interviews with staff, partners, and volunteers.

The process of setting up the markets involved two phases. The first was developmental and entailed presenting the concept, developing partnerships, selecting sites, and hiring staff. The

Page 1 of 3 February 19, 2008 Report: PH-08-007 second phase was operational and involved the actual running of the markets. A rushed time frame, zoning and licensing issues, and finding partners to participate in a new concept were developmental challenges. A success during the developmental stage was the ability to attract partners that allowed the start-up of the markets within this tight time frame. Operational challenges included finding enough staff and volunteers to carry out all of the necessary tasks, dealing with the weather, communication, and setting the price of produce. The key operational success was a committed planning group which drew on their networks to bring in volunteers.

Those who shopped at the neighbourhood markets reported that the locations were convenient and that the quality of the produce was very good, especially its freshness. Most found what they were looking for but others were hoping for more fruit. The fact that the produce was purchased from local farmers was very important to customers. End of the season comments from customers expressed hope that the markets would be back next year and that they would spread to more locations.

If sustainability means that the expenses of running the neighbourhood markets are covered by the revenues generated by the sale of the produce, then the markets are not yet creating sustainable opportunities for partners. This year, the markets were able to cover the costs of the produce but not the complete costs of operations (see revenue and expense summary below). The surplus revenue indicated in the summary is being held by Opportunities Waterloo Region and will be used to get the markets going in 2008. Greater awareness of the markets next season may increase sales and more markets may increase efficiencies. However, the neighbourhood markets are showing signs of being sustainable through the strong partnerships that have been developed and the belief among partners that they are contributing to community well being.

Pilot Neighbourhood Market Revenue and Expense Summary*: Year 1 Revenue Lyle S Hallman Market operation $19,766.00 Region of Waterloo Public Health In kind staff time $9,324.00 Produce sales $9,360.00 Total $38,450.00 Revenue Expenses Opportunities Waterloo Region Wholesale produce $7,097.00 Canadian Organic Growers Wholesale produce $2,086.00 Opportunities Waterloo Region Market operation $13,314.00 Mill Courtland Community Centre Market operation $1,632.00 Region of Waterloo Public Health Market operation $9,324.00 Total $33,453.00 Expenses *This balance sheet does not include start up costs ($14,000), the estimated value of produce that was not sold and was subsequently donated ($1,400) or the estimated value of volunteer hours ($1,784).

Where people access their produce and how much produce they eat are behaviours that take a long time to change. Some partners, staff, and volunteers spoke in the interviews about changes in their own habits such as trying new things, re-investing in home processing, and having a greater variety of vegetables in their homes. Changes within customers were more difficult to measure and information was limited by the small number of people who filled in the survey. Those who did fill in the survey indicated that the markets had made getting fresh produce easier for them and that they were eating more vegetables and fruits as a result of it being there.

The neighbourhood markets showed strong signs of contributing to community health. Respondents spoke positively of the social interactions that occurred at the markets. Exchanges of ideas, recipes, stories, and experiences happened frequently and a community was being formed through these interactions. Some people commented on the fiddle player, the colours, the festiveness, and the people milling around – all creating an atmosphere or a sense of place. Others commented on the

DOCS #455138 Page 2 of 3 February 19, 2008 Report: PH-08-007 pride that people had in the beautiful produce that they were buying or handling, pride in their community, and pride in doing something to contribute to the betterment of their neighbourhood. Lastly, the neighbourhood markets helped to build the capacity of those who were involved.

Planning is currently underway for the 2008 season. Some current activities include: Exploring additional sites and additional partners Exploring ways to improve distribution efficiencies Investigating sourcing directly from local farmers Exploring ways to link to existing volunteer and community infrastructure

The full evaluation report is available on the Regional website.

CORPORATE STRATEGIC PLAN:

This project relates to several focus areas within the strategic plan, but most specifically: Focus Area 2: Growth Management: Manage and shape growth to ensure a livable, healthy, thriving and sustainable Waterloo Region. Objective 2.1: Encourage compact urban form, re-urbanization and mixed use development consistent with the goals of the Regional Growth Management Strategy.

FINANCIAL IMPLICATIONS:

A one time capital contribution of $14,000 (for the purchase of tents) was made using proceeds from the National Food Assembly held in Waterloo Region in October 2005.

OTHER DEPARTMENT CONSULTATIONS/CONCURRENCE:

ATTACHMENTS

NIL

PREPARED BY: Katherine Pigott, Manager of Health Communities and Policy Judy Maan Miedema, Public Health Planner, Health Determinants, Planning and Evaluation

APPROVED BY: Dr. Liana Nolan, Commissioner/Medical Officer of Health

DOCS #455138 Page 3 of 3 Report: PH-08-008

REGION OF WATERLOO

PUBLIC HEALTH Health Determinants Planning and Evaluation

TO: Chair Sean Strickland and Members of the Community Services Committee

DATE: February 19, 2008 FILE CODE: P20-80

SUBJECT: AIR QUALITY AND URBAN HEALTH IMPACTS IN WATERLOO REGION – A PRELIMINARY ASSESSMENT

RECOMMENDATION:

For Information

SUMMARY:

A preliminary assessment of air quality health impacts in urban areas of Waterloo region suggests that an estimated 2000 hospitalizations in the period between 2002 and 2006 could be attributed to poor air quality and that several hundreds of deaths could be linked to exposure to various pollutants. The report offers recommendations for continuous assessment and program and policy actions, including: • Develop a comprehensive Air Quality Program to: o increase the capacity to assess and mitigate local air pollution; o inform land-use policy decisions; o educate the public about air quality improvement actions; • Continue with health impact assessment and surveillance and report every three years; • Continue with inter-departmental collaboration to meet strategic objectives that address air quality improvements; • Continue to work through the Waterloo Region Partners for Clean Air to collaboratively implement air pollution reduction strategies.

REPORT:

Background

Poor air quality has long been recognized to have an adverse impact on health. Compelling evidence shows that air pollution may worsen health conditions and lead to increased illness and death. Several health jurisdictions in Ontario, including Toronto Public Health, have already demonstrated this relationship.

Continuous monitoring of air quality and its health impacts is one of the actions directed by the draft Ontario Public Health Standards and related protocols for “Population Health Assessment and Surveillance”, and “Investigation and Management of Health Hazards”. In preparation for the upcoming standards, Public Health is preparing a comprehensive Health Hazard program with specific components related to air quality improvements.

Several key strategic initiatives to address air quality have been put forward in the new 2007-2010 Region of Waterloo Strategic Plan. The Environmental Sustainability focus area of this plan emphasizes two key objectives: (i) to improve air quality in Waterloo region, and (ii) to effectively

Page 1 of 4 February 19, 2008 Report: PH-08-008 use and manage energy resources. Public Health has committed to contribute to these focus areas by leading the following activities:

• Assessment of the feasibility of developing a community-wide air quality monitoring and modeling program; • Development of an anti-idling social marketing campaign; and • Investigation of the feasibility of a community energy planning strategy including community design for more efficient energy use.

In addition to the above actions, Public Health has committed to partner with Planning, Housing and Community Services to “enhance, develop, promote and integrate sustainable and active forms of transportation”, and to “conduct surveillance and publish reports on the health impacts associated with environmental and social conditions”.

Findings

Outdoor air pollution results from a complex combination of a variety of substances. This report used a common core set of air pollutants and indicators that are widely used to describe air quality.

According to the Ontario Ministry of the Environment’s “Air Quality in Ontario, 2006 report,” air pollution comes from a variety of sources which include residential (e.g. furnace, fireplaces), transportation (e.g. trucks, cars) and industrial emissions. Although the source of air pollution varies by pollutant, it is apparent that the transportation sector is one of the main emission sources in Ontario. This sector contributes to approximately 65 per cent of emissions of nitrogen oxides and volatile organic compounds, both of which contribute to the formation of ozone.

The purpose of this preliminary assessment of air quality health impacts was to:

(i) Identify and document the illness and death associated with common air pollutants in urban areas of Waterloo region, and to (ii) Provide initial information for actions to improve local air quality

The scientific literature was reviewed in order to determine a set of risk coefficients that link air pollution exposure with selected health impacts (e.g. death, hospitalization). This information was then applied to the most current local health data (e.g. number of hospitalizations) and air pollution levels. The studies that informed this analysis focused on urban areas. Hence, local health impacts pertained to Cambridge, Kitchener and Waterloo only.

As part of this initial assessment, it was estimated that air pollution in Cambridge, Kitchener, and Waterloo, contributed to: • 2,000 hospitalizations related to cardiovascular and respiratory problems from acute exposure to four common pollutants (2002 to 2006); • 208 cardio-pulmonary and lung cancer deaths and 504 other non-injury related deaths linked to chronic PM2.5 exposure from 2000 to 2004; • 111 non-injury related deaths linked to acute exposure to ozone (O3), 94 linked to nitrogen dioxide (NO2) exposure and 82 linked to fine particulate matter (PM2.5) exposure between 2000 and 2004; • Ozone exposure in children aged 5 to 12 accounted for an estimated 47 emergency department visits and 20 hospital admissions from 2002 to 2006.

In addition, this study confirmed that: • These estimates represent the most serious health outcomes at the peak of the “pyramid” of health effects, but do not represent the numerous less severe health outcomes such as

DOCS #455052 Page 2 of 4 February 19, 2008 Report: PH-08-008

some respiratory infections (i.e. pneumonia). Therefore, although significant, these findings highly underestimate illness associated with poor air quality; • Overall, air quality trend data revealed that Waterloo region experienced a decline in air quality with increased levels of PM2.5 and O3 between 2000 and 2006.

Recommendations and Next Steps

This report provides preliminary findings of air quality health impacts which may lead to the further development of air quality assessment, programming, and policy actions.

Assessment and Related Evidence Gathering

Continuous assessment and related knowledge and resource improvements are critical initial steps in collecting evidence to better understand air pollution impacts and strategies to address them. Some of the following recommendations are already addressed in Regional corporate and departmental strategic plans, while others offer more specific or complementary actions to improve our collective capacity to address air pollution in Waterloo region. The specific assessment and other evidence-related recommendations are as follows:

• Continue to conduct surveillance and publish reports on the health impacts associated with environmental conditions, including: o transportation-related pollution, o impacts on vulnerable populations (e.g. children and seniors). • Continue to monitor air pollutant concentrations and associated health impacts on an ongoing basis according to the “Population Health Assessment and Surveillance” and the “Investigation and Management of Health Hazards” protocols from the upcoming Ontario Public Health Standards. • Enhance knowledge relevant to new methodologies for calculating health impact estimates and knowledge that examines the health impacts associated with transboundary pollution (i.e. the transport of pollutants across provincial and national boundaries). • Partner with academia and research institutions to evaluate the health, economic and social costs and benefits of local air pollution reduction strategies. • Assess the health impacts of changes to the built environment such as development proposals and changes to transportation policies. For example, Public Health and Planning, Housing and Community Services and local municipalities currently collaborate with several universities on a Heart and Stroke Foundation funded study that looks at developing baseline measures of the impacts of the built environment.

Policy and Program Implications

With continuous knowledge development related to best practices in air quality improvements, a number of programming and policy actions may be initiated. Again, preliminary steps toward these actions have been made and further work and collective commitment is needed to sustain these actions. The following are some of the initial collaborative actions aimed at improving air quality in Waterloo region:

DOCS #455052 Page 3 of 4 February 19, 2008 Report: PH-08-008

o Developing a public education program to encourage residents to take a variety of actions related to air quality and climate change o Increasing the capacity for surveillance, assessment, and response to air pollution health hazard risks • Continue with inter-departmental collaboration to meet strategic objectives that address air quality improvements. One of the current actions includes the development of a joint action plan on sustainable active modes of transportation between Public Health and Planning, Housing and Community Services. • Continue to work through the Waterloo Region Partners for Clean Air community partners (municipalities, universities, hospitals, and school boards) to collaboratively implement air pollution reduction strategies.

In order to combat the effects of poor air quality on health, Public Health representatives in partnership with other local authorities will continue to balance health risks, technological feasibility, economic considerations and various other political and social factors, which in turn will depend on, among other things, the level of development and local capabilities in air quality management.

CORPORATE STRATEGIC PLAN:

This report responds to the following strategic focus areas:

Focus Area 1: Environmental Sustainability: Protect and enhance the environment.

Focus Area 2: Growth Management: Manage and shape growth to ensure a livable, healthy, thriving and sustainable Waterloo Region.

Focus Area 3: Healthy and Safe Communities: Support safe and caring communities that enhance all aspects of health.

FINANCIAL IMPLICATIONS:

NIL

OTHER DEPARTMENT CONSULTATIONS/CONCURRENCE:

Planning Housing and Community Services

ATTACHMENTS:

Technical Report Distributed Separately: Air Quality and Urban Health Impacts, Waterloo Region Preliminary Assessment

PREPARED BY: Daniela Seskar-Hencic, Manager, Health Determinant, Planning and Evaluation Popy Dimoulas-Graham, Epidemiologist, Health Determinants, Planning and Evaluation Doug Quibell, Manager, Environmental Health, Environmental Health and Lifestyle Resources Tom Bird, Public Health Planner, Environmental Health, Environmental Health and Lifestyle Resources

APPROVED BY: Dr. Liana Nolan, Commissioner/Medical Officer of Health

DOCS #455052 Page 4 of 4

AIR QUALITY AND URBAN HEALTH IMPACTS Waterloo Region

A Preliminary Assessment Region of Waterloo Public Health, February 2008

AIR QUALITY AND URBAN HEALTH IMPACTS, WATERLOO REGION

A Preliminary Assessment

Region of Waterloo Public Health

February 2008

ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

This report was produced in collaboration with the Health Determinants, Planning and Evaluation Division (Epidemiology and Data Support team), Environmental Health and Lifestyle Resources Division, and the Corporate Resources Department.

We gratefully acknowledge those who contributed to the development and review of the report.

Primary Contributors • Popy Dimoulas-Graham Epidemiology and Data Support • Stephen Drew Epidemiology and Data Support • Lewinda Knowles Epidemiology and Data Support • Alyshia Landry Epidemiology and Data Support

Content Development • Ruth Sanderson Epidemiology and Data Support • Daniela Seskar-Hencic Planning and Evaluation, Epidemiology and Data Support

Guidance and Additional Supports • Tom Bird Environmental Health • Peter Ellis Environmental Health • Henry Garcia Environmental Health and Lifestyle Resources • Dr. Liana Nolan Commissioner/Medical Officer of Health • Doug Quibell Environmental Health • David Roewade Environmental Sustainability Team • Theresa Schumilas Health Determinants, Planning and Evaluation • Dr. Hsiu-Li Wang Associate Medical Officer of Health

Additional thanks to Rachel McCormick and Ashley Spencer who were part of the initial consultation and framework development.

For more information, please contact:

Region of Waterloo Public Health Health Determinants, Planning and Evaluation Division Epidemiology and Data Support Team 99 Regina Street Waterloo, ON N2J 4V3 Tel: 519-883-2000

2 TABLE OF CONTENTS

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY ...... 6

BACKGROUND ...... 10

Public Health Impact of Air Pollution...... 10

Most Common Air Pollutants ...... 12

Particulate Matter (PM) ...... 12

Nitrogen Dioxide (NO 2) ...... 13

Ozone (O 3) ...... 14

Sulphur Dioxide (SO 2)...... 16

Pollutants, Health and the Transportation Sector...... 17

Standards for Air Pollutant Concentrations...... 18

OBJECTIVES ...... 19

METHODOLOGY ...... 19

Methodology for Assessing Air Quality Health Impacts...... 19

Assessment of Air Quality Health Impact Estimates ...... 20

Selection of the Health Impact Estimates ...... 20

Air Quality Data Description ...... 21

Health Events Data Description...... 22

RESULTS AND INTERPRETATION ...... 23

Air Quality Trends in Waterloo Region...... 23

Health Event Trends in Cambridge, Kitchener, and Waterloo...... 25

Air Quality Health Impact Estimates...... 28

DISCUSSION ...... 31

Limitations...... 35

3 Recommendations and Next Steps...... 36

GLOSSARY OF TERMS ...... 39

REFERENCES ...... 42

APPENDIX A ...... 47

APPENDIX B ...... 49

APPENDIX C ...... 50

4 LIST OF TABLES

Table 1: Ontario Medical Association (OMA) health effect estimates associated with air pollution exposure in Waterloo region and Ontario, 2005...... 11

Table 2: Air quality guidelines for sulphur dioxide (SO 2), nitrogen dioxide (NO 2), ozone (O 3), and fine particulate matter (PM 2.5 )...... 18 Table 3: Number of days with air standard exceedances in Waterloo region, 2000-2006 ...... 24 Table 4: Summary of deaths in Cambridge, Kitchener, and Waterloo, 2000-2004...... 25 Table 5: Summary of health events in Cambridge, Kitchener, and Waterloo, 2002-2006...... 26 Table 6: Pollution-related deaths in Cambridge, Kitchener, and Waterloo, 2000-2004...... 29 Table 7: Hospital admissions related to acute pollutant exposure in Cambridge, Kitchener, and Waterloo, 2002-2006...... 30 Table 8: Ozone-related asthma events in children aged 5-12 in Cambridge, Kitchener, and Waterloo, 2002-2006...... 30 Table A1: Summary of health events, pollutants and risk coefficients of interest ...... 47 Table A2: Number of health events in Cambridge, Kitchener, and Waterloo, 2000-2006.....48 Table C1: Details of the Inpatient Discharges Queries from the Provincial Health Planning Database ...... 51 Table C2: Details of the Ambulatory Visits Queries from the Provincial Health Planning Database ...... 52 Table C3: Details of the Mortality Queries from the Provincial Health Planning Database, Vital Statistics Deaths Table...... 53

LIST OF FIGURES

Figure 1: Ontario fine particulate matter (PM 2.5 ) emissions by sector, 2005...... 13

Figure 2: Ontario nitrogen oxide (NO x) emissions by sector, 2005 ...... 14 Figure 3: Ontario volatile organic compound (VOC) emissions by sector, 2005 ...... 15

Figure 4: Ontario sulphur dioxide (SO 2) emissions by sector, 2005...... 17 Figure 5: Average daily air quality levels by year in Waterloo Region, 2000-2006 ...... 23 Figure 6: Average daily air quality levels by season in Waterloo Region, 2000-2006...... 25 Figure 7: Number of deaths in Cambridge, Kitchener, and Waterloo, 2000-2006 ...... 27 Figure 8: Number of health events in Cambridge, Kitchener, and Waterloo, 2002-2006 ...... 28 Figure B1: Air quality monitoring station and weather station, Waterloo Region ...... 49

5 EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

This report presents a preliminary assessment of air quality health impacts in urban areas of Waterloo region and offers initial recommendations for continuous assessment and program and policy actions.

Background

Poor air quality has long been recognized to have an adverse impact on health. Compelling evidence shows that air pollution may worsen health conditions and lead to increased illness (morbidity) and death (mortality). Several health jurisdictions in Ontario, including Toronto Public Health, have already demonstrated this relationship. 1,2

Continuous assessment of air quality and its health impacts is one of the actions directed by the upcoming Ontario Public Health Standards and related protocols for “Population Health Assessment and Surveillance”, and “Investigation and Management of Health Hazards”. In preparation for the upcoming Standards, Public Health is preparing a comprehensive Health Hazard program with specific components related to air quality improvements.

Several key strategic initiatives to address air quality have been put forward in the recently introduced 2007-2010 Region of Waterloo Strategic Plan. The Environmental Sustainability focus area of this plan emphasizes two key objectives: (i) to improve air quality in Waterloo region, and (ii) to effectively use and manage energy resources. Public Health has committed to contribute to these focus areas by leading the following activities:

Common Pollutants and Sources of Pollution

Outdoor air pollution results from a complex combination of a variety of substances. Although measuring and estimating impacts of the compound effects of these substances continues to be a challenge, environmental agencies worldwide have confirmed a core set of air pollutants and indicators that are widely used to describe air quality.

According to the Ontario Ministry of the Environment’s “Air Quality in Ontario, 2006 report,” air pollution comes from a variety of sources. For example, the residential sector (32 per cent), other industrial processes (30 per cent), and the transportation sector (20 per cent) are the largest contributors in Ontario of one of the most common pollutants, particulate matter (PM 2.5 ).

6 Although the source of air pollution varies by pollutant, it is apparent that the transportation sector is one of the main emission sources in Ontario. This sector contributes to approximately 65 per cent of emissions of nitrogen oxides (i.e. NO x, , of which NO 2 is a major product) and volatile organic compounds (VOCs) both of which contribute to the formation 3 of ozone (O3).

Ground level ozone (O3) is formed when NO x and volatile organic compounds (VOCs) react in the presence of sunlight. Again, the transportation sector accounts for 35 per cent of VOC emissions, while general solvents (22 per cent) and other industrial processes (16 per cent) are the second and third largest sources of VOC emissions in Ontario. The main sources of 3 sulphur dioxide (SO 2) in Ontario are smelters (48 per cent) and utilities (22 per cent).

Methods and Results

Given the extensive scientific evidence related to air pollution and its health consequences, Region of Waterloo Public Health initiated an assessment of the population health impacts of air pollution in order to meet the following objectives:

(i) Identify and document the illness (morbidity) and death (mortality) associated with common air pollutants in urban areas of Waterloo region (ii) Provide initial information for continuous assessment and other actions to improve local air quality and associated health outcomes

The scientific literature was reviewed in order to determine a set of risk coefficients that reliably link air pollution exposure with selected health impacts (e.g. death, hospitalization). This information was then applied to the most current local health data (e.g. number of hospitalizations) and air pollution levels for urban areas of Waterloo region in order to estimate health impacts. The analysis was limited to urban areas; the health studies from which the risk coefficients were derived used pollutant and health data from urban areas.

An examination of the health impacts of the following common air pollutants was conducted: particulate matter (PM), nitrogen dioxide (NO 2), ozone (O 3), and sulphur dioxide (SO 2). As part of this initial assessment, it was estimated that air pollution in Cambridge, Kitchener, and Waterloo, contributed to about 2,000 hospitalizations related to cardiovascular and respiratory problems from acute exposure to four common pollutants over 5 years (2002 to 2006). There were an estimated 208 cardio-pulmonary and lung cancer deaths as well as 504 non-traumatic deaths (i.e. deaths not caused by injury) linked to chronic PM 2.5 exposure from 2000 to 2004. Non-traumatic deaths related to acute exposure varied by pollutant and were highest for O 3 (111), NO 2 (94), and PM 2.5 (82) exposures from 2000 to 2004. Ozone exposure in children aged 5 to 12 accounted for an estimated 47 emergency department visits and 20 hospital admissions from 2002 to 2006.

7 increased levels in 2006. This is similar to Ontario trends, showing a reduction of NO 2 and 3 SO 2 levels while O 3 and PM 2.5 levels have been rising across the province.

It is important to mention that this local assessment of air quality health impacts should be interpreted as a general aid in guiding air quality and health management strategies. The key limitations and cautions include the following:

• The results provided are only estimates and not precise counts of persons affected by individual pollutants. There are many uncertainties in linking illness to individual pollutants, and this assessment would benefit from additional research that builds on the existing state of scientific evidence.

• These estimates represent the most serious health outcomes (e.g. death, hospitalization) at the peak of the “pyramid” of health effects, but do not reasonably represent the numerous less severe health outcomes such as asthma symptom days and respiratory infections (i.e. pneumonia).2 Therefore, although significant, these mortality, hospitalization admission, and emergency department visit estimates highly underestimate illness associated with poor air quality.

Additional and more specific limitations related to Region of Waterloo Public Health’s assessment of air quality health impacts are addressed throughout the report.

Recommendations and Next Steps

This report provides preliminary findings of air quality health impacts which may lead to the further development of air quality assessment, programming, and policy actions. These considerations have been categorized into two main sections: assessment and related evidence gathering, and policy and program implications.

Assessment and Related Evidence Gathering

8 estimates and knowledge that examines the health impacts associated with transboundary pollution (i.e. the transport of pollutants across provincial and national boundaries). • Partner with academia and research institutions to evaluate the health, economic and social costs and benefits of local air pollution reduction strategies. • Assess the health impacts of changes to the built environment such as development proposals and changes to transportation policies. For example, Public Health and Planning, Housing and Community Services and local municipalities currently collaborate with several universities on a Heart and Stroke Foundation funded study that looks at developing baseline measures of the impacts of the built environment.

Policy and Program Implications

• Develop a comprehensive Air Quality Program to include: o Investigating the potential for utilizing air quality modeling software to understand air pollution dispersion patterns and to support land use planning policies o Examining the feasibility of obtaining additional air quality monitoring equipment in order to improve the ability to assess air pollution in both rural and urban areas as well as in microenvironments (e.g. near point-source emitters, high-traffic areas) o Developing a public education program to encourage residents to take a variety of actions related to air quality and climate change o Increasing the capacity for surveillance, assessment, and response to air pollution health hazard risks • Continue with inter-departmental collaboration to meet strategic objectives that address air quality improvements. One of the current actions includes the development of a joint action plan on sustainable active modes of transportation between Public Health and Planning, Housing and Community Services. • Continue to work through the Waterloo Region Partners for Clean Air community partners (municipalities, universities, hospitals, and school boards) to collaboratively implement air pollution reduction strategies.

9 BACKGROUND

Public Health Impact of Air Pollution

Clean air is considered to be a basic requirement of human health and well-being. 4 However, it has long been recognized that outdoor air pollution harms human health. Air pollution has been present for centuries, resulting from both natural sources and human activity. While natural sources (e.g. forest fires, wind erosion) can contribute to background levels of air pollution, human activities have a significant impact on the environment and human health. The earliest recorded outdoor air pollution problems came largely from coal and wood combustion in large cities such as London, England. Despite the early recognition of hazards linked to air pollution, industrialization and fossil-fuel based transportation during and after the Industrial Revolution caused air pollution to rise in many parts of the world. 5

The serious consequences of exposure to high levels of urban outdoor air pollution were made clear in the mid-twentieth century, when cities in Europe and the United States experienced air pollution episodes (e.g. infamous 1952 London Fog) that resulted in many deaths and hospital admissions. 5,6 This prompted many governments, including Canada, to initiate research related to the effects of air pollution on health and eventually to enact legislation aimed at improving air quality. Such regulatory efforts have done much to curb the problem, yet air pollution continues to pose a significant threat to public health worldwide. 5

In the present day, the World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that ambient air pollution may be responsible for approximately five per cent of all deaths occurring around the world annually. A further assessment estimates that more than 2 million premature deaths can be attributed to the combined effects of urban outdoor and indoor air pollution each year; more than half of this disease burden is carried by persons living in developing countries. 4,6,7

In 2005, Health Canada and Environment Canada estimated that 5,900 deaths per year could be attributed to air pollution. Health Canada conducted health studies based on air pollution and mortality information from eight Canadian cities: Quebec City, Montreal, Ottawa, Toronto, Hamilton, Windsor, Calgary and Vancouver. Since approximately one-third of the Canadian population were included in the analyses (mainly residents of large, urban areas), this was considered to be a conservative estimate of mortality. 8,9,10

Air quality in Ontario has improved significantly over the past 35 years with a reduction in the level of three common air pollutants, namely nitrogen dioxide (NO 2), carbon monoxide (CO) and sulphur dioxide (SO 2) levels. Ozone (O3) and particulate matter (PM), on the other hand, have been on the rise and present a growing health concern. 11 The Ontario Medical Association (OMA) report titled “ The Illness Costs of Air Pollution ” (2005), presented the following annual health effect estimates associated with air pollution exposure in Ontario and Waterloo region. Table 1 shows that in 2005, it was estimated that approximately 5,800 premature deaths were associated with exposure to air pollution in Ontario with an estimated 200 premature deaths in Waterloo region alone.

10 Table 1 : Ontario Medical Association (OMA) health effect estimates associated with air pollution exposure in Waterloo region and Ontario, 2005

Health effect Waterloo region Ontario Premature death 200 5,800 Hospital admission 660 16,000 Emergency room visit 2,250 60,000 Minor illness 1.2 million > 29 million

As a society, we incur both social and economic losses due to the impact of air pollution on our health. The economic burden of air pollution can be measured in terms of additional health care costs such as hospital admissions, emergency room and doctor’s office visits, homecare services and medication in addition to other costs such as reduced workplace productivity, lost wages due to sick time, out of pocket expenses incurred while ill and finally a decline in quality of life or a loss of life itself. 12,13 The Ontario Medical Association (OMA) estimated that in 2005, overall economic losses associated with air pollution exposure were expected to be approximately $7.8 billion in Ontario and $19.9 million in Waterloo region. 11

Although everyone is at risk of the negative health effects associated with air pollution, certain populations are more susceptible. 7 This includes people who are innately more susceptible to the effects of air pollutant exposure than others, those who become more susceptible (e.g. as a result of environmental, social factors, personal behaviours) and those who are simply exposed to unusually large amounts of air pollutants. Members of the last group are vulnerable by virtue of exposure rather than as a result of individual susceptibility. Unborn and very young children are particularly sensitive; they take in more air than adults for their relative body weight and therefore a higher level of pollutants. Other groups that are highly sensitive to air pollution include the elderly, those with cardiovascular and respiratory disease, those who are exposed to other toxic materials that add to or interact with air pollutants, and the socioeconomically deprived. 12,13,14,15

Air pollution is also associated with numerous negative impacts not directly related to health. For instance, smog and haze are accompanied by low visibility conditions which degrade the aesthetic appeal of natural environments. Elevated levels of air pollutants can cause plant injury resulting in deforestation and crop loss. Atmospheric levels of nitrogen can also alter soil composition and ecosystem structures by causing certain plant species to flourish and others to decline. Certain airborne pollutants contribute to the corrosion of rubber, metal and carbonate cement building materials. In addition, air pollutants such as carbon dioxide, methane, nitrous oxide, and ozone are greenhouse gases which contribute to global climate change. 16

11 Most Common Air Pollutants

Air pollutants may be either emitted into the atmosphere (primary air pollutants) or formed within the atmosphere itself (secondary air pollutants). Primary air pollutants are emitted into the atmosphere from a source such as a factory chimney or exhaust pipe, or through suspension of contaminated dusts by the wind. They include sulphur dioxide (SO 2), oxides of nitrogen (NO x), carbon monoxide (CO), volatile organic compounds (VOCs), and carbonaceous and non-carbonaceous primary particles. 4,6

Secondary air pollutants arise from chemical reactions of primary pollutants in the atmosphere, often involving natural components of the environment such as oxygen (O 2) and water. Prominent secondary pollutants in the air include ozone (O 3), oxides of nitrogen 4,6 (NO x), and secondary particulate matter (PM).

Outdoor air pollution is a complex mixture of a number of different substances. Environmental agencies around the world have developed a core set of air pollution indicators and criteria pollutants which have been widely used to characterize air quality. Focusing on the most common pollutants, a brief overview of particulate matter (PM), 4,6 nitrogen dioxide (NO 2), ozone (O 3) and sulphur dioxide (SO 2) is presented below.

Particulate Matter (PM)

Particulate matter (PM) is the general term used for a mixture of solid particles and liquid droplets found in the air we breathe. These particles come in a wide range of sizes such as

PM 10 and PM 2.5 where ‘10’ and ‘2.5’ refer to the aerodynamic diameter of the particles. The greatest heath hazard comes from the smallest particles (PM 2.5 or, Fine Particulate Matter 2.5) because they are easily inhaled, being 30 times smaller than the average diameter of a human hair. 17

The evidence related to airborne particulate matter (PM) and its public health impact is 4,6 consistent in showing adverse health effects. Major sources of PM that can adversely affect the population’s health include motor vehicles, fossil-fuelled electric power plants, industrial facilities, agricultural practices, residential fire places, consumer products and natural 1,17 processes such as forest fires or wind erosion. Figure 1 shows 2005 estimates of PM 2.5 emissions from point, area and transportation sources in Ontario. According to the Ontario Ministry of the Environment (OME), residential sectors (32 per cent), other industrial processes (30 per cent) and the transportation sector (20 per cent) accounted for the largest contributions of PM 2.5 emissions. Lesser sources of PM 2.5 included smelters/primary metals (10 per cent) as well as pulp and paper emissions (3 per cent). 3

12 Figure 1: Ontario fine particulate matter (PM 2.5 ) emissions by sector, 2005

Particulates can travel great distances, thus affecting the quality of air far from its source.

Significant amounts of PM 2.5 are carried into Ontario from the United States, strongly linked to highly industrialized and urbanized areas of the American Mid-West and Ohio Valley

Regions. It is estimated that 50 per cent of Ontario’s PM 2.5 comes from the United States during periods of widespread elevated levels of fine particulate matter (i.e. total of 5 PM 2.5 episode days in 2006).3,17,18

The risk for various health conditions has been shown to increase with exposure to PM and there is little evidence to suggest a threshold below which no adverse health effect would be anticipated. Short-term (on the order of a few days), and long-term (months to years) exposure to PM is statistically associated with serious adverse health outcomes (e.g. mortality, hospital admissions, etc.). 2 The range of health effects is broad, however PM predominantly affects the respiratory and cardiovascular systems. 6 Respiratory conditions such as asthma, bronchitis, cardiovascular or lung disease are exacerbated by breathing in PM. Susceptibility may vary with health or age, but children and the elderly are more sensitive to the effects of PM.17,19

Nitrogen Dioxide (NO 2)

Nitrogen dioxide (NO 2) is a reddish-brown gas that has a strong and irritating odour. It is one of the most common smog-causing pollutants and is a precursor of O3. It can combine with water molecules to form nitric acid, which contributes to the formation of acid rain, snow and fog. 20 A major source of nitrogen oxides resulting from human activities is derived from the combustion of fossil fuels (coal, gas and oil), especially gasoline used in automobiles. Therefore, NO 2 tends to be present at high concentrations throughout a city and at significantly reduced concentrations in adjacent rural areas. 6

All processes of combustion in the air produces oxides of nitrogen (NO x) of which NO 2 is a major product. Approximately 65 per cent of NO x in Ontario comes from the transportation

13 sector (Figure 2). A large part of the remaining 35 per cent comes from power generation, primary metal production and incineration. Although there are natural sources of NO x (e.g. lightning, aerobic activity of soil bacteria), natural source contribution is small compared to emissions caused by human activity. 3,20

Figure 2 : Ontario nitrogen oxide (NO x) emissions by sector, 2005

According to epidemiological studies, daily concentrations of NO 2 are significantly associated with increased cardiovascular and respiratory mortality. 6 One of the main health effects of

NO 2 is on the respiratory system, with several studies finding increases in daily hospital admissions for respiratory diseases . Sensitivity increases for young children and adults with heart and respiratory disorders and people with asthma and bronchitis. 20 Epidemiological studies have shown that bronchitic symptoms of asthmatic children increase in association with annual NO 2 concentration, and that reduced lung function growth in children is linked to elevated NO 2 concentrations at the current urban ambient air levels within North American and European communities. Nevertheless, it is unclear to what extent the health effects observed in epidemiological studies are attributable to NO 2 itself or to the other primary and secondary combustion-related products with which it is typically correlated. 4,6

In general, cold weather in the winter results in higher levels of NO 2 in ambient air, owing to reduced atmospheric dispersion. Although industrial and traffic-related emissions are relatively constant over the course of a year, the additional input of pollutants such as nitrogen oxides from domestic heating sources may also contribute to elevated concentrations in the winter season.21

Ozone (O 3)

6 Ozone (O 3) is one of the most widespread global air pollution problems today. It is a colourless, odourless gas that is present in two different areas of the atmosphere (i.e. stratosphere and troposphere). When O3 is naturally formed in the atmosphere, it protects

14 life from the sun’s damaging ultraviolet rays. But at ground level, O3 acts as an invisible air pollutant that is harmful to humans, animals, plants and man-made materials. 6,22

Ground level O3 is formed when nitrogen oxides (NO x) and volatile organic compounds (VOCs) react in the presence of sunlight (Figure 2, 3). Figure 3 shows the 2005 estimates of VOC emissions from point, area and transportation sources in Ontario. Transportation sectors accounted for 35 per cent of VOC emissions while general solvents (22 per cent) and other industrial processes (16 per cent) were the second and third largest sources of VOC emissions. Lesser sources of VOC included printer/surface coating (10 per cent) and residential emissions (8 per cent). 3

Figure 3: Ontario volatile organic compound (VOC) emissions by sector, 2005

Studies show that every major Canadian urban centre has levels of ground-level O3 that pose 3,22 health risks. As O3 concentrations increase, health effects at the population level become increasingly numerous and severe with exposure to O3 which is linked to increased hospital admissions and premature mortality. 6,14 Ozone has been recognized as a serious air pollutant with well-defined adverse respiratory health effects.2 People with respiratory and heart problems, asthma and lung disease are at higher risk, as are healthy adults exercising for long periods of time outdoors. 22 The degree to which ozone has an impact on cardiac morbidity is not as well known. 2

Ozone exhibits a considerable spatial variation since, once formed, it travels with the prevailing wind, tending to reach higher concentrations in suburban areas, remote downwind locations or at higher altitudes. Ozone has an atmospheric lifetime of days or even weeks, which permit it to be readily transported thousands of kilometres away, crossing regional and national boundaries. 6 During widespread smog episodes in Ontario (i.e. total of 9 ozone episode days in 2006), the United States’ contribution to O3 is expected to be as much as 90 per cent in cities and towns located on the northern shore of Lake Erie, the eastern shore of Lake Huron and in the extreme southwest near the Canada-U.S.A. border. 3,18 With the ability

15 to be transported such long distances in the atmosphere, O3 is considered a transboundary problem. 6,18

Weather patterns can greatly influence the seasonal variation of pollutants. Since O3 is formed in the lower atmosphere, levels of O3 are normally higher in warmer weather. This is due to the enhanced photochemical formation of O3, especially during smog events typical of warm, stable atmospheric conditions. 21

Sulphur Dioxide (SO 2)

6,23 Sulphur dioxide (SO 2) is a colourless gas that is readily soluble in water. It combines with water to form sulphuric acid, which contributes to the formation of acid rain, snow and 23 fog. SO 2 is derived from the combustion of sulphur-containing fossil fuels (e.g. coal, oil) and is a major air pollutant in many parts of the world. 6 It is a precursor to sulphates, which 23 are one of the main ingredients of airborne fine particulate matter (PM 2.5 ). Natural sources, such as volcanoes, contribute to naturally-occurring levels of SO 2. But in most urban areas, contributions from human activity are of the greatest concern. These include the use of sulphur-containing fossil fuels for domestic heating, stationary power generation and motor vehicles. 6

In Canada, the main sources of SO 2 are coal and oil combustion at power plants, smelters, and from the oil, gas extraction and refining industries. Many of these sources are located away from cities, but their SO 2 emissions contribute to sulphate particles on a regional scale. Within Canadian cities, the main sources of SO2 are power plants, refineries, industry (e.g. steel manufacturing), and transportation. 24

In Ontario, the main sources of SO 2 come from smelters (48 per cent) and utilities (22 per cent) while petroleum refineries and other industrial processes accounted for approximately

10 and 9 per cent of SO 2 emissions, respectively. Lesser sources of SO 2 emissions include transportation as well as cement and concrete sources (Figure 4). 3

16 Figure 4: Ontario sulpher dioxide (SO 2) emissions by sector, 2005

Levels of SO 2 have decreased markedly in most of Europe and North America and in many locations in Asia. 6 In recent years, this is attributed to the decline in use of high sulphur coal for domestic heating in many developed countries. Power generation and motor vehicles are now the predominant sources of SO 2 worldwide. This has led to a continued reduction in levels of SO 2 in cities which were once heavily polluted. These changes in pattern of usage have led to urban and rural concentrations becoming more similar in economically developed countries. In some areas, rural concentrations now exceed those in urban areas. In many developing countries, however, the use of high-sulphur coal is increasing for power production, as well as for domestic heating and cooking, and ground-level SO 2 concentrations remain at very high levels. 6

Health effects caused by exposure to high levels of SO 2 include respiratory and cardiovascular disease. Exposure may cause coughing, wheezing, phlegm, and asthma attacks. The effects are worse during exercise. Children and people with asthma, chronic lung or heart disease are the most sensitive. 23

Pollutants, Health and the Transportation Sector

The epidemiological and toxicological evidence related to the effects of transportation- related air pollution on health has increased substantially in recent decades. Research consistently shows the adverse effects of outdoor air pollution on human health, and evidence points to air pollution stemming from transportation as an important contributor. A review of this evidence reveals that transportation-related air pollution contributes to an increased risk of death (particularly from cardiopulmonary causes) and increased risk of respiratory symptoms and diseases. 21,25

Increasing traffic congestion and the growth of traffic volume in urban areas contributes to the rising concern related to air pollutant emissions. Road-traffic emissions arise from a

17 number of source, including exhaust pipe emissions and contributions from friction processes and suspended road dust. In Ontario, the transportation sector, made up primarily of cars, buses and trucks, is a large emission source of common air pollutants such as PM 2.5 , VOCs, and NO x. This sector is the largest emission source of NO x (NO 2 is a major product) 3,18,21 and VOCs which both contribute to the formation of O3.

Nitrogen dioxide is strongly related to PM, as both come from the same combustion sources. 6 Particulate matter emissions from road traffic come from exhaust pipes, tire wear, brake linings and suspension of road dust. A major source of NO x is derived from the combustion of fossil fuels (coal, gas and oil), especially gasoline used in automobiles. Nitrogen oxides are often used as markers for transport-related air pollution, and nitric oxide is used as a marker for combustion processes and an indicator of fresh exhaust-pipe emissions near roads. Although NO 2 is a less sensitive marker for transport-related air 21 pollution, NO 2 is a more relevant marker for adverse health effects.

Assessing a population’s exposure to transportation-related air pollutants requires the consideration of a range of factors. It is important that Waterloo region continue to conduct surveillance and publish reports on the health impacts associated with environmental conditions, including transportation-related pollution.

Standards for Air Pollutant Concentrations

Several countries have developed standards for outdoor air concentrations of common pollutants. Canada-wide Standards (CWS) are intended to be achievable targets that will reduce health and environmental risks within a specific timeframe. 26,27 In Ontario, the Ambient Air Quality Criteria (AAQC) represent acceptable effect-based levels in air, with variable averaging times (e.g. 1 hr, 24 hr) appropriate for the effect. The effects considered are based on health, odour, vegetation, soiling, visibility, corrosion or other effects. 28 Table 2 lists outdoor air standards that were developed by the Ontario Ministry of Environment and includes Canadian standards in the absence of provincial standards .3,27,28,29,30

Table 2: Air quality guidelines for sulphur dioxide (SO 2), nitrogen dioxide (NO 2), † ﬂ ozone (O 3), and fine particulate matter (PM 2.5 ) 1 hour Average 8 hour Average 24 hour Source of Criteria Pollutant Exceedance Exceedance Exceedance Exceedance Level Level Level Level* Sulphur Dioxide (SO 2) 250 ppb -- 100 ppb AAQC Nitrogen Dioxide (NO 2) 200 ppb -- 100 ppb AAQC Ozone (O 3) 80 ppb 65 ppb -- AAQC; CWS Fine Particulate Matter, 3 -- -- 30 µg/m CWS PM 2.5 † The measurement “parts per billion” is represented by “ppb”. ﬂ The symbol “--” denotes that guideline data was not applicable to the current assessment. *Ambient Air Quality Criteria ( AAQC); Canada-wide Standard (CWS)

It is well documented that higher levels of many airborne pollutants can adversely affect the human body, including respiratory, cardiovascular, reproductive, and neurological systems. Especially well documented are the respiratory and cardiovascular effects of common air pollutants such as PM 2.5 , O3, and NO x. However, it is important to note that adverse health

18 effects have been documented at levels well below these official standards and that these standards disregard the synergistic effects of combinations of toxic air pollutants. 7

OBJECTIVES

Given that there is extensive scientific evidence on air pollution and its health consequences, Region of Waterloo Public Health initiated an assessment of the population health impacts of air pollution in order to meet the following objectives:

Characterizing the population health risks of ambient air pollution is critical for public health decision-making. This report presents a preliminary assessment of air quality health impacts in urban areas of Waterloo region and offers initial recommendations for continuous assessment and program and policy actions.

METHODOLOGY

Methodology for Assessing Air Quality Health Impacts

In exploring the methodologies for estimating the impact of air pollution exposure on health, the following research designs were identified:

(i) Time series studies: These studies look at daily air pollution concentrations in relation to daily counts of mortality over years. These studies are ideal for exploring the health impacts related to short-term air pollution exposure. 31,32

(ii) Cohort studies: These studies categorize people by their exposure to air pollution and then follow these people over time to determine whether or not they develop the health event (i.e. death, hospital admission, emergency department visit) of interest. These studies are ideal for exploring the health impacts related to long-term air pollution exposure. 33,34

The resources required for the above types of research are substantial and expensive, including the need for biostatistical expertise, large study populations, and detailed data on air pollution exposure, health status and potential confounding factors.

Risk coefficient estimates are determined through time series and cohort studies. These estimates predict the number of health events that will likely occur given a specific concentration level of air pollution. Risk coefficients from one research study can be applied to another population to estimate the number of health events related to a pollutant of interest. This methodology is less resource intensive, provided that the data is readily available. 2,10,33

19 Assessment of Air Quality Health Impact Estimates

The methodology for estimating the health impacts related to air quality in urban areas of Waterloo region, are based on a review of air quality and health literature from 1995 to 2007. The use of risk coefficients from research studies that have established scientific relationships between specific air pollutants and health events is determined feasible based on available resources and access to data. Using methodology similar to the “Air Pollution Burden of Illness in Toronto: 2004 Summary” study, risk coefficients from established research studies were applied to local air pollution levels and health data. 2

Based on local air pollution and health data, the product of the following calculation represents the estimated number of health events related to a given pollutant exposure. In order to estimate the number of health events (e.g. hospital admissions, deaths), the risk coefficient (KH%) is multiplied by the number of health events (B) and the average level of pollutant (P) in a given year. 2,33

O = B x KH% x P where, O = estimated number of health events related to a given pollutant for a given year (local data) B = number of health events in a given year (local data) KH% = risk coefficient from literature P = average level of pollutant in a given year (local data)

For example, there were 156 lung cancer deaths in Cambridge, Kitchener and Waterloo in 3 2004. The 24 hour average concentration level of PM 2.5 in that year was 8.0 µg/m . Using a risk coefficient of 0.8%, the estimated number of deaths related to PM 2.5 chronic exposure in that year was 10 (i.e. O = 156 deaths x 0.8% x 8 µg/m 3 = 10).

Selection of the Health Impact Estimates

Health events of interest and relevant risk coefficients used in this report are based on findings from the scientific literature (Appendix A1). The literature identified health risk coefficients from acute and chronic exposures to urban air pollutants. The risk coefficients primarily used in this report come from the Burnett et al (1995, 2004) and Pengally et al (2004) studies. 31,33,35

Since air pollution effect estimates (i.e. risk coefficients) established in one study are used to estimate impacts in a different population, it is important to recognize that potential differences between population characteristics may include type of geography, size of urban population, varying pollutant sources, variations in health care systems or population health status. When comparator populations differ, health impact estimates should strive to characterize exposure in the target population to mirror as closely as possible the exposure in the study providing the health effect estimates. 36

This analysis was limited to urban areas; the health studies from which the risk coefficients were derived used pollutant and health data from urban areas.31,33 For example, the Burnett et al (2004) study used data from 12 of Canada’s largest cities and Pengally et al (2004) used

20 Toronto data to determine burden of illness estimates. As such, exploration of the health impact of air pollution was limited to the urban areas of Waterloo region (i.e. Cambridge, Kitchener, Waterloo) for which air pollutant and health event data are obtainable. 27,31,33

Air Quality Data Description

As part of the National Air Pollution Surveillance Network (NAPSN), the Ontario Ministry of the Environment (OMOE) operates one air quality monitoring station in Waterloo region. The monitoring station, located near West Avenue and Homewood Avenue in Kitchener (Appendix B, Figure B1), was selected by OMOE based on NAPSN guidelines to represent where the population “lives, plays, and works”. 37

For the years 2000 to 2006, hourly air quality data was obtained for the pollutants PM 2.5 , NO 2, O 3, SO 2, and CO. Upon reviewing the air quality data for completeness, CO was excluded from this report due to the cessation of measurements after 2003. Air quality monitor measurement errors are estimated at ±10 per cent for O3 and ±20 per cent for 38 PM 2.5 .

As per the methods used in the Canadian Environmental Sustainability Indicators initiative (2007), daily values of air pollutants must include at least 18 hours of data for inclusion in annual averages. In addition, annual and seasonal data are considered complete if at least 75 per cent of the days have valid data. For O3, the combined second and third quarters of a calendar year need to have at least 75 per cent valid data. Each second and third quarters of a calendar 38 year must have at least 75 per cent of the data valid for PM 2.5 . The validity and completeness in data impacts the ability to calculate some health impact estimates and when applicable, will be noted as “data not valid.”

Apart from regular, ongoing maintenance of the local air monitor, possible reasons for missing certain pollutant data include a 55-day work stoppage in 2002 and the blackout in

2003. In addition, the SO 2 analyzer was removed from the air monitor on January 2, 2004, and a new one was installed February 7, 2006.

Air quality data is presented in the appropriate metric (1-hour maximum, 8-hr average or 24- hour average) based on Ambient Air Quality Criteria, Canadian Wide Standards and the risk co-efficient of interest (Appendix, Table A1). 27,28,29,30

Analysis of the seasonal variation in air pollutant levels will account for the warm season (April 1 to September 30) and the cool season (October 1 to March 31) for reported years. For the purpose of this report, the warm season will be referred to as “Summer” and the cool season as “Winter”.

Ozone occurs naturally in our environment. Pengally et al (2004) recognized ambient O3 levels to be 30 ppb (parts per billion) in the atmosphere at any given time. 2,22 Similar to the methodology of Pengally et al (2004), O3 values in this report were decreased by 30 ppb in 2 order to adjust for background levels of O 3.

21 Health Events Data Description

Acute exposure typically involve exposure over a few days, whereas chronic exposure involves ongoing exposure over several years. 2 The current mortality estimates are based on the health risks associated with acute exposure to O 3, NO 2, SO 2 and PM 2.5 as well as chronic exposure to PM 2.5 . Morbidity estimates are based on acute exposures only. Although significant, the mortality, hospitalization and emergency department visit estimates highly underestimate illness associated with poor air quality in Cambridge, Kitchener, and Waterloo. These estimates represent the relatively rare but more serious health outcomes (e.g. death, hospitalization) at the peak of the “pyramid” of health effects, but do not reasonably represent all of the less severe and more numerous health outcomes such as asthma symptom days and respiratory infections (i.e. pneumonia). 2

Mortality, hospital admission, and emergency department visit data for selected diseases were accessed through the Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care’s Provincial Health Planning Database for the time period between 2000 to 2006. Table 1 provides the International Statistical Classification of Diseases and Related Health Problems, Canadian version, 10th Revision (ICD-10-CA) codes relevant to each health event of interest. Mortality data were only available for the years 2000 to 2004. In Ontario, hospital admissions and emergency department data started using the ICD-10-CA codes in 2002. 39 Thus, data for these health events were extracted for the years 2002 to 2006 and only for Cambridge, Kitchener, and Waterloo to coincide with available risk coefficients. 39

ICD-10-CA codes were extracted for the following health events of interest including non- traumatic deaths (i.e. deaths not caused by injury), cardio-pulmonary deaths, lung cancer deaths, cardiovascular (i.e. heart disease, stroke) and respiratory (i.e. asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)) hospital admissions. Asthma data were extracted for 40 children aged 5 to 12 years. This age group was studied in relationship to O3 exposure.

It is recognized that health service utilization patterns are complex, reflecting individual preferences and regional health needs, health care personnel availability, as well as numerous demographic and economic characteristics. In this report, health events associated with acute pollutant exposure(s) include health service utilization in hospitals only for residents of the urban areas of Cambridge, Kitchener and Waterloo accessing hospital services anywhere within Ontario.

There are many uncertainties in attributing illness rates to each pollutant. Over time, some uncertainties will be reduced as new research is conducted while some uncertainties will be inherent in any estimate. Therefore, it is important to recognize that this report presents estimates rather than precise counts of persons affected by a given pollutant.2

22 RESULTS and INTERPRETATION

Air Quality Trends in Waterloo Region

Figure 5 summarizes the annual daily averages for air pollutants of interest. All annual daily averages fall below the referenced outdoor air quality standards (Table 2).

Annual daily average concentrations of NO 2 and SO 2 are declining in Waterloo region, a trend that exists provincially as well. 3

Average daily PM 2.5 concentration levels increased slightly from 2000 to 2006 but varied little during that time period with a low of 7.0 µg/m 3 in 2000 to a high of 9.5 µg/m 3 in 2005. A steady increase in average daily one hour maximum O3 concentration levels occurred from 2000 to 2003 with a decrease in 2004 and a subsequent increase in 2005. Average daily one hour maximum O 3 concentration levels showed somewhat more variability than PM 2.5 , varying from 38.5 ppb to 43.7 ppb, and were present at slightly higher levels in 2006 (40.1 ppb) as compared to 2000 (38.5 ppb). Local O 3 and PM 2.5 concentration levels in 2006 were slightly higher compared to 2000 levels. This corresponds to Ontario trends with O 3 and PM 2.5 concentrations continuing to exceed ambient air quality criteria and set reference levels. 3

Figure 5: Average daily air quality levels by year in Waterloo Region, 2000-2006 *

O3 1-hr max (ppb)

30 NO2 daily (ppb)

PM2.5 daily (µg/m3) 20 Per unitPer ofpollutant SO2 daily (ppb)

0 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006

Year

*O 3 and PM 2.5 data not valid for 2002; NO 2 data not available for 2003; SO 2 data not available for 2004 and 2005 † Note different units of measurement for PM 2.5 data.

23 Analysis of the daily air quality data shows that both PM 2.5 and O 3 exceeded the air quality standards at least once per year (Table 3), with the most exceedances occurring in 2005 for

PM 2.5 and in 2002 for O 3. For O 3, all exceedances occurred in the summer season. With the exception of 2005, all PM 2.5 exceedances occurred in the summer season as well. In the winter season, four of five PM 2.5 exceedances occurred in October 2005 when temperatures were above normal.

One possible reason for elevated O 3 and PM 2.5 readings in 2005 could be the hot summer temperatures experienced that year. Temperature records from 2005 show that the average daily high for the summer months was above the long-term average, approximately 2.4°C above what would normally be expected. The average daily highs were 27.7°C, 28.7°C, 26.2°C and 23.4°C for June, July, August, and September respectively. Similarly, the overall daily average temperature and average daily lows were also above the long-term temperature average by 2.0°C and 1.0°C respectively. 41,42,43

Table 3: Number of days with air standard exceedances in Waterloo region, 2000-2006 † SO NO PM 2 2 O * 2.5 (daily 1hr (daily 1hr 3 (24-hour (daily 1- Year max or max or average) hour max) 24hr avg) 24hr avg) 2000 1 0 0 6 2001 6 0 0 16 2002 -- 0 0 17 2003 5 0 -- 11 2004 11 NA 0 2 2005 14 NA 0 9 2006 2 0 0 1 TOTAL 39 0 0 62 † The symbol “--” denotes that data was not available for the current assessment. * All exceedances occurred in the summer months (April to September)

Analysis of the seasonal trends in the air quality data show clear cyclic patterns between summer and winter, but less so for SO 2 (Figure 6). Both O 3 and PM 2.5 peaked in the summer season, while NO 2 peaked during the winter months. The summer season has meteorological conditions that favour the formation of ground O3 and PM 2.5 . Since O3 is formed in the lower atmosphere, levels of O3 are normally higher in warmer weather. This is due to the enhanced photochemical formation of O3, especially during smog events typical of warm, stable atmospheric conditions. Since the majority of NO 2 emissions originate from the transportation sector and the winter atmosphere tends to be more stagnant, this prevents the mixing, dispersion and transport of such emissions and consequently there is a greater impact on the local area. The additional input of pollutants, such as nitrogen oxides, from domestic heating sources may also contribute to elevated concentrations in the winter season. 3,6,18,21

From 2000 to 2006, there was a slight decrease in average daily NO 2 levels in the summer and winter seasons. Both O 3 and PM 2.5 winter concentration levels have been increasing since 2004.

24 Figure 6: Average daily air quality levels by season in Waterloo Region, 2000-2006

60 O3 1-hr max (ppb)

50 NO2 daily (ppb)

40 PM2.5 daily (µg/m3)

30 SO2 daily (ppb) Per unitof Per pollutant

0 Summer Winter Summer Winter Summer Winter Summer Winter Summer Winter Summer Winter Summer 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006

Season by Year

Note: SO 2 data not available for the years 2004-2005

Health Event Trends in Cambridge, Kitchener, and Waterloo

Tables 4 summarizes the number of non-traumatic (i.e. deaths not caused by injury), cardio-pulmonary and lung cancer deaths in Cambridge, Kitchener, and Waterloo for the years 2000 to 2004. Mortality data for Cambridge, Kitchener, and Waterloo indicate that there were a total of 11,751 non-traumatic deaths (557.2 per 100,000) and a total of 5,404 deaths resulting from cardio-pulmonary conditions (216.4 per 100,000) and lung cancer (38.9 per 100,000) between 2000 and 2004. In Ontario, there were a total of 388,267 non-traumatic deaths (549.9 per 100,000) and a total of 185,162 deaths resulting from cardio-pulmonary conditions (216.7 per 100,0000) and lung cancer (43 per 100,000) between 2000 and 2004. From 2000 to 2004, Ontario age-standardized mortality rates (five year average) per 100,000 were similar to the mortality rates of Cambridge, Kitchener, and Waterloo.

Table 4: Summary of deaths in Cambridge, Kitchener, and Waterloo, 2000-2004 Cambridge, Kitchener, Waterloo Ontario Age-standardized Death Age-standardized Death Type of Death No. of No. of Rates (five year Rates (five year Deaths Deaths average) per 100,000 average) per 100,000 Non-traumatic deaths 11,751 557.2 388,267 549.9 Cardio-pulmonary deaths 4,620 216.4 155,880 216.7 Lung cancer deaths 784 38.9 29,282 43.0

25 Table 5 summarizes the number of hospital admissions and emergency department visits related to cardiovascular, respiratory, and asthma conditions from 2002 to 2006 (Appendix, Table A2). A total of 24,995 persons living in Cambridge, Kitchener, and Waterloo, were hospitalized for cardiovascular (821.1 per 100,000) and respiratory (327 per 100,000) reasons from 2002 to 2006. There were approximately 279 (94.1 per 100,000) asthma hospital admissions and 1,754 (674.3 per 100,000) emergency department visits related to asthma for children aged 5 to 12 and residing in Cambridge, Kitchener, and Waterloo. In Ontario, a total of 898,163 persons were hospitalized for cardiovascular (925.7 per 100,000) and respiratory (334.3 per 100,000) reasons from 2002 to 2006. There were approximately 6,766 (92.5 per 100,000) hospital admissions and 60,241 (796.7 per 100,000) emergency department visits related to asthma for children aged 5 to 12 and residing in Ontario. From 2002 to 2006, Ontario age-standardized health event rates (five year average) per 100,000 were similar to the health event rates of Cambridge, Kitchener, and Waterloo.

Table 5: Summary of health events in Cambridge, Kitchener, and Waterloo, 2002-2006 Cambridge, Kitchener, Waterloo Ontario Type of Health Event No. of Age-standardized Rates No. of Age-standardized Rates Health (five year average) per Health (five year average) per Events 100,000 Events 100,000 Hospital admissions Cardiovascular 18,092 821.1 673,139 925.7 Respiratory 6,903 327.0 225,024 334.3 Asthma 279 94.1 6766 92.5 (children aged 5-12) Emergency department visits Asthma 1,754 674.3 60,241 796.7 (children aged 5-12)

26 Seasonal trends are noted within cardiovascular and respiratory hospital admissions as well as cardio-pulmonary and non-traumatic deaths. These health events had a tendency to peak in the winter season which in the case of respiratory events can partially be attributed to the onset of the cold and flu season (Figure 7, 8). 44 Cardiovascular hospital admissions in Cambridge, Kitchener, and Waterloo showed a declining trend in summer and winter seasons from 2000 to 2006. Lung cancer deaths as well as asthma emergency department visits and hospital admissions remained steady with little variation by season from 2000 to 2006.

Figure 7 : Number of deaths in Cambridge, Kitchener, and Waterloo, 2000-2006

1400

1200 Non-traumatic

Cardio- pulmonary 1000 Lung cancer

800

600 Numberof deaths

400

200

0 Summer Winter Summer Winter Summer Winter Summer Winter Summer 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004

Season by Year

27 Figure 8 : Number of health events in Cambridge, Kitchener, and Waterloo, 2002-2006

2500

Cardio-vascular 2000 admissions

Respiratory admissions

Asthma admissions 1500 (children aged 5-12)

Asthma ED visits (children aged 5-12)

1000 Numbberof healthevents

500

0 Summer Winter Summer Winter Summer Winter Summer Winter Summer 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006

Season by Year

Air Quality Health Impact Estimates

Air pollution does not give rise to a single unique adverse health outcome or clinically observable illness, but contributes and/or exacerbates many commonly occurring conditions. 45 Utilizing the most appropriate risk coefficients and health event data for Cambridge, Kitchener, and Waterloo, it was determined that an estimated total of 208 people died from cardio-pulmonary events or lung cancer between 2000 to 2004 in association with chronic PM 2.5 exposure (Table 6). There were a total of 504 (average 126 per year) non-traumatic deaths linked to chronic PM 2.5 exposure from 2000 to 2004. Non- traumatic deaths related to acute exposure varied by pollutant and were highest for O 3 (111), NO 2 (94), and PM 2.5 (82). Acute ozone exposure had the greatest adverse impact on human health as it related to non-traumatic deaths averaging an estimated 22 deaths per year.

28 Table 6: Pollution-related deaths in Cambridge, Kitchener, and Waterloo, 2000-2004 † Non- traumatic Non-traumatic (acute exposure) Cardio- Lung Year (chronic pulmonary cancer exposure) O SO NO PM PM PM 3 2 2 2.5 PM 2.5 Pollutant 2.5 Annual Annual 24- Annual 24- Annual 24- 2.5 Annual Annual 24- Annual 24- Unit of daily 1-hr hour hour hour 24-hour hour average hour average Measure 3 maximum average average average 3 average (µg/m ) 3 (µg/m ) 3 (ppb) (ppb) (ppb) (µg/m ) (µg/m ) 2000 115 17 3 26 19 40 9 2001 127 23 4 25 21 45 9 2002 -- 26 3 21 ------2003 135 28 3 -- 22 44 10 2004 127 17 -- 22 20 41 10 TOTAL 504 111 13 94 82 170 38 † The symbol “--” denotes that data was not available for the current assessment.

Highlight: Air quality mortality estimates in Cambridge, Kitchener, and Waterloo (2000-2004) • 208 deaths estimated for cardio-pulmonary events and lung cancer in relation to

chronic PM 2.5 exposure • 504 (average 126 per year) non-traumatic deaths were linked to chronic PM 2.5 exposure • Non-traumatic deaths related to acute exposure varied by pollutant and were highest

for O 3 (111), NO 2 (94), and PM 2.5 (82) exposures • Acute O3 exposure had the greatest negative health impact as it related to non- traumatic deaths, averaging an estimated 22 deaths per year

Outdoor air pollution is thought to be associated with increases in hospital admissions. 4,6,15 This initial assessment estimates that air pollution in Cambridge, Kitchener and Waterloo, contributed to about 2,000 hospitalizations from acute exposure to four common pollutants over 5 years (2002 to 2006). In Cambridge, Kitchener, and Waterloo, an estimated total of 960, 677, 124 and 17 hospital admissions were reported for cardiovascular problems in relation to respective O 3, NO 2, PM 2.5 and SO 2 exposures (Table 7). For cardiovascular hospital admissions, O3 had the greatest health impact, averaging approximately 192 hospital admissions per year. Respiratory hospital admissions estimates were also linked to NO 2 (255), O3 (89), PM 2.5 (51) and SO 2 (25) exposures. NO 2 exposure was associated with the largest contribution to respiratory hospital admissions with 64 hospital admissions estimated per year.

29 Table 7: Hospital admissions related to acute pollutant exposure in Cambridge, Kitchener, and Waterloo, 2002-2006 † Year Cardiovascular Respiratory O SO O 3 2 NO PM 3 SO NO PM Annual Annual 2 2.5 Annual 2 2 2.5 Pollutant Annual Annual Annual Annual Annual average 24-hour average Unit of 24-hour 24-hour 24-hour 24-hour 24-hour daily 1-hr average daily 1-hr Measure average average average average average maximum (ppb) maximum (ppb) (µg/m 3) (ppb) (ppb) (µg/m 3) (ppb) (ppb) 2002 188 6 148 27 15 8 47 9 2003 241 8 -- -- 21 12 -- -- 2004 152 -- 195 36 14 -- 70 14 2005 220 -- 187 34 23 -- 79 16 2006 159 3 147 27 16 5 59 12 TOTAL 960 17 677 124 89 25 255 51 † The symbol “--” denotes that data was not available for the current assessment.

Asthma affects a significant portion of the Canadian population, with children bearing the most disease burden. The literature suggests that the prevalence of asthma in Canadian children under 14 years has risen dramatically and that children are at increased risk due to 45 air pollution exposure. As shown in Table 5, O3 related exposures in children aged 5 to 12 accounted for 47 emergency department visits and 20 hospital admissions in Cambridge, Kitchener, and Waterloo from 2002 to 2006.

Table 8: Ozone-related asthma events in children aged 5-12 in Cambridge, Kitchener, and Waterloo, 2002-2006 †

Emergency Hospital Year Department Visits Admissions

2002 9 3 2003 12 5 2004 6 3 2005 13 6 2006 7 3 TOTAL 47 20 † Ozone (O 3) average daily 8hr maximum.

30 Highlight: Hospital Admission/Asthma air quality estimates in Cambridge, Kitchener, and Waterloo (2002-2006) • Approximately 2,000 hospitalizations related to cardiovascular and respiratory

problems from acute exposure to O3, NO 2, PM 2.5 and SO 2 • Hospital admissions were reported for cardiovascular problems related to O 3, NO 2, PM 2.5 and SO 2 exposures with an estimated 960, 677, 124 and 17 hospital admissions respectively • Ozone exposure had the greatest impact as it related to cardiovascular hospital admissions, linked to an estimated average of 192 hospital admissions per year • Respiratory hospital admission estimates were linked to NO 2 (255), O3 (89), PM 2.5 (51) and SO 2 (25) exposures • Nitrogen dioxide exposure was associated with the largest contribution to respiratory hospital admissions with 64 hospital admissions estimated per year • Ozone exposure in children aged 5 to 12 accounted for an estimated 47 emergency department visits and 20 hospital admissions

DISCUSSION

In this preliminary assessment of air quality health impacts, the relationship between morbidity and mortality associated with common air pollutants was demonstrated using a set of risk coefficients that reliably link air pollution exposure with human health outcomes. Increases in morbidity and mortality associated with common air pollutants such as fine particulate matter (PM 2.5 ), nitrogen dioxide (NO 2), ozone (O 3) and sulphur dioxide (SO 2) were evident in urban areas of Waterloo region. Acknowledging the evidence of the health effects of air pollution, both in the literature and in Waterloo Region Public Health’s findings, this information was used to inform recommendations and next steps that are intended to support local air quality and health management strategies.

Monitoring Air Quality

It is important to use multiple indicators to provide an accurate description of air quality. Pollutants from urban sources, such as nitrogen oxides generated by road traffic, tend to be present at high concentrations in cities and at significantly reduced concentrations in adjacent rural areas. 6,46 Yet, air pollution can travel great distances and can affect air quality far from its source. This is particularly true in the case of ground-level O 3 where its presence is more prominent in rural or suburban areas than in dense urban centres. The highest concentrations of O3 likely occur in areas that lack adequate instrumental analysis of this pollutant. But O3 represents just one indicator of air quality, and while it may be lower in the urban core, other pollutants, such as nitrogen oxide, carbon monoxide and particulate levels are usually highest in the urban core. 6

Air pollutant concentrations should be measured at monitoring sites that are representative of population exposures. Monitors should not to be overly influenced by a single large source of pollution (e.g. roads, power plants, large stationary sources) and should reflect exposures over a wide area. 40 Given that Waterloo region currently has one air monitor located in an urban area of Kitchener, it is important to examine the feasibility of obtaining

31 additional air quality monitoring equipment in order to improve the ability to assess air pollution in both rural and urban areas as well as in microenvironments (e.g. near point- source emitters, high-traffic areas)

There are a number of tools that can be used to assess air quality, including stationary and portable air monitors as well as air quality modeling tools. Stationary air monitors provide continuous readings of air pollutants in a particular location and can be used to follow trends in air quality over time. Portable air monitors can be used to monitor air quality in microenvironments such as traffic corridors. However, these devices cannot identify the sources that contribute to measured pollutant concentrations, nor can they predict how concentrations might be affected by new facilities, new developments, or new policies .47

On the other hand, air quality modeling tools use meteorological information, geography, topography, and pollutant emissions data to estimate the concentration of different air pollutants across the community. They can also forecast how concentrations of air pollutants might be impacted by new emission sources or by changes in policy. In this way, they can be used to inform land use planning decisions and policy development. 47 It is therefore important that assess potential for utilizing air quality modeling software to broaden the ability to evaluate potential health and environmental impacts in Waterloo region.

Air Quality Trends

Overall, air quality trend data reveal that despite some air quality improvements, pollutant levels have increased for certain criteria pollutants in Waterloo region. Waterloo region experienced an improvement in some air quality measures specifically a decline in the average daily air quality levels for NO 2 and SO 2 from 2000 to 2006. Yet, average daily air quality levels for PM 2.5 increased and O 3 levels showed considerable variability from year to year with increased levels in 2006 compared to 2000. That being stated, it is important to recognize that air quality in Waterloo region is highly influenced by meteorological conditions and transboundary pollution from the United States, important factors that affect local pollutant concentration levels.

Globally, many air pollution indicators have shown a downward trend during the last decade, the most obvious being the reduction of SO 2 in most parts of the world. Nitrogen dioxide and O 3 concentrations, on the other hand, do not show the same declining tendencies around the globe. 6 Waterloo region air quality trends align with Ontario trends, where there has been a reduction of NO 2 and SO 2 levels while O 3 and PM 2.5 concentrations continue to exceed ambient air quality criteria and set reference levels. Air monitoring stations in southern Ontario reported the highest levels of O3 in the country in 2004 and the most rapid increase since 1990. From 2000 to 2004, the highest levels of PM 2.5 were also reported in southern Ontario. 3 At the national level, there was no discernible upward or downward trend 38 in PM 2.5 levels for the 2000 to 2004 period.

Transportation-Related Pollution and Health Impacts

It is apparent that in Ontario, the transportation sector is a large emission source of common air pollutants such as PM 2.5 , VOCs, and NO x. In fact, this sector is the largest emission source of NO x and VOCs which both contribute to the formation of O3. Although

32 the health impacts of transportation-related pollution were not specifically evaluated in this report, there is growing concern about the effects of transportation and traffic emissions on health, and increasing demand for policy and management action to reduce air pollution levels. 3,48

Assessing a population’s exposure to transportation-related pollutants requires the consideration of a range of factors. The main factors that determine population exposure include, (i) levels of emissions, which depend of volume and composition of traffic, (ii) distance between roads, housing and workplaces, (iii) pollution dispersion conditions which are influenced by weather conditions and local geography and, (iv) time spent in different microenvironments (e.g. car, public transit). Yet, patterns of exposure are often more complex than anticipated, and vary substantially, depending on the pollutant concerned and the lifestyle and behaviour of a population group. Some groups may receive much higher exposures than others, such as people who live and work near busy roads and those who travel or commute in heavy traffic. Also, the intake of pollutants by road users varies between drivers, bicyclists and pedestrians. Furthermore, exposure to transportation-related air pollution is difficult to separate from exposure to total air pollution. This variability in transportation-pollutant exposure requires further evaluation by the scientific community.21,25

Despite the need for further research, the expected health benefits thoroughly justify the need for measures to reduce exposure to transportation-related air pollution. Technological improvements and stricter emission standards will contribute to a decrease in transportation sector emissions. Urban planning and development also strongly shape air quality as they determine not only patterns of residence and mobility but also the availability of public transport and non-motorized transport options. In particular, urban planning may aim at integrative measures that lower emission rates, such as the promotion of highly efficient, service-oriented and clean public transport and improvements in the flow of traffic. 21,25

Local policies may help reduce concentrations of transport-related pollution and in improving air quality. Further evaluation of the public health benefits of various measures to improve air quality, particularly through interventions that address transport-related air pollution, are needed to support these local policies. 21,25 It is important that Waterloo region continue with gathering evidence that examines health impacts associated with transportation-related pollution, in order to respond to the corporate strategic objective to “ enhance, develop, promote, and integrate sustainable and active forms of transportation”.

Health Event Trends

Exposure to air pollution has been linked to a number of health outcomes from modest changes in pulmonary function, restricted activity, reduced performance, emergency room visits and hospital admissions to mortality. Increasing evidence of the adverse effects of air pollution not only affects the respiratory system, but also the cardiovascular system. This evidence stems from studies on both acute and chronic exposure. 49 The main health concerns in this report are associated with particulate matter, nitrogen dioxide, ozone and sulphur dioxide because their public health impact is consistent in showing adverse health effects.

33 Increases in morbidity and mortality associated with common air pollutants such as fine particulate matter (PM 2.5 ), nitrogen dioxide (NO 2), ozone (O 3) and sulphur dioxide (SO 2) were evident in Waterloo region, more specifically in Cambridge, Kitchener, and Waterloo. Evidence indicates that PM increases the number of deaths from cardiovascular and respiratory diseases. Even a short-term rise in PM concentration increases the risk of emergency hospital admissions for cardiovascular and respiratory causes. 4,6,49 There is an overwhelming body of evidence in the literature linking premature mortality and hospital admissions to the currently existing levels of fine particle pollution, and the consensus seems to be that it is the “finest” of these fine particles (those less than 2.5 um) that are the most harmful. Studies have been unable to identify a threshold concentration below which PM in ambient air has no effect on health. However, there are substantial uncertainties in the scientific community regarding the magnitude of and mechanisms underlying chronic health effects of PM exposures and the relationship between chronic exposure and acute responses to short-term exposure. 2 In Cambridge, Kitchener, and Waterloo, there were an estimated

253 cardio-pulmonary and lung cancer deaths in relation to chronic PM 2.5 exposure from 2000 to 2004; an estimated 504 (average 126 per year) non-traumatic deaths were linked to chronic PM 2.5 exposure. Non-traumatic deaths related to acute exposure varied by pollutant and were highest for O 3, NO 2, and PM 2.5 exposures from 2000 to 2004. PM 2.5 was linked to cardiovascular and respiratory hospital admissions with an estimated average of 124 and 51 hospital admissions respectively. In the past, after the introduction of clean air legislation, reductions in PM concentrations in ambient air were associated with positive impacts on public health. Toxicological findings also suggest that qualitative changes in PM composition may lead to reductions in PM-induced adverse effects on health. Although reduced exposure to PM are key to improving health, it will not eliminate all significant adverse health effects of such exposure. This implies that it is important to reduce PM pollution to concentrations lower than those specified in current federal and provincial legislation. 4,6,49

Recent epidemiological studies have strengthened the evidence that there are short-term O3 effects on mortality and respiratory morbidity and provide further information on exposure response relationships and effect modification. There is new epidemiological evidence on long term O3 effects and experimental evidence on lung damage and inflammatory responses as well. But there is little evidence of a threshold concentration below which O3 in ambient air has no effect on health. Emission reductions of O3 precursors (NOx and volatile organic compounds) can result in lower concentrations of not only NO 2 and O3, but in fine particles (PM 2.5 ) as well. That being stated, an assessment of the beneficial effect of reducing O3 only is difficult. The health effects of O3 have been less studied than other pollutants such as PM and thus more research is needed, especially addressing the spatial and seasonal patterns and misclassification of individual exposure in association with health outcomes. 50

In Cambridge, Kitchener, and Waterloo, non-traumatic deaths varied by pollutant and were highest for acute O3 exposure, with an estimated 111 deaths from 2000 to 2004. Acute ozone exposure had the greatest negative health impact as it related to non-traumatic deaths, averaging an estimated 22 deaths per year from 2000 to 2004. Between 2000 and 2006, there were an estimated 960 hospital admissions as they related to O 3 exposure and cardiovascular problems in Cambridge, Kitchener, and Waterloo. Ozone exposure had the greatest impact as it related to cardiovascular hospital admissions, linked to an estimated average of 192 hospital admissions per year. There were an estimated 89 respiratory hospital admissions linked to O3 exposure as well. Ozone related exposures in children aged 5 to 12 with asthma,

34 accounted for an estimated 47 emergency department visits and 20 hospital admissions from 2000 to 2006.

Important short-term and long-term health effects linked to NO 2 exposure include a reduction in lung function, increased airway allergic inflammatory reactions, hospital admissions and mortality. Similar to PM and O3, there is little evidence of a threshold concentration below which NO 2 in ambient air has no effect on health. In Cambridge, Kitchener, and Waterloo, there were an estimated 94 non-traumatic deaths linked to NO 2 acute exposure from 2000 to 2004. NO 2 exposure was also associated with an estimated 677 hospital admissions related to cardiovascular problems from 2000 to 2006 and 64 respiratory hospital admissions per year during that same timeframe.

It is important to recognize that health risks from nitrogen oxides may potentially result from NO 2 itself or its reaction products including O3 and secondary particles. Epidemiological studies of NO 2 exposures from outdoor air are limited in being able to separate these effects. Given the complex interrelationships among the concentrations of

NO 2, PM and O3 in ambient air, findings from mathematical models that include NO 2 need cautious interpretation due to the interrelationships with other pollutants. That being stated, since NO 2 concentrations closely follow vehicle emissions in many situations, NO 2 levels are generally a reasonable marker of exposure to traffic related emissions. 15,50

Health effects caused by exposure to high levels of SO 2 include respiratory and cardiovascular disease. It may cause coughing, wheezing, phlegm, and asthma attacks. The effects are worse during exercise, especially outdoors. People with asthma, chronic lung or heart disease as well as children are the most sensitive. In Kitchener, Cambridge and

Waterloo, there were an estimated 17 hospital admissions related to SO 2 exposure and cardiovascular problems from 2000 to 2006; there were an estimated 25 respiratory hospital admissions linked to SO 2. The magnitude of hospital admissions related to SO 2 exposure is not nearly as high as other pollutant exposures, however, its adverse health outcomes were evident.

Although everyone is at risk of the negative health effects associated with air pollution, 7 certain populations are more susceptible. In Cambridge, Kitchener, and Waterloo, O3 exposure in children aged 5 to 12 with asthma accounted for an estimated 47 emergency department visits and 20 hospital admissions. Further research is still needed to better understand the role of the various air pollutants and their interaction with individual susceptibility. Nevertheless, the data already available provide strong evidence that the respiratory health of children, particularly those with increased susceptibility such as children with asthma, will benefit substantially from a reduction in current levels of air pollution, especially pollution from motor vehicle exhausts. 51

Limitations

It is important to mention that this local assessment of air quality health impacts should be interpreted as a general aid to guiding air quality management strategies. Clearly, there are many uncertainties involved in estimating the health effects associated with outdoor air pollution. Over time, some of these uncertainties will be reduced as new research is conducted while some uncertainties will be inherent in any estimate. Limitations related to

35 Region of Waterloo Public Health’s assessment of air quality health impacts include, but are not limited, to the following points:

• Although significant, the mortality, hospitalization and emergency department visit estimates highly underestimate illness associated with poor air quality in Cambridge, Kitchener, and Waterloo. These estimates represent the relatively rare but more serious health outcomes (e.g. death, hospitalization) at the peak of the “pyramid” of health effects, but do not reasonably represent all of the less severe and more numerous health outcomes such as asthma symptom days and respiratory infections (i.e. pneumonia) 2 • Clearly, there are many uncertainties in attributing illness rates to each pollutant and it is important to recognize that this report presents estimates rather than precise counts of persons affected by a given pollutant 2 • Air quality in Waterloo region is highly influenced by meteorological conditions and transboundary pollution from the United States, important factors that affect local pollutant concentration levels 18 • Transferability of pollution effect estimates derived from one study in one population to estimate impact in another population should be interpreted with caution due to differences in population characteristics, physical and environmental factors • The magnitude of the effect of air pollution on morbidity and mortality varies by factors such as location, level of air pollution, health status, lifestyle and behaviours of the study population. This variability and its determinants require further evaluation 36 • Cardiovascular and respiratory illnesses and deaths are highly influenced by factors other than poor air quality (e.g. genetic predisposition, lifestyle factors, etc.) 2,4 • Exposure to other pollutants that are not related spatially or temporally to the criteria pollutants in this assessment have demonstrable health effects that were not evaluated as part of Public Health’s impact estimates 6 • The quality of health impact estimates related to air pollution depends critically on the existing state of biomedical knowledge and, to a large extent, on the strength of the scientific evidence on which it is based. Although gaps in scientific knowledge about the health effects of air pollution need not necessarily preclude action to protect public health, the current assessment of impact would benefit from additional research 36

Recommendations and Next Steps

Assessment and Related Evidence Gathering

Continuous assessment and related knowledge and resource improvements are critical initial steps in collecting evidence to better understand air pollution impacts and strategies to

36 address them. Some of the following recommendations are already addressed in Regional corporate and departmental strategic plans, while others offer more specific or complementary actions to improve our collective capacity to address air pollution in Waterloo region. The specific assessment and other evidence-related recommendations are as follows:

• Continue to conduct surveillance and publish reports on the health impacts associated with environmental conditions, including: o transportation-related pollution, o impacts on vulnerable populations (e.g. children, seniors). • Continue to monitor air pollutant concentrations and associated health impacts on an ongoing basis according to the “Population Health Assessment and Surveillance” and the “Investigation and Management of Health Hazards” protocols from the upcoming Ontario Public Health Standards. • Enhance knowledge relevant to new methodologies for calculating health impact estimates and knowledge that examines the health impacts associated with transboundary pollution (i.e. the transport of pollutants across provincial and national boundaries). • Partner with academia and research institutions to evaluate the health, economic and social costs and benefits of local air pollution reduction strategies. • Assess the health impacts of changes to the built environment such as development proposals and changes to transportation policies. For example, Public Health and Planning, Housing and Community Services and local municipalities currently collaborate with several universities on a Heart and Stroke Foundation funded study that looks at developing baseline measures of the impacts of the built environment.

Policy and Program Implications

37 • Continue with inter-departmental collaboration to meet strategic objectives that address air quality improvements. One of the current actions includes the development of a joint action plan on sustainable active modes of transportation between Public Health and Planning, Housing and Community Services. • Continue to work through the Waterloo Region Partners for Clean Air community partners (municipalities, universities, hospitals, and school boards) to collaboratively implement air pollution reduction strategies.

Transboundary pollution control agreements, provincial emissions regulations and programs, and the adoption of clean technologies are all a part of what is already being done to improve air quality in Canada. 2,6 Ontario is using a comprehensive multifaceted approach to reducing pollution in the province such as regulatory initiatives, clean energy incentives, public education and outreach as well as agreements with other provincial/state jurisdictions. 18 Partnership, collaboration and innovative emission reduction initiatives can also be an important method in addressing local air quality conditions.

With the anticipated growth for Waterloo region over the next 30 years, air quality and human health could be negatively impacted by and increase in air emissions. Improving air quality could have a substantial public health impact. For that reason, public health can play a role in facilitating a multi-sectoral approach to preventing adverse health outcomes from air pollution exposure. It can further engage and support other relevant sectors (transport, housing, industry) in the development and implementation of long-term policies to reduce the risks of air pollution. 30

38 GLOSSARY OF TERMS 3,6,38,53-57

Acid Rain: Rain that is especially acidic (pH <5.2). Principal components of acid rain typically include nitric and sulphuric acid. These may be formed by the combination of nitrogen and sulphur oxides with water vapour in the atmosphere.

Acute Health Effect: A health effect that occurs over a relatively short period of time (e.g. minutes, hours, a few days). The term is used to describe brief exposures and effects that appear promptly after exposure.

Admission: An admission is recorded for each event or occurrence on the date that a decision is made to admit a patient as an in-patient to a hospital. The database used for this report includes only those events in which a discharge has occurred by the extraction date (i.e. the patient has not continued to be hospitalized since the original event).

Air Monitoring: Sampling for and measuring of pollutants present in the atmosphere.

Air Pollutants: Amounts of foreign and/or natural substances occurring in the atmosphere that may result in adverse effects to humans, animals, vegetation, and/or materials.

Air Pollution: Degradation of air quality resulting from unwanted chemicals or other materials occurring in the air.

Ambient Air: The air occurring at a particular time and place outside of physical structures. Often used interchangeably with "outdoor air."

Asthma: A chronic inflammatory disorder of the lungs characterized by wheezing, breathlessness, chest tightness, and cough.

Atmosphere: The gaseous mass or envelope of air surrounding the Earth. From ground-level up, the atmosphere is further subdivided into the troposphere, stratosphere, mesosphere, and the thermosphere.

Average: Determined by adding a set of values and then dividing that set by the quantity of values (For example, the average in this set of numbers {4, 6, 2} is 4 (12 ÷ 3). Also known as the “mean.”

Carbonaceous particles: Particles emitted from burning fossil fuels and biomass (e.g. diesel engines).

Carbon Monoxide (CO): A colourless, odourless gas resulting from the incomplete combustion of hydrocarbon fuels. CO interferes with the blood's ability to carry oxygen to the body's tissues and results in numerous adverse health effects. Over 80 percent of the CO emitted in urban areas is contributed by motor vehicles. CO is a criteria air pollutant.

Chronic Exposure: Long-term pollutant exposure, usually lasting one year to a lifetime.

Chronic Health Effect: A health effect that occurs over a relatively long period of time (e.g. months or years).

Combustion: The act or instance of burning some type of fuel such as gasoline to produce energy. Combustion is typically the process that powers automobile engines and power plant generators.

39 Diesel Engine: A type of internal combustion engine that uses low-volatility petroleum fuel and fuel injectors and initiates combustion using compression ignition (as opposed to spark ignition that is used with gasoline engines).

Eight-hour maximum: There are several eight hour averages (8-hour roll) that can be calculated for each day. The daily maximum 8-hour average concentration for a given day is the highest of the possible 8-hour averages computed for that day.

Epidemiology: The study of the occurrence and distribution of disease within a population.

Exceedance Level: The level at which air pollutants are permitted as defined by regulation and generally established by scientific research.

Exposure Assessment: Measurement or estimation of the magnitude, frequency, duration and route of exposure to a substance for the populations of interest.

Fossil Fuels: Fuels such as coal, oil, and natural gas; so-called because they are the remains of ancient plant and animal life.

Fly Ash: Air-borne solid particles that result from the burning of coal and other solid fuel.

Health Event: Recorded, specified disease events. For the purpose of this report health events may include mortality (deaths), hospital admissions (unique in-patient admissions to a hospital) or ambulatory visits (see “Health Outcomes”).

Health Outcomes: A health outcome is considered an objective indicator of health such as death, disease, disability, or discomfort (see “Health Event”).

Health Risk Assessment (HRA): A document that identifies the risks and quantities of possible adverse health effects that may result from exposure to emissions of toxic air contaminants. A health risk assessment cannot predict specific health effects; it only describes the increased possibility of adverse health effects based on the best scientific information available.

Indoor Air Pollution: Air pollutants that occur within buildings or other enclosed spaces, as opposed to those occurring in outdoors, or ambient air. Some examples of indoor air pollutants are nitrogen oxides, smoke, asbestos, formaldehyde, and carbon monoxide.

Mean: Determined by adding a set of values and then dividing that set by the quantity of values (For example, the average in this set of numbers {4, 6, 2} is 4 (12 ÷ 3). Also known as the “average.”

Mortality : The condition of cessation of life (i.e. death).

Non-carbonaceous primary particles Particles from construction and demolition activity (e.g. fly ash).

Non-traumatic deaths : Non-accidental causes of death also explained as deaths not caused by injury (e.g. cardiovascular disease).

One-hour maximum: Highest 1-hour pollutant concentration level in a 24-hour period (1 day).

Risk Coefficient : A risk coefficient is a multiplier (or factor) of risk that an event will occur. In this report the unit incremental health risk per cent ( ∆H%/ unit) is defined as the per cent change in

40 health outcome, per unit of pollutant. In other words a risk coefficient of 0.700% means that for each unit increase of a pollutant there would be a corresponding increase by 7% of the observed health event (e.g. deaths, hospital admissions).

Smog: A combination of the words smoke and fog. This term is used for photochemical smog, which includes ozone, fine particulate matter, and other contaminants. It tends to appear like a brownish haze.

Stratosphere: The layer of the Earth's atmosphere above the troposphere and below the mesosphere. It extends between 16 and 48 kilometers above the Earth's surface and contains the ozone layer in its lower portion. The stratospheric layer mixes relatively slowly; pollutants that enter it may remain for long periods of time.

Surveillance: Involves the systematic and ongoing collection, analysis and dissemination of health data in a timely manner to those responsible for taking action.

Transboundary: Transport of pollutants (particularly air pollutants) across national or provincial boundaries.

Troposphere: The layer of the Earth's atmosphere nearest to the surface of the Earth. The troposphere extends outward about eight kilometers at the poles and about sixteen kilometers at the equator.

Twenty-four hour average: The 24-hour average pollutant concentration measured from midnight to midnight.

Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs): Carbon-containing compounds that evaporate into the air (with a few exceptions). VOCs contribute to the formation of smog and / or may be toxic. VOCs often have an odour and some examples include gasoline, alcohol, and the solvents used in paints.

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46 APPENDIX A

Table A1: Summary of health events, pollutants and risk coefficients of interest Exposure Risk Coefficient Source of Risk Health event Pollutant Mean type type (.H%) Coefficient Mortality (deaths) 3 Non-traumatic - all causes (ICD-10 A00-R99) PM 2.5 (µg/m ) chronic 24hr avg 0.700% Pengally et al (2004) 3 PM 2.5 (µg/m ) acute 24hr avg 0.113% Burnett et al (2004)

NO 2 (ppb) acute 24hr avg 0.075% Pengally et al (2004)

SO 2 (ppb) acute 24hr avg 0.046% Pengally et al (2004)

O3 (ppb) acute daily 1hr max 0.085% Pengally et al (2004) 3 Cardio-pulmonary (ICD-10 J30-J98; I10-I13, PM 2.5 (µg/m ) chronic 24hr avg 0.600% Pope III et al. (2002) I20-I28, I30-I52, I60-I70) 3 Lung Cancer (ICD-10 C33-34) PM 2.5 (µg/m ) chronic 24hr avg 0.800% Pope III et al. (2002) Morbidity Hospital Admissions:

Cardiovascular (ICD-10 I00-I99) NO 2 (ppb) acute 24hr avg 0.390% Pengally et al (2004)

SO 2 (ppb) acute 24hr avg 0.07% Sunyer et al (2003)

O3 (ppb) acute daily 1hr max 0.452% Pengally et al (2004) 3 PM 2.5 (µg/m ) acute 24hr avg 0.0711% Burnett et al (1995)

Respiratory (ICD-10 J30-98) NO 2 (ppb) acute 24hr avg 0.380% Pengally et al (2004)

SO 2 (ppb) acute 24hr avg 0.276% Pengally et al (2004)

O3 (ppb) acute daily 1hr max 0.110% Pengally et al (2004) 3 PM 2.5 (µg/m ) acute 24hr avg 0.0754% Burnett et al (1995)

Asthma - children aged 5-12 (ICD-10 O3 (ppb) acute daily 8hr max 0.830% Babin et al (2007) J45-J46) Ambulatory visits:

Asthma - children aged 5-12 (ICD-10 O3 (ppb) acute daily 8hr max 0.320% Babin et al (2007) J45-J46)

47 Table A2: Number of health events in Cambridge, Kitchener, and Waterloo, 2000-2006 † Year Non-traumatic Cardio- Lung Cardio- Respiratory Asthma Asthma in deaths pulmonary cancer vascular events in children deaths deaths events children No. of deaths No. of hospital admissions No. of ED visits

2000 2,355 961 157 ------2001 2,360 967 151 ------2002 2,398 935 172 3,206 1,040 42 301 2003 2,376 909 148 3,863 1,413 62 370 2004 2,262 848 156 3,814 1,409 56 363

2005 ------3,718 1,604 72 408

2006 ------3,491 1,437 47 312 TOTAL 11,751 4,620 784 18,092 6,903 279 1,754 † The symbol “--” denotes that data was not available for the current assessment.

48 APPENDIX B

Figure B1: Air quality monitoring station and weather station, Waterloo region

49 APPENDIX C

The Methodology to Building Queries in the Provincial Health Planning Database for the Air Quality and Urban Health Impacts, Waterloo Region

Morbidity, mortality, and population estimate data were accessed through version 17.07 of the Ontario Ministry of Health and Long Term Care’s (MOHLTC) Provincial Health Planning Database (PHPDB) on Thursday January 17 th , 2008 and verified by two Health Data Analysts on Thursday January 24 th , 2008.

Health data were extracted from four, topic specific, tables within the PHPDB: ambulatory visits, inpatient discharges, deaths, and population estimates (county-municipality). The specific criteria used to query the above health outcomes can be in Tables C3, C4, and C5, along with a more in-depth explanation of the rationale for using selected measures.

In general, it should be noted that PHPDB records only include data for completed events from institutions reporting to the MOHLTC on time. If an institution fails to report its data to the MOHLTC by the scheduled deadline, completed records for that time period will not be included in the PHPDB until the next data refresh is done. Refreshes of the PHPDB are done annually with additional refreshes done as needed. Additionally, if an individual is admitted to hospital in one year, but has not been discharged (is still undergoing treatment) by the annual reporting deadline for that year (in the following year) there will be no record of that individual’s health event in the PHPDB until that patient is discharged and the database is refreshed. Institutions reporting to the PHPDB in Waterloo region have met the timelines for reporting, for the years 2000 to 2006, however several institutions elsewhere in the province did not meet the reporting deadline. Thus, provincial counts may vary if the queries were to be repeated. Both counts of Waterloo region and Ontario health events may also vary if previously admitted, but still hospitalized patients are eventually discharged, but this value is expected to be extremely small and have minimal impact on study findings.

The term discharge refers to a, death, sign out, or transfer. The terms ‘discharge’ ‘hospitalization,’ ‘stay,’ or ‘separation,’ are used interchangeably to describe completed events.

International Classification of Disease version 10 codes (ICD-10) codes were selected based on a review of current literature. These codes were then compared to International Classification of Disease version 10 Canadian codes (ICD-10-CA) used in PHPDB and across years to ensure a successful mapping of codes.

Age-standardization of health events was achieved by collecting the population estimates and health events by the standard age groups used in the 1991 Standardized Population (adjusted) for the geographies of interest (Cambridge/Kitchener/Waterloo and Ontario). Events associated with individuals with unknown/unrecorded ages were not included in age- standardized rate calculations, but were included in case counts and burden of illness calculations.

50 Table C1: Details of the inpatient discharges queries from the Provincial Health Planning Database (PHPDB) Variable Criteria Rationale Patient ID# = H select only events that had an Source Ontario health number associated with them Public = 2265 (Waterloo) select only events associated with Health Unit someone who resides in the Region (PHU) of of Waterloo (regardless of where the Patient event actually occurred) or != YYYY (Ontario) select only events associated with someone who resides in an Ontario Public Health Unit (excludes out of province residents).

events associated with individuals with unknown/unrecorded PHU (XXXX) are included) Admission between {”2002/01/01‘} and select health events occurring in the Date {”2006/12/31‘} same time period as pollution events ICD10-CA: between A00-R99999 (non- select only health events with Most traumatic) ICD10-CA codes referred to in the Responsible or literature Diagnosis between I00-I99999 (cardiovascular) or between J30-J98999 (respiratory) or between J45-J46999 (asthma) Age in between 5-12 (asthma queries only) select events associated with Years children aged 5 to 12 (based on literature) Age Group = 22 group events based on the standard Type Code age groups of the 1991 Standardized Population (adjusted) (events associated with individuals with unknown/unrecorded age are not included in standardized rate calculations, but are included in case counts and burden of illness calculations) Municipality = Cambridge | Kitchener | Waterloo select only health events associated Name (urban Waterloo region queries only) with someone who resides in the major urban areas of Waterloo region Count All On count all events meeting the criteria; a person can have more than one event in a specified time period 51 Table C2: Details of the ambulatory visits queries from the Provincial Health Planning Database (PHPDB) Variable Criteria Rationale Patient ID# = H select only events that had an Source Ontario health number associated with them Public = 2265 (Waterloo) select only events associated with Health Unit someone who resides in the Region (PHU) of of Waterloo (regardless of where the Patient event actually occurred) or != YYYY (Ontario) select only events associated with someone who resides in a jurisdiction of an Ontario Public Health Unit (excludes out of province residents).

events associated with individuals with unknown/unrecorded PHU (XXXX) are included) Registration between {”2002/01/01‘} and select events that occurred in the Date {”2006/12/31‘} study period ICD10-CA: between A00-R99999 (non- select only health events associated Most traumatic) with ICD codes identified in the Responsible or literature Diagnosis between I00-I99999 (cardiovascular) or between J30-J98999 (respiratory) or between J45-J46999 (asthma) Age in between 5-12 (asthma queries only) select events associated with Years children aged 5 to 12 Age Group = 22 group events based on the standard Type Code age groups of the 1991 Standardized Population (events associated with individuals with unknown/unrecorded age are not included in standardized rate calculations, but are included in case counts and burden of illness calculations) Municipality = Cambridge | Kitchener | Waterloo select only health events associated Name (urban Waterloo region queries only) with someone who lives in the urban areas of Waterloo region Count All On count all unique events meeting the criteria; in lieu of counting individuals who meet the criteria on more than one occasion within the specified time period 52 Table C3: Details of the mortality queries from the Provincial Health Planning Database (PHPDB), Vital Statistics Deaths Table Variable Criteria Rationale Public = 2265 (Waterloo) select only deaths associated with Health Unit someone who resides in the Region (PHU) of of Waterloo (regardless of where the Patient death actually occurred)

or select only deaths associated with != YYYY (Ontario) someone who resides in a jurisdiction of an Ontario Public Health Unit (excludes out of province residents).

deaths associated with individuals with unknown/unrecorded PHU (XXXX) are included) Death Date between {”2000/01/01‘} and select deaths occurring in the same {”2004/12/31‘} time period as pollution events ICD10-CA: between A00-R999 (non-traumatic) select only health events with Most or ICD10-CA codes referred to in the Responsible between I10-I139, I20-I289, I30-I529, literature Diagnosis I60-I709, J30-J989 (cardiopulmonary) or between C33-349 (lung cancer) Age Group = 22 group deaths based on the standard Type Code age groups of the 1991 Standardized Population (events associated with individuals with unknown/unrecorded age are not included in standardized rate calculations, but are included in case counts and burden of illness calculations) Municipality = Cambridge | Kitchener | Waterloo select only deaths associated with Name (urban Waterloo region queries only) someone who lives in the urban areas of Waterloo region Count All On sum the number of deaths that occurred in each age group for each year

53 Background

• Evidence shows that air pollution leads to increased illness and death

Air Quality & Urban Health Impacts, • Continuous monitoring of air quality and its health impacts Waterloo Region is one of the actions directed by the draft Ontario Public Health Standards and related protocols A Preliminary Assessment

• Several key strategic initiatives to address air quality have Popy Dimoulas-Graham, Epidemiologist been put forward in the new 2007-2010 Region of Waterloo Strategic Plan. February 19, 2008

Purpose Air Pollution Sources • Air pollution comes from a variety of sources This preliminary assessment of air quality health impacts: which include: - residential (e.g. furnace, fireplaces), 1. Identifies and documents estimated illness and death associated with common air pollutants in urban areas of - transportation (e.g. trucks, cars), and Waterloo region, and - industrial emissions.

2. Provides initial information for actions to improve local air • The source of air pollution varies by pollutant quality • The transportation sector is one of the main emission sources in Ontario

Key Findings for Urban Air Quality Trends in Waterloo Waterloo Region Region • Air quality trend data revealed that Waterloo region • An estimated 2000 hospitalizations in the period experienced a decline in some air quality measures. between 2002 and 2006 are attributed to poor air quality. 50

• Several hundreds of estimated deaths are linked to 40 exposure to various pollutants. O3 1-hr max (ppb)

30 NO2 daily (ppb)

• These estimates represent only the most serious health PM2.5 daily (µg/m3) 20 Per unit of pollutant outcomes and are highly underestimating many less SO2 daily (ppb) severe health problems resulting from poor air quality.

0 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006

Year

1 Recommendations & Next Steps

• Continued health impact assessment and surveillance with production of reports every three years.

• Continued inter-departmental collaboration to meet strategic objectives that address air quality improvements.

• Development of a comprehensive Air Quality Program.

• Engagement of the Waterloo Region Partners for Clean Air to collaboratively implement air pollution reduction strategies.

2 SOCIAL SERVICES Employment & Income Support

February 19, 2008

MEMORANDUM

To: Chair Sean Strickland and Members of the Community Services Committee

From: Kelly Higgs, Social Planning Associate, Social Planning, Policy & Program Admin. David Dirks, Director, Employment and Income Support

Copies: Michael Schuster, Commissioner, Social Services

Subject: 2008 LABOUR MARKET REPORT

Employment and Income Support, Social Services regularly asks the Waterloo Wellington Training and Adjustment Board (WWTAB) to produce a profile of the local labour market. The report will be used along with other informational reports such as the 2008 Ontario Works Caseload Profile to develop the 2008-2009 Ontario Works Service Plan and to plan programs which address the employment needs of Ontario Works participants.

The report examines labour market statistics and trends, gives an overview of employment by industry and occupation and outlines barriers to employment for certain groups for the Kitchener Census Metropolitan Area (Kitchener CMA) which includes the cities of Cambridge, Kitchener and Waterloo and the townships of North Dumfries and Woolwich.

The report concludes that while Waterloo Region has experienced some changes in employment levels and opportunities, it is still one of the strongest labour markets within Ontario and it is not expected to change drastically in the foreseeable future. However, it is important to consider that while industries such as Information Technology and Skilled Trades continue to face a shortage of workers there is a mismatch between available employment opportunities and the skill levels of many Ontario Workers participants. WWTAB concludes that as skill level demands increase, many Ontario Works participants will continue to experience difficulty when attempting to enter or re-enter the labour force.

The shortage of employment opportunities for individuals with limited skills, education and training may be exacerbated by changes in the local manufacturing sector, which is expected to experience difficulties in the next twelve months as the full impact of the high Canadian dollar on production becomes evident. This period of adjustment in the manufacturing sector will have the greatest impact on workers with less than a grade 12 education, as they will find it difficult to find new employment if they are displaced. The situation is especially relevant for those receiving Ontario Works, as just over one-half (51.4%) of adults on the caseload have less than a grade 12 education.

DOCS#453550 Page 1 of 2 Memo to the Community Services Committee February 19, 2008

WWTAB notes that two of the strengths of Waterloo Region’s manufacturing sector are diversity and quality of product but cautions that these employers too are increasingly seeking higher skill levels among current and future employees. WWTAB suggests that increased efforts are needed to create awareness of the need for essential skill development for both employed and unemployed workers. Employment growth is expected to continue in occupations relating to finance, health care and public administration, thus underscoring the need for education, skill development and training.

Copies of the full report will be provided to Council Members and Senior Staff and a copy of the report will be placed in the Council library. For further information please contact, David Dirks, Director, Employment & Income Support at 519-883-2179 or [email protected].

DOCS# 444839 Page 2 of 2

Region of Waterloo 2008Community Labour Labour Market Market Profile Profile

Produced for Region of Waterloo Social Services by the Waterloo Wellington Training and Adjustment Board (WWTAB) January, 2008 Core information in this report is taken from the labour market profile section of the Waterloo Wellington Training and Adjustment Board’s (WWTAB) - Trends, Opportunities and Priorities (TOP) Report January 2008.

This customized labour market report was commissioned by The Regional Municipality of Waterloo’s Social Services Division and compiled by Carol Simpson, Executive Director, WWTAB – January 2008

The Waterloo Wellington Training and Adjustment Board (WWTAB) covers one of twenty-five (25) local training and adjustment board areas across Ontario. Our role is to engage communities and community partners in local labour market development. WWTAB is responsible for a large geographic area consisting of the cities of Cambridge, Waterloo, Kitchener and Guelph and the Townships of North Dumfries, Woolwich, Wilmot, Wellesley, Centre Wellington, Erin, Minto, Mapleton, North Wellington, Puslinch and Guelph/Eramosa. Our neutral position within the community allows us to act as a mechanism to bring together divergent labour market partners (labour, business, service providers, education/training, economic development, equity groups) to develop local solutions to local workforce development issues.

Ph: (519) 622-7122 e-mail: [email protected] web: www.wwtab.com Waterloo Wellington Training and Adjustment Board is funded by Employment Ontario.

Document #: 449032 Page 2 of 27 Table of Contents

Introduction ...... 4 1.0 Labour Market Statistics, Trends and Analysis ...... 4 1.1 Labour Force Characteristics...... 4 1.2 Trends and Comparisons ...... 6 1.3 Unemployment Statistics ...... 7 1.4 Other Significant Statistics...... 8 2.0 Employment by Industry and Occupation...... 10 2.1 Changes in Employment...... 12 2.2 Employment Forecasts ...... 12 2.3 Goods Producing Sector...... 13 2.4 Service Sector ...... 14 2.5 Employment Growth/Change...... 17 2.5.1 2007 Local Adjustment...... 18 2.5.2 Worksharing...... 18 3.0 Significant Changes by Industry...... 18 3.1 Agriculture/Agribusiness ...... 18 3.2 Construction ...... 19 3.3 Retail/Wholesale Trade ...... 19 3.4 Transportation, Warehousing & Logistics ...... 19 3.5 Education...... 19 3.6 Skilled Trades...... 19 3.7 Accommodation and Food...... 20 3.8 Health ...... 20 3.9 Manufacturing...... 20 3.10 Information Technology ...... 21 4.0 Skill Development...... 21 4.1 Literacy/Academic Upgrading...... 21 4.2 Essential Skills/Work Habits ...... 21 5.0 Client Groups ...... 22 5.1 Immigrants...... 22 Source: Statistics Canada, Census 2006 ...... 23 5.2 Francophones...... 24 5.2 Francophones...... 24 5.3 Persons With Disabilities ...... 24 5.4 Aboriginals...... 24 5.5 Women ...... 24 5.6 Youth ...... 25 6.0 Summary...... 26 7.0 BIBLIOGRAPHY OF RESOURCES ...... 27

Document #: 449032 Page 3 of 27 Introduction

This labour market profile looks at the changes in labour market factors in Waterloo Region. Where we are using Statistics Canada’s monthly Labour Force Survey results, the data covers the Kitchener Census Metropolitan Area (CMA) which includes most of Waterloo Region, with the exception of Wilmot and Wellesley Townships.

The report will look at variances between 2006 and 2007 and will make year over year comparisons as well as examining our situation as it relates to other metropolitan areas in South Western Ontario.

Much of the data is derived from the Labour Force Survey however other information has also been analyzed including 2001 and 2006 Census Data, Ontario Regional Labour Market Reports and Service Canada Labour Market Bulletins. Data is seasonally adjusted unless otherwise indicated1

1.0 Labour Market Statistics, Trends and Analysis

1.1 Labour Force Characteristics Table 1: Labour Force Characteristics – Kitchener Census Metropolitan Area (CMA)2

Kitchener CMA Nov 06 Nov 07 Population over 15 years of age 373,100 378,9003 Labour Force 4 269,500 266,900 Employment 255,300 252,700 Unemployment 14,200 14,200

From November 2006 to November 2007, the local working age population has increased by almost 6000 and the total workforce has decreased by 2600. The number of people working has also dropped by almost 3000 but the number unemployed has remained the same.

1 Seasonal Adjustment - A statistical technique used to remove the effect of normal seasonal fluctuations in data so underlying trends become more evident. Economic statistics, which are subject to seasonal influence, are sometimes presented with the seasonal influence removed. The calculated effect of the seasons has been eliminated from the data 2 CMA – A Census Metropolitan Area is a geographical unit used by Statistics Canada to describe significant urban areas. Kitchener CMA includes the cities of Kitchener, Cambridge, Waterloo and the townships of Woolwich and North Dumfries 3 All numbers in the report have been rounded to the nearest 100 4 Labour Force - Refers to the labour market activity of the population 15 years of age and over, excluding institutional residents, prior to the survey week. Respondents are classified as either employed or unemployed.

Document #: 449032 Page 4 of 27 Table 2: Labour Force Comparisons – November 2007

Labour Force Characteristics SW Ontario

378.9 Kitchener 266.9 252.7

328.5 St Catherines-Niagara 212.2 197.3

382.3 London 266 249.9

272.2 Windsor 176.9 160.8

593.8 Hamilton 396.9 373.2

0 100 200 300 400 500 600 000's

Employment Labour Force Total Population over 15

The labour force reduction could be due, in part, to the fact that some of those who have been laid off over the past year may not yet be seeking re-employment or may have decided to retire. If we were assuming that people will retire at age 65, we may be seeing the leading edge of the early retiring baby boomers e.g. nursing occupations already have a higher retirement load than the overall retirement rate.

Document #: 449032 Page 5 of 27 1.2 Trends and Comparisons Table 3 – Participation Rate Trends

Participation Rate Trends - Oct 2006-Nov 2007

71 % 70

67 Jul-07 Apr-07 Oct-07 Oct-06 Jan-07 Jun-07 Feb-07 Mar-07 Nov-07 Nov-06 Dec-06 Aug-07 Sep-07 May-07

Kitchener CMA Ontario

Participation rate is the total labour force expressed as a percentage of the population aged 15 and over. Total participation rates in the Kitchener CMA have gone down steadily since December 2006. By August 2007 the rate started rising again to just over 70% in November.

Table 4 – Employment Rate Trends

Employment Rate Trends - Oct 2006-Nov 2007

70 69 68 67

% 66 65 64 63 62

Jul-07 Apr-07 Oct-07 Oct-06 Jan-07 Jun-07 Feb-07 Mar-07 Dec-06 Aug-07 Sep-07 Nov-07 Nov-06 May-07 Kitchener CMA Ontario

Document #: 449032 Page 6 of 27 From October 2006 to November 2007, KCMA’s employment rate has seen a high of 69% in December 2006 to a low of just over 65% in June 2007. Since then, rates have once again been climbing steadily.

1.3 Unemployment Statistics Table 5 – Unemployment Rates CMA Annual Unemployment Rate (%) Seasonally Adjusted 2003 2004 2005 Nov Nov 2006 2007 Kitchener 5.9 5.1 5.7 5.3 5.3 Hamilton 6.1 6.3 5.5 6.4 6.0 St. Catherines 6.8 7.4 7.0 6.7 7.0 – Niagara London 6.8 5.9 6.6 6.3 6.1 Windsor 7.5 8.7 7.9 8.7 9.0 Ontario 7.8 6.8 6.2 6.4 6.2

While it has been fluctuating somewhat over the past year, as of November 2007, KCMA’s unemployment rate is still the lowest among surrounding jurisdictions.

From October 2006 to October 2007, in Ontario, the average duration of unemployment has increased from 14.7 weeks to 15.6 weeks.

Document #: 449032 Page 7 of 27 Table 6 – Unemployment Rate Trends

Annual Unemployment Rate Trends: Kitchener CMA and selected other Ontario CMAs

9.5

Kitchener 9

Hamilton

8.5 St. Catherines - Niagara

8 London

Windsor 7.5 % 7

6.5

5.5

5 2003 2004 2005 2006 Nov-07

1.4 Other Significant Statistics New census data shows that in 2001 just over 22% of the total population was between the ages of 40-54. In 2006 that rose to just 23%. There’s an increase of just over 1.5% in those aged 55-64 and the percentage of the population aged 15-39 decreased by approximately the same amount. The reduction in the labour force may indicate that some in the older age groups may have already retired from full time employment. Table 8 shows a detailed comparison of the percentage of the population in specific age categories from 2001 to 2006.

Document #: 449032 Page 8 of 27 Table 7: Total Population

Waterloo Region 2006 2006 2001 2001 Total % of Total Total % of Total Pop. Pop. Pop. Pop. Age 478120 433875 Characteristics

15-19 33890 7.1% 30700 7.1% 20-24 35675 7.5% 30960 7.1% 25-29 32795 6.9% 30770 7.1% 30-34 33850 7.1% 33265 7.7% 35-39 35875 7.5% 38520 8.9% 40-44 40145 8.4% 36430 8.4% 45-49 37375 7.8% 31825 7.3% 50-54 32470 6.8% 28155 6.5% 55-59 27725 5.8% 20680 4.8% 60-64 20335 4.3% 15900 3.7% 65-69 15510 3.2% 13620 3.1% Source: Statistics Canada, 2006 Census

Document #: 449032 Page 9 of 27 2.0 Employment by Industry and Occupation Table 8 –Employment by Industry Comparison – Seasonally unadjusted Oct-06 Oct-07 Total employment all industries (K)5 251.9 249.7 Total Goods Producing Sector 83.6 73.9 Agriculture x 3.3 Forestry, Fishing, Mining, Oil & Gas x x Utilities x x Construction 17.5 15.5 Manufacturing 63.5 53.8 Total Service Sector 168.3 175.8 Trade 39.2 36.1 Transportation and Warehousing 10.0 9.9 Finance, Insurance and Real Estate 15.1 19.4 Professional, Scientific and Technical Services 12.1 10.9 Business, Building and other Support Services 11.8 12.0 Education 16.2 21.8 Health Care and Social Assistance 25.1 24.4 Information, Culture and Recreation 9.0 9.1 Accommodation and Food Services 12.0 14.3 Other Services 11.3 9.6 Public Administration 6.3 8.1 x – data suppressed by Statistics Canada Source – CANSIM table 282-0056

Employment in the manufacturing sector has declined significantly more than expected over the past year. This sector is currently in a process of self-righting itself based on such factors as cutting costs, high dollar, competitive markets etc. Those who are looking to lower costs are looking to consolidate their operations to parent companies in the US or relocating operations to South America, Asia or India. Where this region has strength is in its diversity and quality of manufacturing product. Manufacturers in this situation are once again regaining ground and looking to expand. These employers will also be the ones looking for higher skill levels among current and future employees. Locally, call centres, an important entry level source of employment, are being affected by cost reduction motives. Several have already decided to relocate out of the region.

5 K = 1000

Document #: 449032 Page 10 of 27 Table 9: Employment by Occupation – Kitchener CMA (seasonally unadjusted)

November October 2006 2007 000’s All occupations 255 250

Management occupations 20 21 Business, finance and administrative 45 45 Natural & applied sciences & related 20 18 Health occupations 12 13 Occupations in social science, education, government service and 22 23 Occupations in art, culture, recreation and sport 9 4 Sales and service occupations 56 60 Trades, transport and equipment operators and related occupations 39 37 Occupations unique to primary 3 5 Occupations unique to processing, manufacturing and utilities 29 25 Source: Statistics Canada, Labour Force Survey6

Sales and service occupations in general have increased by 4,000 although the retail/wholesale trade sector has seen a decline in numbers employed. We have also seen a drop in those employed in manufacturing and transportation occupations.

Table 10: Employment Opportunities in Kitchener-South Central Area7 July to July to April to September September June 2007 Major Occupational Group 2006 2007 (2nd (3rd (3Rd Quarter) Quarter) Quarter) Management Occupations 429 486 396 Business, Finance & Administration Occupations 2,443 2,344 2.321 Natural &Applied Sciences & Related Occupations 424 514 818 Health Occupations 316 321 111 Occupations in Social Service/ Education 353 308 305 /Government /Religion Occupations in Art/Culture/Recreation/Sport 111 197 195 Sales & Service Occupations 4,870 4,469 4,377 Trades/Transport &Equipment Operators & Related 3,216 3,709 3.367 Occupations Unique to Primary Industry 353 307 315 Occupations Unique to 4,933 4,580 5,108 Processing/Manufacturing/Utilities Total Kitchener South Centre Vacancies 17,448 17,237 17,313 Source: Job Bank for Employers

6 Information taken from Ontario Labour Market Report, LMI & Research, MTCU – October 2007

7 Service Canada’s Kitchener – South Central Area includes the Regional Municipality of Waterloo and the counties of Huron, Perth, Wellington and Dufferin

Document #: 449032 Page 11 of 27 The hidden job market consists of those jobs which are not formally advertised. They are generally posted through existing networks and by word of mouth. Resumes already submitted, individual contact to a company and or referral by peers are just some of the ways these jobs get filled. These positions are still the major source of most local employment opportunities and only a small percentage of current job openings end up being captured by the Job Bank. These figures however give us a good idea of which occupations are most in demand. Another good indicator of occupations in demand is Workopolis.com.

2.1 Changes in Employment Chart 11 – Change in Total Employment by Industry Kitchener CMA

Number of people employed by Industry

40 Oct-06

000's Oct-07 30

0 Agriculture Construction Manufacturing Other Services Educational Services Public Administration Retail/Wholesale TradeRetail/Wholesale Health CareHealth & AssistanceSocial Transportation and Warehousing Accommodation & Food Services Finance, Insurance Estate & Real Information, Cultural & Recreation Professional, Scientific & Technical

Business, & Other Building Support Services As you can see from Chart 12, our labour market employment trends have been fairly steady year over year with the exception of manufacturing and education. This is important in that it highlights the flexibility of our labour market to absorb changes in the market and the consistency of work opportunities available.

2.2 Employment Forecasts According to a recent Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation report, employment rates in Kitchener CMA are forecast to increase by 1.2% in 2008 compared to 1.8% in the Guelph CMA8. The higher rates forecast for Guelph may, in part, be due to the fact that Guelph still has substantial amounts of employment land available which has been serviced and is now ready for development. Two new business parks will offer hundreds of acres of industrial/commercial land along the Hanlon Expressway. Ontario is projected to create an additional 82,000 jobs in 2008, an increase of 1.2 per cent.

8 Guelph Census Metropolitan Area (CMA) includes the City of Guelph and Township of Guelph/Eramosa

Document #: 449032 Page 12 of 27

2.3 Goods Producing Sector

The Goods Producing Sector is made up of industries that are primarily associated with the production of goods (e.g., growing of crops, generation of electricity, the manufacturing of computers), however, these sectors may also produce some services (e.g., pest control services, plumbing services, land subdivision, house-painting, support services for mining operations)

Chart 12 shows the number of people employed in the manufacturing and construction sectors each year since 2002. Total employment in the goods producing sector rose steadily until last year when the manufacturing sector was hardest hit with job losses. Chart 13 shows when those job losses occurred from October 2006 to October 2007.

Chart 12 – Employment Trends for Manufacturing and Construction (Kitchener CMA 2002-2007)

90000

84600 82900 83600 81400 80000 77200 73900 70000

63400 63500 62900 62200 62700 60000

53800 50000 Total Goods Producing Sector Construction Manufacturing 40000

number of people employed people of number 30000

20000 16600 17500 16400 15500 13200 11100 10000

0 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 Oct-07

Document #: 449032 Page 13 of 27 Chart 13: Manufacturing and Construction Employment – October 2006 to October 2007

Manufacturing Construction

Number ofNumber people employed000's 20

0 Jul-07 Apr-07 Oct-06 Oct-07 Jan-07 Jun-07 Feb-07 Mar-07 Nov-06 Aug-07 Sep-07 Dec-06 May-07

2.4 Service Sector The Service Sector, as its name suggests, provides services key to supporting the local population and industry such as education, health and transportation services. Chart 14 below shows that employment overall in the sector has continued a steady climb from just over 150,000 workers in 2002 to over 175,000 in 2007.

Document #: 449032 Page 14 of 27 Chart 14 - Employment Trends for Trade and Transportation (Kitchener CMA 2002-2007)

200000

180000 175800 168300 165100 160000 158900 151500 152900

140000

120000

Total Service Sector 100000 Retail/Wholesale Trade Transportation & Warehousing

80000 number of people employed

60000

40000 39200 35200 33700 35200 35900 36100

20000

10600 9100 9000 10700 10000 9900 0 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 Oct-07

The workforce in Finance, Insurance and Real Estate is on the increase however it does fluctuate regularly as can be seen in Chart 15.

Chart 15 - Employment Trends for Finance, Professional and Business Services (Kitchener CMA 2002-2007)

25000

20000 19400 18600

17200 16600

15000 15100 14700

Finance, Insurance & Real Estate 12800 13000 Professional, Scientific & Technical 1210011800 12000 11500 11400 Business, Building & Support Services 10900 10300 10000 9300 9200

number of people employed of people number 8700

5000

0 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 Oct-07

Document #: 449032 Page 15 of 27 Chart 16 - Employment Trends for Education, Health Care and Administration (Kitchener CMA 2002-2007)

30000

25000 25100 24400

22300 21800 21100 20000 18600 18100 18200 17700 17200 16200 Education Services 15000 Health Care & Social Assistance Public Administration

number of people employed people of number 10000

8100

6400 6200 6300 5700 5000 5100

0 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 Oct-07

Employment in public administration has risen by almost 25% from 2006. This seems to be a trend across most Ontario jurisdictions. Relatively stable economies at all levels of government may be a contributing factor.

Document #: 449032 Page 16 of 27 Chart 17 - Employment Trends for Information, Accommodation and Other Services (Kitchener CMA 2002-2007)

16000

14300 14000

12700 12000 12000 12100 12000 11300 11100 11100

10100 10000 9900 9600 9400 9000 9000 9100 8700 Information, Culture & Recreation 8100 8000 7900 Accommodation & Food Services Other Services

6000 number of employed people number

4000

2000

0 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 Oct-07

Entry level opportunities are still abundant in the Accommodation/Food Services sector and employment has risen by over 2000 in the past year. Several new hotel developments, new restaurants and a proposed convention centre should keep this level of job growth stable over the coming months. The “Other Services” category includes call centres which are experiencing a decline in employment currently.

2.5 Employment Growth/Change Employment growth is expected to continue in occupations relating to finance and health care. Finance managers and financial planners continue to be in demand. In the health field, the demand for nurses and personal support workers continues. Public Administration is another area where the numbers employed has been steadily rising and that is expected to continue, at least in the short term.

Although many are looking for work, employers are still indicating difficulties finding qualified workers. Many will have to consider tapping into non-traditional labour markets, e.g. older workers, persons with disabilities, immigrants, to meet that demand. According to the Conference Board of Canada, we can expect to see modest growth in Construction, Transportation and Manufacturing over the next 2 years or so.

Document #: 449032 Page 17 of 27 2.5.1 2007 Local Adjustment Adjustment programs are generally struck when a unionized workplace is closing. They are organized by a committee of employee representatives, elected by their peers, to assist their fellow workers transition to new employment, access training, etc.

The BF Goodrich Committee was extended to the end of December 2007. Imagecraft’s committee in Cambridge has now closed. They were extremely successful in finding new employment for their laid off workers with a 96% successful placement rate. American Standard closed September 19th, 2007. The average age of these workers is 48 years of age. Many have up to 30 years of service and most have not completed high school. MTD’s operations in Kitchener are now only working 5 months a year as opposed to the 8-10 months of work available previously. Salaries have gone from $23 per hour down to $17 per hour and as a result most of the skilled labour has gone. Elster Canadian Meter in Cambridge announced 150 lay offs and laid off NCR workers will be provided with an action centre in the near future.

2.5.2 Worksharing Work-Sharing is designed to help employers and workers avert temporary layoffs. The measure provides income support to workers eligible for Employment Insurance benefits and who are willing to work a temporary reduced work-week when there is a reduction in the normal level of business activity that is beyond the control of the employer. A somewhat positive view is that there have been neither drastic increases nor decreases in employers’ accessing the worksharing program over the last 12 months.

3.0 Significant Changes by Industry

3.1 Agriculture/Agribusiness Although employment opportunities and employment levels are increasing, the industry in general is still having difficulty in attracting and retaining skilled workers, particularly in areas such as finance. The Ontario Institute of Agrologists is participating in international recruitment efforts in both Europe and Africa in late 2007. The agriculture industry still relies heavily on foreign seasonal workers to do heavy, unskilled work. Other sectors, including horticulture, landscaping, and green houses etc. still have un/semi-skilled opportunities for local workers however they are generally seasonal and low-paying.

Document #: 449032 Page 18 of 27 3.2 Construction Current employment levels in the construction industry are the same as last year. According to the Canadian Mortgage and Housing Corporation, the new home market is starting to plateau. Home starts in 2008 are expected to increase from 2007 in KCMA. There were 2550 new home starts expected in 2007 in KCMA. With many new large local development projects planned, including a new convention centre in Cambridge, employment levels are expected to remain fairly constant over the next year.

3.3 Retail/Wholesale Trade The number of people employed in the industry has dropped from 38,000 in July 2006 to 33,000 in September 2007. Women make up 61% of the retail workforce compared to 46% of the total workforce. Staff retention in this industry is a major issue. There is an acute lack of awareness of the opportunities and salaries available within the industry e.g. Department Manager salaries in a unionized food store can range from $40-60,000. Waterloo Wellington salaries across the industry are generally higher than those in Ontario, with the exception of Cashiers. Development of clear and reliable career paths could attract more people to the industry.

3.4 Transportation, Warehousing & Logistics The industry has developed a career path for truck drivers in an effort to recruit more young workers into the transportation industry. They have recognized that, where previously a driver may wish to remain in that capacity for many years, today’s youth may look more favourably at industries where advancement and diverse career opportunities are more obvious. Competition and the high dollar is placing stress on this sector. Many companies are still hiring however others have taken trucks off the road. It is expected that this will be a temporary situation.

3.5 Education Specialist High Skills Major diplomas have now been introduced in Construction, Manufacturing and Arts & Culture. These diplomas enable students to gain certification relevant to a specific industry while still in high school. New diplomas are being looked at for development in the areas of Health and Agriculture. The largest public employer in Waterloo Region is the Waterloo Region District School Board which has 6000 employees.

3.6 Skilled Trades Of the 44% of survey respondents who completed a recent employer survey, 64% have hired an apprentice over the past year and 73% indicated problems filling skilled trade vacancies over the past year. There is still a shortage of welders. The UA (Plumbers & Pipefitters Union) has approved more than 200 applicants this year and has already registered more than 100 as apprentices due to increasing demand and also work opportunities at the Bruce Power Plant.

Document #: 449032 Page 19 of 27 Conestoga College has implemented a new Renovation Technician program at the Waterloo Campus. Students have assisted several local organizations by completing minor renovation projects as part of their program.

3.7 Accommodation and Food Some examples of new activity in this sector include: • Homewood Suites by Hilton opened in Cambridge in October 2007. • A new regional convention centre is planned for Cambridge. Salary expectations and hours of work are making it difficult to recruit in some cases.

3.8 Health A draft of WWTAB’s health human resources study, which looks at employment levels to 2017 has indicated that, from 2008-2012, over 900 new nurses will be required and from 2013-2017, that number will rise by another 1400. The full study will be released in January 2008.

3.9 Manufacturing As of September 2007, employment levels in the sector were at 57,000 from a high of almost 64,000 at the same time last year. The impact of many of these job losses may not be felt for some time as laid off workers may not yet be looking for new employment. WWTAB’s recently released study “Upskilling: Workers at Risk?” indicates increasing skill levels among entry level occupations in the industry. Among labourers, machine operators and assemblers in the sector age 45 and over, an average of 52% have less than a high school diploma, where workers in the same occupation between the ages of 25 to 44 only 36% have no diploma. This trend is expected to continue among younger workers as there appears to be a significant shift towards at least some post secondary, mainly college courses or technician/technologist diplomas. Surveyed employers reported hiring within the industry with Grade 12 minimum with the exception of some rural manufacturers. Several major manufacturers, based in rural areas are reporting difficulties attracting and retaining workers from within the rural communities. With plans to expand the workforce over the next three years, finding those new workers needed may be challenging and may require more non-traditional recruitment methods. Some local employers fared better recently with new orders including ATS, who won a multi-million dollar contract to provide equipment to South Korea. Up to 250 new jobs could be created in Cambridge as land has been sold to a Western Canadian Food Processing company. Since this area is rapidly becoming one of the key Ontario hubs for the food processing industry, the Ontario Alliance of Food Processors is considering Conestoga College as a possible location for a proposed Centre of Excellence in Food Processing.

The next year is expected to be tough for the sector as a whole as we start to see the full economic impact of the high dollar. According to a recent article in the KW Record, the majority of auto-parts producers in Waterloo Region ship to the Big Three, much of it

Document #: 449032 Page 20 of 27 to the US. With the high dollar making production expensive, Lear Corporation has announced 200 lay-offs and additional lay-offs will occur at Kitchener Frame as a result of GM job cuts in Oshawa.

During the recent economic statement released in December 2007, the Ontario Government announced $40 million to provide skills development and rapid re- employment services for laid-off workers in the manufacturing sector through the $1- billion Employment Ontario training system.

3.10 Information Technology The IT cluster in Waterloo Region has been very successful in attracting about 1/3 of all high-tech startups in Canada. The industry locally is facing approximately 2000 vacant and mostly highly skilled and technical positions. A quick visit to Workopolis will highlight the diversity of need within the industry in such areas as systems integration, application and software development, IT support and sales and IT professionals e.g. business analysts, project managers, technical analysts etc. The industry’s manufacturing component also hires assemblers and skilled trades workers.

New programs such as the Provincial Nominee Program and the immigrant web portal being developed through the Regional Municipality of Waterloo could help employers tap into, or attract immigrant talent however; ongoing recruitment efforts are also regularly conducted across Canada and North America through the industry’s local technology association, Communitech.

4.0 Skill Development

4.1 Literacy/Academic Upgrading 76% of employers in a recent survey indicated that they know how to recognize literacy issues within the workplace and 44% were aware of employees with low literacy levels. Only 32% have accessed local services on and/or off-site. It would appear that in some cases these employers are prepared to assist employees access upgrading, however they can only do so if the employee self identifies that they have an issue. Research indicates that older workers have difficulty absorbing traditional classroom-based training which may be the reason why they are less likely to want to participate. Non-standard or self guided programs seem to be preferable if they are accessed at all.

4.2 Essential Skills/Work Habits During a recent WWTAB employer consultation exercise, 16 rural employers were asked to identify the top 3 Essential Skills/Work Habits lacking in new and/or existing employees. They ranked the top 3 as follows: 1) Initiative (8 responses)

Document #: 449032 Page 21 of 27 2) Reliability (7 responses) 3) Problem Solving (6 responses) Numeracy, Computer Use and Oral Communication were tied for 4th place.

This feedback ties in with responses received from employers over WWTAB’s entire consultation process. Reliability is a particular issue among younger workers. Some suggestions to help them and their employees included: • Recognition of reliable employees • Problem solving workshops/development of short courses • Regular communication meetings.

Strategies need to be developed to help workers come forward and take advantage of existing programming or indeed realize that they may be in need of upgrading. Many currently employed, who have been in the workforce for many years need to realize that they need to access upgrading/training if they are to remain employable until retirement, whether with their current or a new employer.

5.0 Client Groups

This section focuses on several key populations within the community who tend to be more vulnerable and who, in many cases, face more barriers to employment than the general population. Accessing their first job, re-entering the workforce or having to deal with cultural issues or family obligations are just some of the problems encountered by these client groups. Sometimes these issues are compounded by being part of multiple groups e.g. aboriginal youth or immigrant women. As skill levels continue to increase, many of our hard to employ population continue to get further and further away from any opportunity to enter/re-enter the labour force. This section also highlights positive and significant activities or initiatives related to workforce development for these groups.

Relevant 2006 Census Data: Of the 178,120 private households in Waterloo Region, 40,530 of those were one- person households. Of 133,270 families, 99730 were married couple families while another 14,650 reported living as common-law. The average number of people in a family is 3.0 which is the same as for Ontario as a whole.

There were 66,410 single males and 56545 single females.

5.1 Immigrants Within Waterloo Region, the greatest number of new immigrants settled in Kitchener. Waterloo and Cambridge, although having smaller total populations, still experienced relatively large increases in the number of immigrants settling there. Over 50,000 people in the KCMA speak a language other than English or French most of the time while at home.

Document #: 449032 Page 22 of 27 Table 18: Immigrant Population Growth

Non Immigrant Immigrated Immigrated Immigrated Immigrated Immigrant Population Pre-1991 Between Between Between Population (k) (k) 1991 and 1996 and 2001 and (k) 1995 (k) 2000 (k) 2006 (k) Waterloo Region Cambridge 93.9 25.2 18.4 1.9 2.0 2.9 Kitchener 147.1 53.3 29.6 6.8 7.7 9.3 North Dumfries 7.6 1.1 0.9 0.1 0.0 0.1 Waterloo 72.7 22.0 11.5 2.5 3.5 4.5 Wellesley 9.2 0.6 0.4 0.1 0.1 0.1 Wilmot 15.2 1.7 1.4 0.1 0.1 0.1 Woolwich 17.6 1.4 1.2 0.1 0.0 0.1 Numbers are rounded to nearest 100.

In partnership with the Waterloo Region Immigrant Employment Network (WRIEN), the Region of Waterloo is developing a new immigrant web portal to effectively respond to the needs of immigrants already in the Region as well as those who may have an interest in considering Waterloo their new home.

There has been a large increase in the number of recent immigrants to Waterloo- Wellington under 15 years old and between the ages of 25-34.

Chart 19: Immigrant Age Changes

Source: Statistics Canada, Census 2006

Document #: 449032 Page 23 of 27 5.2 Francophones The Francophone Employment Centre in Cambridge is reporting an increase in clients using their services, particularly new immigrants from African nations. Figures from the 2006 census show the Francophone population in KCMA is now approximately 6000.

5.3 Persons With Disabilities With shortages of workers across many sectors, some employers are becoming even more interested in the benefits of hiring persons with disabilities and how to retain workers who develop a disability. A recent study by the Conference Board of Canada, commissioned by the Ontario Workforce Shortage Coalition, suggests that the Province should consider: • Focusing its attention on people with disabilities who wish to work; • Blanket policies covering everyone with disabilities are not as effective as targeted integration initiatives; • Increasing support for broad labour market programs such as subsidizing costs related to engaging those with disabilities; and • and increasing reserved/quota schemes.

A steering committee has been established for the Making Cent$ of Abilities conference to be hosted by WWTAB in June 2008 in partnership with the co-funders of the event, the Regional Municipality of Waterloo and the Ministry of Community & Social Services.

5.4 Aboriginals Literacy is still a key issue facing the local aboriginal population however, local service providers are reporting increases in the numbers of clients accessing literacy programs.

5.5 Women Access to child care and academic upgrading continue to be a challenge. Lower paying jobs are still the norm as is more part-time work. A recent report indicates that a lack of training seems to be a major cause of unemployment for older women in the workforce. It also indicated that women are generally three times poorer than men as they near retirement.

As reported at the 2006 Census, in Waterloo Region there are 15,590 single parent families where the lone parent is female. The average number of persons living in a female lone parent family is 2.6 as compared to 2.4 in male lone parent families. Both of these figures are the same for Ontario. 22445 women were either separated or divorced.

A recent study on returning to work after childbirth found that women who gave birth were less likely to withdraw from the labour market during post-childbirth years in the early 2000s than in the mid-1980s. For example, about 8% of mothers who gave birth in

Document #: 449032 Page 24 of 27 the mid- and late 1980s quit the labour market in the first three years after childbirth. However, in the late 1990s and early 2000s, the proportion was less than 6%.

5.6 Youth Shift work appears to be unattractive to younger workers. Employers across industries where shift work and irregular hours are required report difficulties in recruiting younger workers.

Youth employment service providers generally indicated a 5-15% increase in clients accessing services.

Many young people are indicating that they want variety when it comes to both choice of occupation and choice of industry. Many expect to move freely between jobs/companies every several years, which is in direct conflict with what employers expect. They still expect loyalty although, in most cases, they cannot guarantee life long employment. Younger workers understand this and want mobility and flexibility to keep their work life interesting. To many, a job is a means to make money to do the things they really want to be doing with their lives and, unlike many of their parents, do not regard work as the most important aspect of life.

Document #: 449032 Page 25 of 27 6.0 Summary

KCMA has seen some changes in employment levels and opportunities however, it is still one of the strongest labour markets within Ontario and that is not expected to change drastically in the foreseeable future.

The region is still strong when attracting both immigrants and Canadians from other parts of the province and country and this is keeping our population slightly younger than in other jurisdictions.

The local manufacturing sector is expected to have rough times ahead for the next twelve months as we start to see the full impact of the high dollar on production.

There is some major concern regarding workers with less than a Grade 12 education, particularly in the manufacturing sector. Those who do not have the required level of education will find it difficult to find new employment if they are displaced during the industry’s period of adjustment. More effort needs to be directed towards creating awareness of the need for Essential Skill development, not just once out of work, but also while still employed.

As skill levels continue to increase, many of our hard to employ population continue to get further and further away from any opportunity to enter/re-enter the labour force.

Document #: 449032 Page 26 of 27 7.0 BIBLIOGRAPHY OF RESOURCES

Waterloo Region’s Vital Signs – The K-W Community Foundation and the Cambridge & N. Dumfries Community Foundation – October 2007 A Profile of the Labour Market in the Waterloo Wellington Training and Adjustment Board (WWTAB) area – Regional Analytics 2004 The Ontario Labour Market in 2006, Labour Market Policy Branch, Ministry of Training, Colleges and Universities, May 2007 The Ontario Labour Market in 2006, Labour Market Policy Branch, Ministry of Training Colleges and Universities, October 2007 Housing Market Outlook –Canadian Mortgage and Housing Corporation; September 2007 Statistics Canada – The Daily Statistics Canada – Labour Force Survey KW-Record: Company buys land with plans for 250-job factory Workforce Focus – Retail: WWTAB January 2007 KW Record - ATS wins nuclear refurbishment contract – September 11, 2007 Community Trends in Cambridge and N. Dumfries – Social Planning Council of Cambridge and N. Dumfries – June 2007 KW Record, Growth Offsets factory job losses – September 4, 2007 Workopolis.com Press Release: Conestoga Confers First Baccalaureate Degrees – November 2007 Workforce Focus - Education: WWTAB September 2007 Workforce Focus – Census Data – Immigration: WWTAB December 2007 Demand for Health Care Workers in Waterloo Wellington 2008 to 2017: WWTAB November 2007 Ontario's Looming Labour Market Shortage: Conference Board of Canada, September 2007 3rd Quarter 2007 Labour Market Bulletin - Service Canada Employer Survey, WWTAB TOP Consultation – Summer 2007 Employment Service Provider Survey, WWTAB TOP Consultation – Summer 2007 Conference Board of Canada, Metropolitan Outlook, 2006 Expert Round Table on Older Workers, Institute for Research on Public Policy - Report released December 2007 Ontario economic Outlook and Fiscal Review 2007, Ontario Ministry of Finance KW Record – Manufacturers wary despite Flaherty’s talk of help – November 24, 2007 "Returning to work after childbirth December 2007 online edition of Perspectives on Labour and Income, Vol. 8, No. 12

Document #: 449032 Page 27 of 27 PUBLIC HEALTH Emergency Medical Services

February 19, 2008

MEMORANDUM

To: Chair Sean Strickland and Members of Community Services Committee

From: John Prno, Director, Emergency Medical Services

Subject: IMPROVED AMBULANCE VISIBILITY

______

In response to a number of recent highway incidents where emergency vehicles and their crews, have either been struck by other traffic or had very close calls, senior EMS staff chose to re- evaluate the conspicuity of Regional ambulances.

While the current emergency lighting and markings meet all legislated requirements, it was decided that visibility when approaching the rear of our ambulances, could be improved. While emergency warning lights are most effective during evening and overnight hours, daytime visibility is better enhanced by dramatically contrasting reflective striping.

With the recent arrival of a new replacement ambulance as a pilot project vehicle, EMS staff consulted with Regional Transportation Signs and Markings staff to design improved markings for the rear of the ambulance. The new reflective orange and white chevron design soon to be seen on the Region’s roads, dramatically improves conspicuity twenty-four hours a day. The additional markings cost approximately $700 and will be added to new vehicles as they arrive.

If you have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to contact me.

John Prno

455530 Version: v1 ROWPH Created: 5- 2- 2008 Edited: 5- 2- 2008 P05-01(A)/

OLD

NEW

455530 Version: v1 ROWPH Created: 5- 2- 2008 Edited: 5- 2- 2008 P05-01(A)/ COUNCIL ENQUIRIES AND REQUESTS FOR INFORMATION COMMUNITY SERVICES COMMITTEE Meeting date Requestor Request Assigned Department Anticipated Response Date Direction to staff to explore and report what it would mean to implement a living / sustainable wage for the Region of Waterloo staff and all organizations with which the Region has Oct 16/07 S. Strickland/CSC contractors. Social Services Spring 2008

MEDIA RELEASE: Friday, February 15, 2008, 4:30 p.m.

REGIONAL MUNICIPALITY OF WATERLOO TREES BY-LAW EXCEPTION COMMITTEE CONSOLIDATED AGENDA

Tuesday, February 19, 2008 2:45 P.M. (Approximate time, following Standing Committee meetings) Regional Council Chamber 150 Frederick Street, Kitchener, Ontario

1. DECLARATIONS OF PECUNIARY INTEREST UNDER THE MUNICIPAL CONFLICT OF INTEREST ACT

2. DELEGATIONS

* James Richard, re: Report P-08-010

* Jordan Rothwell, Dumfries Industrial/Tampa Hall, re: Report P-08-010

3. REPORTS – Planning, Housing and Community Services a) P-08-010 Revision of Conditions of Approval of Tree By-Law Exception 1 Granted to Tampa Hall Limited/Dumfries Industrial Park Inc on May 12, 1999

4. INFORMATION/CORRESPONDENCE

5. OTHER BUSINESS

6. NEXT MEETING

7. ADJOURN

454107 Report: P-08-010 REGION OF WATERLOO

PLANNING, HOUSING AND COMMUNITY SERVICES Community Planning

TO: Members of the Tree By-law Exception Committee

DATE: February 19, 2008 FILE CODE: D13-31/TREE/EX

SUBJECT: REVISION OF CONDITIONS OF APPROVAL OF TREE BY-LAW EXCEPTION GRANTED TO TAMPA HALL LIMITED/DUMFRIES INDUSTRIAL PARK INC. ON MAY 12, 1999

RECOMMENDATION:

THAT the Regional Municipality of Waterloo take the following actions, as explained in P-08-010, dated January 29, 2008, with respect to an exception granted to Tampa Hall/Canadian Pacific Railway (now Dumfries Industrial Park Inc.) on May 12, 1999 pursuant to former Tree By-law 56-80 with respect to the removal of approximately 1.6 hectares (3.95 acres) of woodland in order to permit site preparation and further development of the Dumfries Industrial Park Inc. lands in Ayr: a) inform Dumfries Industrial Park Inc. that the conditions attached to the exception granted on May 12, 1999 cannot now be fulfilled as originally intended, and that the Exception therefore needs to be revised to reflect the present condition of the site; and b) direct staff to collaborate with Dumfries Industrial Park Inc. to develop a tree-saving and planting plan for the northern portion of the Dumfries Industrial site and the adjoining right-of-way of Northumberland Street which will result in the planting of 100 trees of suitable native species by Dumfries Industrial Park, and a further eight by the Region pursuant to its two-for-one tree replacement practice, all of which will be planted by November 30, 2008.

SUMMARY:

In 1999, the Region granted a Tree By-law Exception to Tampa Hall Limited (Dumfries Industrial Park Inc.) in Ayr to permit the removal of up to 1.6 hectares of trees to accommodate the further industrial development of the existing property as well as a newly-acquired adjoining property. This was subject to conditions requiring tree saving as part of the required grading and site plan. A grading plan for the site was approved by North Dumfries Township late that year, and proposed the removal of most of the cedar trees from the steeply sloping northwest corner of the site. A patch of trees along the rear of three residential properties on Northumberland Street was not only retained intact, but conveyed to the properties. Most of the remaining trees on the Dumfries Industrial lands were removed between 2001 and 2006. More recently in 2007, a hedgerow of large trees in the extreme northwest corner of the site was removed by the Region and Dumfries Industrial Park Inc. as part of the significant upgrade of Northumberland Street and further re- grading of the Dumfries Industrial lands adjoining the road. As it is no longer feasible to fulfill the conditions attached to the 1999 Exception as originally intended, staff has consulted with North Dumfries staff and Dumfries Industrial Park Inc. to develop an alternate approach to achieve a similar objective to what was originally intended in 1999.

REPORT:

In early 1999, Regional staff responded to complaints of tree cutting on the Dumfries Industrial Park Inc. property occupied by Tampa Hall Limited in Ayr. Staff directed the firm to apply for an

415645 Page 1 of 5 January 29, 2008 Report: P-08-010

Exception1 to former Tree By-law 56-80 to permit the removal of 1.6 hectares of trees to accommodate the expansion and further development of the firm’s operations on an adjoining property newly acquired from the C.P.R. As was noted in Report PC-TB-99-003, the trees then present on site were

. . . early to mid-successional species protected by the By-law (30% poplar, 30% White Cedar, 10% White Ash, and the remaining 30% . . . of a variety of other species. Because the topsoil was stripped from the area during the excavation [for the construction of the railway a century ago], woodland regeneration has been relatively slow. Nevertheless, some large good quality cedars [were] growing in the northwestern part of the site.

The application generated considerable local attention, and a number of residents attended the meeting of the Tree By–Law Exception Committee on May 5, 1999. Council subsequently granted the requested exception subject to the following conditions:

a) that a wooded strip be maintained along the common boundary with three residential properties on Northumberland Street either by retaining existing trees or by planting new trees after the site is graded;

b) that a tree-saving plan for the northwest corner of the site be prepared to the satisfaction of the Township of North Dumfries, in consultation with the Regional Municipality of Waterloo, to incorporate as many of the good quality trees as appropriate in the landscape design for the proposed office facility; and

c) that at least one hundred trees native to Waterloo Region be planted on the Tampa Hall property in compensation for the trees that are to be destroyed.

AND that the exception come into force and effect upon final approval by the Township of North Dumfries of any required grading and site plans for the property.

In November 1999, a grading plan for the site was submitted to the Township of North Dumfries consulting engineer. He subsequently advised Dumfries Industrial’s engineer that the plan was “in general conformance with the intent of the Grading, Drainage, and Storm Water Management standards for the Township.” Regional staff received a letter from Dumfries Industrial Park Inc.’s engineer dated November 29, 1999 stating that some trees in the northwest corner of the site along Northumberland Street had been marked for preservation. Most of the cedar trees in the adjoining steeply-sloping area of the site were indicated for removal to prepare the land for industrial use.

In March 2001 when Regional staff were alerted that tree removal was occurring on site. In follow- up investigations, the Township’s planner informed Regional staff that, notwithstanding the November 30, 1999 letter with respect to the grading plan, that they were of the opinion that “no formal site plan approval has been issued by the Township Chief Building Official”. A Regional Municipal Law Enforcement Officer informed Dumfries Industrial on March 21, 2001 that “in the absence of a formal grading and site plan approval by the Township, the Tree By-law Exception is not in effect.”

As may be seen in the aerial imagery in Figure 1, there was a marked reduction in tree cover on the Dumfries Industrial Park Inc. properties north and south of Greenfield Road between 2000 and 2006. The bulk of the remaining trees are on lands that were conveyed as rear lot additions to three adjoining residential properties on Northumberland Road following the granting on the Tree By-law Exception. Regional staff supported the conveyance of this wooded land, and consider it to be

1. Under the current Tree By-law 05-078, such approvals are now termed “permits.” 415645 Page 2 of 5 January 29, 2008 Report: P-08-010 partial fulfillment of the need for a tree saving plan. In 2007, the larger trees along Northumberland Street, which had been marked in 1999 for preservation were removed. Three or four were removed by the Region as part of the upgrade of that road corridor near its intersection with Greenfield Road. The remainder were removed by Dumfries Industrial Inc./Tampa Hall in order to re-grade the northwestern corner of the property to match the re-profiled Northumberland Street. As a result, none of the trees identified for preservation in 1999 are now present.

When Regional staff were alerted to the destruction of trees on the Dumfries Industrial Park Inc. lands in July 2007, a Municipal Law Enforcement Officer attended the site. He orally gave approval for the removal of several trees considered to be hazardous, but issued a stop-work order to prevent the destruction of additional trees.

On July 31 and September 14, 2007 respectively, meetings were held with representatives of Dumfries Industrial Park Inc. and North Dumfries Township staff to clarify the situation. Regional staff has also conferred among themselves. The following facts have been ascertained:

• The Tree By-law Exception would have “come into force and effect upon final approval by the Township of North Dumfries of any required grading and site plans for the property.” (May 12, 1999) • The Township’s consulting engineer determined that the grading plan conformed to the “intent of the Grading, Drainage, and Storm Water Management standards for the Township.” (November 30, 1999) • Dumfries Industrial’s engineer submitted a letter to Regional staff describing how some trees could be saved in the northwest corner, but most of the cedar trees were identified for removal. (November 29, 1999) • Lands containing part of the Dumfries Industrial Park Inc. woodland are conveyed to three adjoining residential properties along Northumberland Street. (November 2, 2000) • The Township planner informed Regional staff that “no formal site plan [as distinct from grading plan] approval has been issued by the Township Chief Building Official at this time.” (March 21, 2001) • A Regional Municipal Law Enforcement Officer notified Dumfries Industrial Park Inc. that “in the absence of a formal grading and site plan approval by the Township, the Tree By-law Exception is not yet in effect,” and that the trees recently cut were therefore cut “in apparent contravention” of the Tree By-law. (March 21, 2001) • Between 2001 and 2006, most of the trees on the Dumfries Industrial Park Inc. lands on either side of Greenfield Road East were removed. (See Figure 1) • The upgrade of Northumberland Street resulted in the removal by the Region of three or four remaining trees along the east side of Northumberland Street. Dumfries Industrial/ Tampa Hall removed the balance of the mature trees on their property adjoining the road to permit re-grading of the land beside the road. (2007) • A Regional Municipal Law Enforcement Officer issued a stop work order for the removal of trees other than a few hazard trees on the Dumfries Industrial Park Inc. property. (July 27, 2007) • Dumfries Industrial Park Inc. representatives meet with Regional staff and inform them that they wish to clean up the site. Staff advise them that in the absence of an approved site plan, the Tree By-law exception is not yet in force and effect. (July 31, 2007) • Township staff confirm to Dumfries Industrial Park Inc. that the preliminary grading plan has been approved, and that the site preparation and topsoil placement may proceed “provided the trees that are currently on site are not altered.” (September 7, 2007)

Because almost all the trees present in 1999 have now been removed from the northwestern part of the property, it has become physically impossible to implement the 1999 Tree By-law Exception as

415645 Page 3 of 5 January 29, 2008 Report: P-08-010 originally intended. Regional and Township staff see a need to replace the 1999 Exception with a plan recognising the present reality while still seeking to realise its original intent. For its part, Dumfries Industrial has reaffirmed to staff its willingness to plant the 100 native trees as originally stipulated, and in fact has already planted a significant number along the western boundary of its property.

The 1999 Tree By-law Exception is contingent upon the approval of a future site plan for the property. On January 4, 2008, Dumfries Industrial informed staff that a site plan is not anticipated in the near future. Nevertheless, both Dumfries Industrial and Regional staff agree that it would be desirable to implement the tree saving and planting plan as soon as feasible, and so staff propose that it be detached from a future site plan approval process and instead made subject to a deadline in the nearer term future. It was also agreed that it would be appropriate for Regional staff and Dumfries to collaborate in the preparation of tree planting plans for the Dumfries site as well as the replacement trees along Northumberland Street pursuant to the Region’s two-for-one tree replacement practice.

Regional staff is of the opinion that this arrangement will result in more rapid tree replacement on the Dumfries Industrial Park site and appropriate co-ordination with the Region’s own tree-planting plans along the adjoining road right-of-way.

Local Municipal Consultation/Coordination

This report was prepared in consultation with North Dumfries Township staff.

CORPORATE STRATEGIC PLAN:

This will help achieve Strategic Focus Area 3 to protect and enhance the environment.

FINANCIAL IMPLICATIONS:

The cost of the replacement of trees cut by the Region as part of the Northumberland Street reconstruction will be defrayed from the project’s landscaping budget.

OTHER DEPARTMENT CONSULTATIONS/CONCURRENCE:

Legal Services and Design and Construction staff has provided advice in the preparation of this report. Council and Administrative Services will forward the resolution of Council to North Dumfries Township and Dumfries Industrial Park Inc.

ATTACHMENTS:

Attachment 1 - Dumfries Industrial Park Inc. Property

PREPARED BY: Chris Gosselin, Manager of Environmental Planning

APPROVED BY: Rob Horne, Commissioner of Planning, Housing and Community Services

415645 Page 4 of 5 January 29, 2008 Report: P-08-010

ATTACHMENT 1

415645 Page 5 of 5